1 Topic by mansfieldpark

  • mansfieldpark
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Topic: The 3D Printer Mentioned in Big Bang Theory

Wow, I didnot know anything about 3D printers until I watched an episode of The Big Bang Theory which talks about 3D printers.  I am so surprised at the technology and interested in this area. Well, I think I'm a little bit behind the times.
It seems that the printer mentioned in the TBBT is  InVision XT 3D Printer produced by Inition Company. But some people argue that it looks like the Kinect 3D printer produced by Microsoft. I will check this out because I'm going to buy one soon.
Has anyone watched this episode? Let's talk about this. I'm so excited.

Besides, I'm also paying attention to the 3D printer materials. I notice that SainSmart also sells such materials. I once bought a Mini PC there and didn't know that they also sell such kind of things. Is that the authentic 3D printer materials? Can anyone have a look at this and explain it?

I wonder how it works. I am so excited. Let's talk about this.

2 Reply by mansfieldpark

  • mansfieldpark
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Re: The 3D Printer Mentioned in Big Bang Theory

Oh. The forum does not allow me to post the link here. but you may go to sainsmart.com and look at the volume of "other". 
Where else can I buy 3D printer materials? Is this online store selling good materials?

Thx a lot!

3 Reply by Rincewind

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Re: The 3D Printer Mentioned in Big Bang Theory

Kinect 3D printer? Never heard of that... You can use a kinect as a 3D scanner though.

ABS or PLA filament is what is conventionally used in consumer-level 3D printers, which use thermoplastic extrusion. Other (more expensive) printers use other technologies that require different materials (also more expensive).

If you plan to buy a thermoplastic extrusion printer, you can find suppliers for filament here:  http://reprap.org/wiki/Printing_Material_Suppliers

4 Reply by DigitalWhitewater

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Re: The 3D Printer Mentioned in Big Bang Theory

I usually order off of Amazon, and try to take advantage of the super saver free shipping deals for any of the colors I want. Living on an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean (Oahu) I'm a big fan of free shipping when I can find it.

Having never used sainsmart, I can't vouch for them or the quality of their filament. I think the general consensus is that imported china filament, while completely usable, is usually not as consistent in its dimensions/quality as some filaments produced elsewhere.

As for authentic 3D materials, I think you're looking at it wrong. That'd be like going to McDonalds and asking for authentic meat. There are 'standard' sizes of filament diameters, usually 1.75mm or 3mm depending on the printer you buy. As 3D printing increases in popularity, the number of vendors selling filament increases almost daily. My recommendations are (1) that you get what you pay for, & (2) to google the brand for reviews from folks that have gone before you.

I've never heard of the Kinect 3D printer, only the hack/mod to turn it into a scanner. Seeing as the Kinect is essential just a camera, idk how it would get 'rednecked engineered' into becoming a printer. Nor have I ever heard of MS having any type of 3D printer.

SD2 w/ mods: Rumba controller, ATX PSU, SD pro case, glass bed, with more to come...