[cravenjw]

Zoltan at NGHobbies printed a few planes awhile back. He used of have one on display at the shop.
Pretty sure he used a special CAD/CAM designed for RC plane design and 3D printing them. Can remember the name of program, but you could contact him.

You might want to check out these sites also:

https://3dlabprint.com/shop/
https://3dprintedrcplanes.com/

[cosmith]

Originally Posted by Max

I have been treading around 3D printers. I keep have the "YES I NEED ONE!!" / "What do you need that for?" Conversation in my head for a while now.

I'd been doing the same thing for the past year or so myself. They kind of came up in recent conversation as the kids became aware of them at school. Since the kids were in, so was my wife...with one fewer hurdle to jump I figured what the heck! Right now my expectation is to enjoy the learning curve and challenge of trying to print complete models, and possibly some useful trinkets. Anything beyond that is a bonus...other people have bought these things expecting to print out a half dozen great flying airframes every week. You need to be realistic to avoid disappointment with this I think...

Originally Posted by RAMJET

I think where they will shine is reproducing scale parts like cannons ,machine guns,cockpits interiors , lights , fairings.

I agree, I think they are finding lots of benefit in this application currently. The sort of high complexity (ie difficult to hand make), low volume (ie doesn't justify making molds) type stuff is what they are really meant for.

I'd love to have a full blown CNC machine, but cost is a major issue there and even at that the 3D printer is still going to be better at hollow structures like complete airframes. There is also the fact that there is so much file sharing for 3D printing that you don't need to do any design if you don't want to. Would be awesome to have both!

[RAMJET]

How about a 3D food printer . I think that would be great . Print my self up a fresh doughnut to go with my coffee in the morning LOL. I am sure they will have them soon .

[CF105]

Originally Posted by RAMJET

How about a 3D food printer . I think that would be great . Print my self up a fresh doughnut to go with my coffee in the morning LOL. I am sure they will have them soon .

Sorta already here. There are machines capable of printing with certain foods, like chocolate!

[Max]

Originally Posted by RAMJET

How about a 3D food printer . I think that would be great . Print my self up a fresh doughnut to go with my coffee in the morning LOL. I am sure they will have them soon .

Mmm.. 3D printed donuts.....

[RAMJET]

Dohhh , they really have thought of everything LOL.

[cosmith]

For the guys that have already printed the 3dlapbrints models...what filament are you finding works best? Where are the best places to buy it?

Thanks!

[cosmith]

https://3dlabprint.com/shop/vought-f...eid=d3915148fc

[Max]

Originally Posted by cosmith

https://3dlabprint.com/shop/vought-f...eid=d3915148fc

That is unbelievably cool!!! 1.9M!!!!(75" W/S). That is BIG!

Looking at the 3d transparent view, its amazing to see the 3D printing process requires the use of a framing structure similar to the full scale model in order to minimize material, minimize weight and maximize strength. If this model flies as good as its balsa predecessor, it will represent a huge paradigm shift for the future of RC modelling.
Just wondering how many spools (and cost) of plastic this will use.

[cosmith]

Yep, I was very excited to see that!

I think PLA filament runs about $20 to $50 CAD per kg depending on name brand etc. I believe the large 3dlab airframes use 2 to 3 kg...so call it $100 or so for the big Corsair.

There are new designs popping up on RCG/Thingverse all the time. There is a flying wing design that uses a socketed glueless joint between pieces...if you crash you just print the required pieces and re-assemble.

Where is everyone getting their PLA in Canada???