TimP Posted July 11, 2020 Share Posted July 11, 2020 I wonder if any of the bright minds on here can help with a Shapeways cost a fortune problem!! - a couple of years ago I designed some 60s concrete platform lamp-posts as I couldn't find anything that matched what I was trying to model (Banbury) - the 3D print that I did needed to allow for micro led(s) fitting in the top - so after some very kind help from someone on here I came up with this... I have two separate prints one for the majority of the lamp and one for the tops to be fitted after leds have been installed. I printed the base in smooth fine detailed plastic and the tops in white natural plastic - I did a batch of 6 at a go as a test...The total cost was $18 - now I am ready to actually build the platforms two years later and I find that total cost is now $53 + shipping and that the white natural plastic is no longer available - two questions:- 1. What is the best replacement material for white natural plastic - any ideas 2. Any suggestions on some value engineering to reduce unit costs as I need 21 lamps (plus some spares) which will be rather more than budget - at $200 plus shipping Eeeek... I have no idea if scrunching them up more or printing more in one print would help - does anyone know what the parameters to play with are? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edge Posted July 11, 2020 Share Posted July 11, 2020 For me the most effective way of cutting down cost is reducing part numbers. You’ve done a good job already as the sprues combine everything into two discrete parts - but I’d be tempted to see if you can ‘attach’ the sprues from each 3D model to each other. I’ve found that that can reduce the cost by up to a third just by itself. I’d also look at hollowing out any areas you can to reduce material costs. besides that, I think you’ve already got a fairly Spartan scheme there, so I don’t think that there is much potential for cutting down etc. without interfering with your model. Hope that helps and that I haven’t been talking gibberish 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Kris Posted July 11, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted July 11, 2020 Given how good resin printers are, it might be more cost effective to go down that route. 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium JimFin Posted July 12, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted July 12, 2020 There are a growing number of 3d print shops springing up - you upload the design and they give you a quote, why not try one of them as an alternative to shapeways, may find one local to you. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now