Recently while perusing the web, I found myself briefly researching traditional Japanese joint carpentry and amusing thoughts of the opening doors to applications through 3D printing. So I eventually came across a number of printers, and ordered a sample model from a company under the name of Formlabs (website.) I received the rook chess piece model in the mail around two weeks after ordering, and the quality of detail and structural integrity of the final product appears to be of exceptional quality.
The print was supposedly completed on a Form 2 3D Printer. There is a myriad of detail contained in the following links regarding the properties of the device and its consumer quality/capabilities. The initial cost of this particular model are currently priced at $3 499.00 (presumably USD,) including:
- 1L resin (grey)
- Resin Tank
- Bulid Platform
- Finish Kit
- 1 Year of warranty
Printer Hardware Specs
Design Capability Specs
Details of the Sample.
The design has complex curvature, embossed style lettering, interior detailing consisting of a spiraling staircase- slightly spaced from a central pillar in the form of a double helix strand, and finally a small spiral like symbol that appears as if engraved.
The exterior base of the rook reads "Formlabs" and the radial "flooring" surrounding the upper level of the staircase reads "DESIGNED AND PRINTED BY FORMLABS" in relatively small and highly legible detail.
Structural Composition.
The model was printed in a clear plastic resin, for which there does not appear to be any readily available information regarding the composition of said resin. I should like to know if the resin cartridges are company specific, and if it is possible to use any recycled material, and if so; what the standard of the materials recycled would need be. The cartridges appear to be a substantial investment for the average consumer, ranging in price from $150 to $300 dollars (presumably USD) per 1L refill.
However the material composing the sample was of high quality, and withstood a great deal of stress applied through pressing, kneeding, banging, and twisting the model without giving way on any front. The structural integrity of the plastic combined with the great attention to detail makes for excellent possibilities. In my own mind, this is certainly an excellent printer for small electronics such as high quality enclosures/mechanics for products with Rasberry Pi and Arduino components in homebrew electronics.
Given the overall costs of continued use and proper maintenance of this device, it is not currently within my buying power at the rate I would be capable of using it. Perhaps with more time invested in 3D modelling, I may come to a more agreeable position depending on the time, price, and relevance of the relative quality of this fine print I've recieved.
Pictures of the Sample
Thanks Formlabs for the lovely sample, and thanks to the readers checking this out.