Soon we'll be able to print our own pinball parts

Archived from groups: rec.games.pinball (More info?)

The technology to "print" 3-d plastic models is improving and getting
cheaper. Here's a 3-d PVC printer for less than $25,000:

http://www.inition.co.uk/inition/p [...] ion_ld.php

Here's a 'deluxe' one:

http://www.inition.co.uk/inition/p [...] ion_hr.php

I'm not that familiar with CAD, but I wonder if it would be possible to
'scan' and object (like a Whitewater boulder) in 3-d, then print it
using one of these.

Granted, 25 grand isn't really justifiable for a hobbyist, but I can
remember about a decade ago, when a CD burner would cost you $1200 and
blank CDs were $10 apiece. Once a few companies started competing the
prices dropped and quality improved pretty quickly.

Maybe one of you guys could convince your company that you need to buy
one of these to "test"

Archived from groups: rec.games.pinball (More info?)

It says it is for proto-typing and educational use. I have been
watching these things also and I think right now, there would be an
issue with strength. The items are built a layer at at time and I
suspect the plastic would not be very strong. Not to say it won't get
better. I look forward to the day when we can do exactly as you
described.

Doug

Archived from groups: rec.games.pinball (More info?)

Agreed, the quality is probably not up to par right now. But these are
the first generation of 3-D model printers. Remember the first
generation of digital cameras/CD burners/PCs/color printers etc...?
They were really expensive and output was junk compared to what's
available today. Over time the output will (hopefully) get better and
the price will come down.

I'm not trying to be too sensational. Maybe they won't take off. But
this one was exciting to me because it's the first one that a small
business might consider affordable. Maybe it'll spur demand for better
ones in the not-too distant future...

Archived from groups: rec.games.pinball (More info?)

I was mentoring a robotics team at Washington State University this
year and met one of the grad students. She told me that their ME labs
have rapid prototyping equipment and anyone could call the professor
and ask to have stuff made. Apparently there's a good chance a student
would be given the assignment to make it. I'm gonna try that next time
I run into a 3-D plastic part that I can't find anywhere.

Archived from groups: rec.games.pinball (More info?)

We have such a machine here at work, the parts that come out of it are
beautiful. You can determine the resolution by trading off for time.
The parts are solid PVC, they are not the least fragile, in fact they
are often stronger than the injection molded parts that replace them in
production. I've seen the parts used for foot pedals (a very tough
application), hinges, steering wheels, circuit board housings, mounting
brackets, you name it. The parts don't come out baby-butt smooth, but
can be sanded and painted to look perfect.

They actually encourage us to use it for "gov't" projects as it's a
very expensive machine (>$200K) and idle time is wasted time. The raw
material costs are minimal.

Terry.

Archived from groups: rec.games.pinball (More info?)

No, I have not. So far my own experiments have been limited to
connector bodies and small mechanical parts -- stuff I could justify as
"work related"... And I don't have any pins that need parts right now.
I may generate a nixie tube clock housing here shortly as I have the
CAD design almost done.... I'll need to call in a favor from one of the
lab guys as this will be a fairly large part.

Terry.