24 Aug
2007
24 Aug
'07
5:02 p.m.
I've seen some parts created with Fused Deposition
Modelling, the so-called "3D printer", and was quite
impressed. A variety of materials are available, but
ABS seems to be the most common. There are several
companies now that provide outsourced prototype
manufacture using this technology, similar to the
short-run PC board houses. You send them the CAD
file, and they send you the parts. Color could be a
problem, and you might have to settle for painting
them yourself. They shouldn't look too bad with epoxy
paint if you can get the color match. A quick web
search turned up these guys, who sell such paint for
modelmaking in small quantities in a variety of
colors.
http://klasskote.com/paint_store.html
--Bill