On Fri, 23 Oct 2015 07:42:33 -0700 (PDT), "
wrote:

On Thursday, October 22, 2015 at 6:08:37 PM UTC-4, Ed Huntress wrote:

Dan says he wants to hear from someone who is doing it. I'm studying
it.

--
Ed Huntress

Actually I am interested in hearing from those doing it, but also those that have decided it is not worthwhile, and even from those that are studying it.

Since the museum has two people who know Autocad, I think they will find uses. But someone here may have some insights into ways it can be used that I would not think of. Or experiences with places that will do the printing from your file. Or experiences with building a 3D printer.

Right now I am in the learn the big picture mode. But could get into specifics if we start to use it.

Dan

I have little to offer here. My focus is on the big commercial
printers, mainly laser-sintering machines for metal.

It sounds like you're on the right track, though. A simple modeler
that produces STL files should be all you need. It's great that your
library has that machine!

Oh, and you're right, making patterns for casting is one of the
original uses for 3D printing. Also, some people use some type of wax
or plastic made for the purpose, and make investment-casting patterns.
I've never looked into it, though.

--
Ed Huntress