posted 09-07-2019 09:30 PM
I wanted to address a subject that I recently have become involved with and feel that many of the folks who frequent collectSPACE are avid modelers who would have a real curiosity for SLA and/or FDM 3D printing. SLA (Stereolithography) is a uniquely designed 3D printing machine, called a stereolithograph apparatus, that converts liquid plastic (UV resin) into solid objects. FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printers use a thermoplastic filament, which is heated to its melting point and then extruded, layer by layer, to create a three dimensional object. Both methods of 3D printing have evolved so quickly that a hobbyist can get involved for a few hundred dollars today! I encourage you to research both methods online, especially on YouTube, and decide which method could work for you.
In the FDM world I am very much impressed with Prusa and Ultimaker products. As far as SLA goes, I like products by Elegoo, Formlabs, and Prusa.
Oh, how could I forget? There are many free models available on websites such as Thingiverse, Tinkercad, MyMiniFactory, NASA, etc., but if you feel adventurous and want to learn CAD an Autodesk FUSION 360 license is available for FREE to the hobbyist user and many great instructional videos exist on YouTube to assist with learning the product.
Please check out this technology and consider becoming involved with 3D printing. All the best!
posted 09-07-2019 09:30 PM
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