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45 Example Questions (8 closed)

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up vote 21 down vote
Where is subtractive rapid prototyping more appropriate than additive rapid prototyping?
added by Joseph Flaherty, edited by WikiSpeedia hang-around Sep 7 '11 at 9:39
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up vote 19 down vote
What kinds of shapes are difficult to print on a MakerBot/RepRap and how can you hack machine performance to achieve them?
added by Joseph Flaherty Oct 8 '10 at 0:46
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up vote 19 down vote
What are the relative strengths and weaknesses of 3D printers made by Stratasys, 3D Systems, Z Corporation, and Objet Geometries?
added by Joseph Flaherty, edited by WikiSpeedia hang-around Sep 7 '11 at 9:41
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up vote 15 down vote
My school wants to set up a "Fab Lab" what are the key pieces of equipment we should get and where should we buy them? [closed]
added by Joseph Flaherty Oct 8 '10 at 0:47
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closed as not constructive by Mark Booth, Dori Oct 3 '11 at 2:09

This question is not a good fit to our Q&A format. We expect answers to generally involve facts, references, or specific expertise; this question will likely solicit opinion, debate, arguments, polling, or extended discussion.

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The question conflates two questions, what and where. I would vote what as being on-topic, but where as being off-topic. Product/supplier recommendations go out of date and it's difficult to unseat an product once it's become popular, even if something better has come along. – Mark Booth Jul 18 '11 at 19:09
up vote 13 down vote
Is there a standard computer language/method for communicating with 3D printers regardless of brand? If not, what are the obstacles to creating it?
added by Kevin Nov 30 '10 at 15:48
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up vote 11 down vote
I'd like to print scale "cast-concrete" parts for modelers, including scale rebar inside. What 3D printers will print over/around frame-/lattice-work?
added by warren Nov 2 '10 at 18:23
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up vote 10 down vote
How many prototypes do I have to make before owning a 3D printer, laser cutter, or mill is more cost effective than outsourcing to a service bureau?
added by Joseph Flaherty, edited by WikiSpeedia hang-around Sep 7 '11 at 9:38
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up vote 10 down vote
What are the differences between the current models of Rep Raps?
added by leeand00 Nov 3 '10 at 1:30
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I like this question, but seems like it'd need to be updated for every new product release – warren Nov 3 '10 at 3:31
Might be able to fix that by adding "as of November 2010." Many of the potential questions on this site are ones that will have a different answer in a year or two, anyway. – oskay Jul 8 '11 at 20:52
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that's not necessarily out of line with SE's system: programming languages change, but you can still ask questions about python on StackOverflow. – Dogmatixed Oct 20 '11 at 23:56
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Well I suppose this could be asked less generally like, whAt are the merits of model x vs. model y, given that I want to use it to print z. – leeand00 Oct 22 '11 at 0:11
up vote 10 down vote
What is the cost tipping point before home-use 3D printers become commonplace, and can we reference 2D printer history to help us figure out a cost?
added by Kevin Nov 30 '10 at 15:41
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up vote 10 down vote
How do I convert file format [X] to work with my 3D printer / cutter?
added by Max Kielland, edited by WikiSpeedia hang-around Sep 7 '11 at 9:32
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up vote 10 down vote
Are the printing materials ABS and PLA used for 3D printing recyclable? And if so, is there any way to add the correct PETE stamp to a printed object?
added by leeand00, edited by WikiSpeedia hang-around Sep 7 '11 at 8:59
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up vote 8 down vote
What are some good, low-cost or (preferably) open source 3D CAD options to design parts for CNC milling?
added by oskay, edited by WikiSpeedia hang-around Sep 7 '11 at 8:54
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up vote 7 down vote
How can I convert a STEP file to an obj file?
added by leeand00 Nov 3 '10 at 14:35
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up vote 5 down vote
What are the top 5 specifications to keep in mind when comparing 3D printers?
added by Kevin Nov 30 '10 at 15:23
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up vote 5 down vote
How do we classify 3D printers and is there a standard glossary of terms to help beginners learn quickly?
added by Kevin Nov 30 '10 at 15:31
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up vote 5 down vote
What is the best approach to build a home 3D scanner with about 0.01 mm resolution and a working volume of 20 cm a side?
added by Reed Sturtevant, edited by WikiSpeedia hang-around Sep 7 '11 at 9:33
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up vote 2 down vote
What innovations are needed to create a real replicator? [closed]
added by Mnementh Nov 13 '10 at 21:47
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closed as off topic by Jay Kominek, asalamon74, warren, leeand00, Joshin Aug 30 '11 at 13:05

