I've been reading up on hobby 3D printers lately. And I decided to take the plunge and experiment with this technology myself (actually, I've reached such critical depression lately that I needed to spend a lot of money on something to cheer my self up temporarily).

For anyone who doesn't know what a 3D printer is - it's basically a machine that takes a 3D computer model, and "prints" the object (typically in plastic, but more expensive/professional models can print in metal).

So, basically, if you can imagine it and make a model of it in a CAD program, you can make it a reality.

I bought two different models - a MakerBot Thing-O-Matic & a newly designed model that hasn't come out yet (a pre-order for March) called Printrbot (which I purchased from an awesome site called KickStarter).

Printrbot:


MakerBot Thing-O-Matic:


So... what can you make with these?



**** yeah!

There are also online communities where people can share models they've created (as well as tutorials, experimentation results, etc.) like Thingiverse. There's a lot of cool and useful stuff there (like the lucky charms marshmallow separator - which is both cool & useful). Of course, if you're an artist or have other hobbies (like model-building, table-top game playing, jewelry making, etc.) then you can get a lot of usage out of these babies. I'm interested in making parts for electronics/robotics projects.

One other awesome thing you can do with these is print out all the parts you need to make 3D printer (minus wires, electronics, & metal containing parts). So these devices can be self-replicating (in a loose sense). I'd love to print out a 3D printer and assemble it from scratch using my own parts some day.

It will be a while before they get delivered. Hopefully by then I'll have found the new job I've been looking for and will actually have time again for things beyond work.

Who knows - maybe I can use these to make stuff and sell my creations on ebay for a little side-job.

Finally have a chance to upload some pics of my prints:

This is amazing! I love the print of the Yoda. I all-to-well know the pains of depression-buying(though apparently my choice is manga when it comes to that).

Would love to see some more prints!:D