3d Printing

[rabidious]

I understood 3d printing some time ago when I was much younger but I never assumed a machine would come out without my involvement in creating the thing. Instead there is a 3d printer. It uses a type of powder, printer slider with press, and programming to make 3 dimensional models in real life within a few moments and without a block of material and a CNC machine. I have no idea how much the machine costs but from the image it is the size of a filing cabinet. Any way does anyone know where to get a home version 3d printer or the prices involved with 3d printers? Additionally these models are about as strong as foam as I understand. Are there 3d printers that can make objects out of different materials or even print electronics without a CNC machine involved?

http://www.zcorp.com/en/home.aspx

Here are a few more:
http://www.desktopfactory.com/
http://www.objet.com/
http://www.3dsystems.com/

 

[DaConfusion]

What do you mean print electronics?

You probably want a CNC engraving type set up to print PCB.


For printing 3D plastic objects, for the purpose of prototype visualization at home, start here:

http://www.makerbot.com/ I think the price is around 900$

You can print in different colors, not sure what you mean by material...it needs to be the plastic "toners"

 

[Machupo]

look up the reprap wiki -- i'm building a prusa mendel at the moment for rapid fab capability...

 

[DeFex]

If you get your own machine you usually end up with weak parts, but if you print in wax, you can use that to make metal parts.

Shapeways can make ceramic and metal stuff, its not cheap though.