3D Printer Can Be Used For Leather Work

[leatherkind]

Hi everyone, I thought I would share with you my first experiment with manufacturing a custom stamp using a 3D printer.

It is the first stamp so do not judge too harshly.

I have created a model using Sketchup and it took about 15 minutes to print.

I stamped it more then 10 times with no signs of wear.

Isn't it awesome?

[TwinOaks]

I think that's a fantastic discover! I don't think the printed stamps will have the life expectancy of delrin/acetal (and certainly not steel), but for new designs, or limited use things, it'll be difficult to beat. The dpi seems a little coarse, but like you said....first stamp. I'm sure that you can play with the settings and get it sorted out.

[Beaverslayer]

Never mind the stamp....can I have the printer?

That is cool, as you will be able to make pretty much any stamp you desire, the possibilities are pretty much endless. What would a stamp like that cost to make?

[cem]

Cool, I experimented with a stainless steel 3D print from Shapeways thread is here if you want to take a look http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=10252&st=90

I've used it for a few small things and are quite happy with it, which 3D printer are you using I was thinking of getting the UP Plus in the near future as there is local supplier and they seem to get good reviews and don't take up much room.

Beaverslayer from the looks of the size and going by what I've had printed in the past probably under ten dollars.

[Studio-N]

totally cool. I've been thinking of getting one of these. Which printer did you get? The shapeways blog didn't show the printer or cost.

[WScott]

great idea, like to see more of the machinery you are using to make this

[billymac814]

Yes it is awesome. How much are the printers and what medium is that? Is that the stuff that starts off as powder or something?

[leatherkind]

This is a 3d printer by Solidoodle http://www.solidoodle.com/

It uses ABS fliament which comes on a 1kg (2lb) spool. (That is a lot of printing!)

I have a basic model but i am considering to add a hot table that prevents warping of large items.

The machine is built very well: nice strong frame, strong sliding rods, and nothing is loose. It worked out of the box.

I followed all instructions from their website and had no problems with anything.

We are running the thing every other night for about an hour for a month already and it still works like it was.

I have seen it among other printers from different manufacturers last fall at the Maker Faire in New York.

It was by far the best value for me. I am very happy with it so far.

I only had to make that PVC frame to hold the spool but it was not a big deal.

PS. I am not affilited with Solidoodle in any way.

Edited February 23, 2013 by leatherkind

[WScott]

Thanks for all of this, had no idea it existed.

If you can turn out custom stamps for projects it doesn't matter how long they last....just make another.

I am sure I paid more for an early laser printer in the office

I've been pondering a laser to make images....use them at work but the pricing for any industry is ridiculous.

Edited February 23, 2013 by WScott

[Glendon]

Awsome. I've wondered if this would work for awhile. Of course for stamps you would use all the time, you would still want to get made from a stronger material to avoid the regular cost of remaking. However, for more limited run stuff this is great. The price on 3D printers have really come down too. The last time I had looked, they were still hovering in the $1,000 - $1,500 range. $500 is doable. Still some money, but reasonable if you think you'll get some use out of it. Now if they could just get the laser cutters down to a couple thousand, small scale projects truely would only be limited by your imagination.