Small Replacement Parts - 3D Printing - iBox nano

[sparehead3]

I saw this and thought I'd share - I'm not sure how applicable it is but for clips, pop in screws and the like it could be useful ... (for example , the rear washer jet off the Delta which is missing!)

http://www.iboxprinters.com/ibox-nano-3d-printer/

What I don't know, with these things, is how it knows what to print ? I presume once an object is scanned then a file is produced with the instructions for a 3D printer and this file can simply be shared with anyone who wants it.

The total build area is 40 x 20 x 90mm for a part - which can be glued or screwed to another part

[Scott]

This 3D printing is really becoming more widely used for low-run or bespoke needs!

For your information then, yes, once an object has been designed then this data can be shared. A file in a 'standard tessellation language' format is produced; this is standard fare for CAD software that the object would be designed with.

I'm into mountain biking and was fascinated to read recently that Empire Cycles had basically constructed a prototype bike using 3D titanium printed parts! Much like you've suggested a lot of small parts were constructed which were then epoxy bonded together! Wow!
Now you've got me thinking ... maybe I could finally 'print' that Rally 037 I've always fancied...! 

[stanley sweet]

The files can definitely be shared - remember the loony who posted the information on how to build a working gun?

[sparehead3]

Well, touring the Lotus F1 factory, they printed out half a car - useful for the mechanics to see if they could fit parts easily or not.

Either way, I think that it is inevitable that we will be using it in the future and hopefully sharing files.