3D printers

[chris]

Does anyone know much about them? Are they any good for printing parts. I need a clock cover for the pop up and was thinking if this is a way forward.

[katmarch]

We have an old makerbot at work I think what you can print depends on what filament it can use.

https://www.thingiverse.com/ is a good source of files for things you can make.

[Bob1000]

We use them for bits at work...brilliant for some stuff, not so good for others.
They normally need an .stl file ( a 3d drawing) of the component to run the printer, but I think some places can do the design for you as well.
From experience the parts are pretty good quality, and a good price too, but there are loads of different filaments, so get advice from the printer as to what you need.
You can even 3d print in solid metal now too, but not tried that yet....

[chris]

Thanks for the replies

[chris]

How are the stl files created?

I have more or less decided on the printer

[katmarch]

Try https://sketchup.trimble.com/en/plans-a ... pis0WvSSAr

There is a STL extension https://help.sketchup.com/en/sketchup/i ... d-printing