This question does not relate to the topic of the proposal.
It was closed as part of an automated migration of off-topic to close votes on September 29, 2011.
up vote 2 down vote
What materials have you found to work surprisingly well in your laser cutter? Share your secrets!
added by oskay Jul 8 '11 at 20:59
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up vote 2 down vote
If you were going to build a 3D printer for your hackerspace-- from scratch --what technology would you use?
added by oskay Jul 8 '11 at 21:01
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up vote 1 down vote
What is the cheapest approach if I want to build or buy a home 2D cutter that can handle 1/8" aluminum up to 12" square?
added by Reed Sturtevant Dec 1 '10 at 5:21
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up vote 1 down vote
What is your favorite service bureau for laser cutting? [closed]
added by oskay Jul 8 '11 at 20:56
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closed as not constructive by haimg, Dori Oct 5 '11 at 7:00

This question is not a good fit to our Q&A format. We expect answers to generally involve facts, references, or specific expertise; this question will likely solicit opinion, debate, arguments, polling, or extended discussion.
up vote 1 down vote
Why won't my 3D file print correctly?
added by oskay, edited by WikiSpeedia hang-around Sep 7 '11 at 8:54
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up vote 1 down vote
What are the disadvantages of stepper motors vs servo motors when used with "desktop" sized 3D machines?
added by Joshin, edited by WikiSpeedia hang-around Sep 7 '11 at 8:53
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up vote 1 down vote
What is the purpose of a "driver board" in a CNC machine?
added by Joshin Sep 5 '11 at 0:58
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up vote 1 down vote
What are the best practices for designing printed plastic parts with a minimum of shrinkage?
added by h4rrydog Sep 12 '11 at 14:10
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up vote 1 down vote
Can a laser cutter make a desktop PCI card bracket, or do I need a stamping machine?
added by billt Sep 28 '11 at 15:48
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up vote 1 down vote
Is there a technique to print multiple colors of plastic onto one part?
added by Erik Olson Nov 4 '11 at 3:56
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up vote 0 down vote
What pitfalls I have to avoid, if I combine an overhead-projector and a TFT-display to a beamer? [closed]
added by Mnementh Nov 13 '10 at 21:45
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closed as off topic by Joseph Flaherty, bigown, user25500, StanS, clrod Nov 25 '10 at 22:29

This question does not relate to the topic of the proposal.
It was closed as part of an automated migration of off-topic to close votes on September 29, 2011.

As long as we're talking about Structured Light Scanning here I think the question might be on topic. – leeand00 Dec 19 '10 at 4:36
up vote 0 down vote
Can anyone here make a set of RepRap parts for me? [closed]
added by PleaseStand Nov 30 '10 at 21:06
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closed as off topic by Joseph Flaherty, Edgar, Ivo Flipse, Carlos, clrod Dec 14 '10 at 23:54

This question does not relate to the topic of the proposal.
It was closed as part of an automated migration of off-topic to close votes on September 29, 2011.
up vote 0 down vote
Is there any way to make Blender display its vertices and models so that they are viewable in 3D with stereosopic red and blue glasses? [closed]
added by leeand00 Dec 19 '10 at 4:34
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closed as off topic by FP_, George Profenza, warren, eMansipater, asalamon74 May 21 '11 at 12:34

This question does not relate to the topic of the proposal.
It was closed as part of an automated migration of off-topic to close votes on September 29, 2011.
up vote 0 down vote
What out-of-the-box-to-ready-to-print 3D printers are there for under $3000?
added by user40481, edited by WikiSpeedia hang-around Sep 7 '11 at 8:53
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up vote 0 down vote
My Epilog laser cutter won't fully boot, but the LEDs come on. How can I debug it?
added by Kelly Jul 23 '11 at 16:15
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up vote 0 down vote
How do you sharpen small (example .031 inches) bits accurately?
added by Joshin Aug 19 '11 at 1:48
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up vote 0 down vote
Are brushless motors used for spindles?
added by Joshin, edited by WikiSpeedia hang-around Sep 7 '11 at 8:52
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up vote 0 down vote
Why is my self build reprap prusa mendel skewing layers when I print from <insert app here>?
added by Danny Staple Sep 15 '11 at 6:50
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up vote 0 down vote
What's a good technique to work with papier mache? Could a 3D printer work with some wet form of it? Or could a laser cut flat boards?
added by interstar Sep 19 '11 at 13:51
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up vote 0 down vote
Is there a standard gcode for [x]?
added by Dogmatixed Oct 21 '11 at 0:00
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up vote 0 down vote
What extra tools do I need on a desktop CNC mill to cut precisely registered, matching mold halves for an insert mold?
added by Erik Olson Nov 4 '11 at 3:38
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up vote 0 down vote
What techniques can be used to enhance surface finish in printed ABS parts?
added by Erik Olson Nov 4 '11 at 3:43
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up vote 0 down vote
How do you secure thin, flexible sheets (e.g. wood, plastic) onto a working surface without deforming the sheet?
added by Erik Olson Nov 4 '11 at 3:48
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