Talk:Fab@Home:Materials
From Fab @ Home
I am a bit new to how Wiki's work, so forgive me if 1. This has already been asked, 2. if this is in the wrong place. Or 3. Wrong format. My thoughts/questions are, has anyone considered using two part epoxy resin, my thought on this was the resin part could be premixed with a fiber then combined at application time with the mixing point of the two very close to the surface. I believe you can get the cure time down to a relatively short amount. I am also interested in possibly using wax for use in some Lost wax work.
Skuhl
Another idea: I was reading a description of the Z Corp system, which can be based on starch. As this material is cheap, abundant and non-toxic, all that would be needed is a good resin to make it stick together.
The only problem with this approach is that the machine has to be adapted to act as a container for the starch, and a way to powder some over the model for each layer has to be adapted.
Some hacking needed... --Gilbertf 17:53, 11 April 2007 (EDT)
A thought...
I have a feeling that there is already an electrical metal deposition device that can deposit various kinds of metals for heavy duty parts (think car parts, not circuitry)
Some pros: 1. This device has been used effectively (well, when used correctly...) in construction and industrial work for decades. 2. Companies have already automated these devices for around the clock work. 3. It was originally designed for aluminum and other non-ferrous materials in the 40s, but was soon applied to steels. This process could be used for printing many kinds of metals.
Mind you, this device could have some problems that need to be addressed: 1. Traditionally, this process has not been mainly used for depositing metal for forming a part. Basic manual testing is advised to find how strong this process is in part formation (hand held versions are easy to come by). 2. It can probably only print on metals. Due to heat and method of adhesion, this device probably cannot deposit on non-metal. 3. Releases a lot of light which can blind and sunburn you. Oh, also, there are also fumes. Use of protective clothing is advised when the device is depositing. Work outdoors or in a well ventilated room. 4. Deposited metal might be brittle due to chemical reactions. May require inert or semi-inert gasses. Again, see #1, however, they do have a system for gas delivery.
Another thing: Running it requires quite a bit of electricity. This would probably mean the cost of the piece would be higher than just making a mold of a plastic printed part...
I theorize that it would be at least possible to print a cup using this device... Perhaps a heavy, unusable, unwieldy cup, but a cup nonetheless. --robotguy4 06:17, 18 December 2009 (UTC)
