3D printing advice/help needed

sk66

sk66

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Staff member
I've got a thing created in a couple of STL files that I want to prototype/print... they are small/very small pieces. Is there a service that is inexpensive for getting small parts made in singles? And what material would be best as it needs to be fairly rigid, durable, and weather/sun resistant.
Eventually I'll probably want to get them made in small batches, but I think I would still be better off outsourcing the printing??? Or maybe there is a cheap/used 3d printer option?
I really know next to nothing about 3D printing; any help/advice is appreciated.
 
Well, PETG is an easy filament to use that is "mostly" rigid, durable, and weather/sun resistant. If you want better resistance, then you'd go into ABS, if you want even more durability, then you'd go into the Nylons. I print all of my parts in PETG. Though Rio prints his in ABS.
 
I can't help with the printing service recommendations (though hubs.com has a "get a quote" function).

Beware of buying your own 3D printer: they're addictive and you'll lose weeks of your life to playing with it, alternating between delight at seeing your 3D models made real and frustration as you beat your head against the learning curve.

If I was having parts printed I would specify ABS. Prototyping at home? PETG.

PETG is my go-to filament too. It's tough and strong and has great layer adhesion, however it's super glossy and shows up any defects so it's not as good as ABS for cosmetic parts. The flexibility of PETG can be a liability on small or thin parts.

ABS is stiffer and finishes well, but harder to print. A printing service should have no problems, but if you're printing ABS at home it can take a bit of experimentation to get it dialled in.
 
Growlerbearnz said:
Beware of buying your own 3D printer: they're addictive and you'll lose weeks of your life to playing with it, alternating between delight at seeing your 3D models made real and frustration as you beat your head against the learning curve.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I gave up printing my own photos for the same kinds of reasons...

Sounds like I'll probably wind up with ABS in the end as finish/appearance will be pretty important...
 
I think I can help you, I know a service you can use.
But I'm currently traveling by air from Spokane to Boise. So I'll give you details when I get home tonight.
 
sk66 said:
I've got a thing created in a couple of STL files that I want to prototype/print... they are small/very small pieces. Is there a service that is inexpensive for getting small parts made in singles? And what material would be best as it needs to be fairly rigid, durable, and weather/sun resistant.
Eventually I'll probably want to get them made in small batches, but I think I would still be better off outsourcing the printing??? Or maybe there is a cheap/used 3d printer option?
I really know next to nothing about 3D printing; any help/advice is appreciated.
Click to expand...
Take a look at Shapeways.
 
If you are thinking of getting more than one made eventually, I would just look to get a cheap 3D printer (like an ender 3 or similar). The cost is low enough, there is enough online community support to learn from, and it's likely enough you will want to make a few tweaks after getting the first ones back, that it's probably worth it. Although I do a decent amount of work with Protolabs and I really like their service. I dont think they do FDM prints but they have a wide variety of SLA resin capabilities and if you are sending it out to be made you might as well go resin. I also like protolabs because if you are thinking of eventually getting batches made up they have a really good small batch injection molding service that is surprisingly low cost, or really good CNC machining on any material you want.

That said, if you just need a few made to test - I'll be happy to print a few and ship them your way.
 
In terms of filaments, I've worked mostly with ABS, as its got good engineering and UV stability properties and has the advantage the it's solvent-weldable so larger/trickier assemblies may be built up. PetG is also a good material to work with as other have said above. I've had a go with Nylon filament too (again because of its engineering properties) but ended up with a mess - so some more tinkering required there!

It is an addictive and sometimes frustrating pastime, but I also find it quite rewarding to be able to go from a design in FreeCAD to a physical component. Be prepared, if you have children, to spend more time meeting their demands that producing you own stuff - I've turned out more accessories for my grandson's toy Kombie van than my real Delica van.
 
sk66 said:
I've got a thing created in a couple of STL files that I want to prototype/print... they are small/very small pieces. Is there a service that is inexpensive for getting small parts made in singles? And what material would be best as it needs to be fairly rigid, durable, and weather/sun resistant.
Eventually I'll probably want to get them made in small batches, but I think I would still be better off outsourcing the printing??? Or maybe there is a cheap/used 3d printer option?
I really know next to nothing about 3D printing; any help/advice is appreciated.
Click to expand...
I could print these for you if you want. I have a good 3d printer. I print with PETG.
 
Completely agree with all the advice here on filament choices. I was going to jump in and offer to print for you, but I see you have several offers already!
 
I have used shapeways.com in the past. They can even do metal... Upload your STL and they will tell you how much it is going to cost. Quality is good.
 
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