got dimensions?

[ericjon262]

well, I decided that since I paid my truck off, it was time to acquire a new tool as a present, I think this little... er... big guy should come in handy!

https://folgertech.com/collections/3d-printer-full-kits/products/folger-tech-ft-6-3d-printer-kit

I had wanted a 3d printer for years, but never found one that met my desires that wasn't ridiculously expensive. the build area on this thing is huge! 28"x13"x15" I figure that's big enough to prototype an intake manifold if I wanted (I do...) Lead time on the machine is supposed to be 3 weeks, I'm hoping it's alot faster than that, but I'll just have to wait and see.

[bszopi]

Nice! I bought a 3D printer a couple of your ago now, but haven't used it in probably a year. Mine only has about a 10"x10"x10" printing area, so I could never do a whole manifold, but other items have crossed my mind. Make sure to post pics once you get it going!

[ericjon262]

I thought I posted this in "other" not intros... I'll post lots of pictures. the big plan is to use it to make molds for metal castings.

[SappySE107]

6x6x7 is my build area and I haven't used it much after the first couple months. Mostly because its a pile of garbage:/ Consistency is non existent, so I lost interest in learning how to design parts.

[ericjon262]

well, I'm hoping I don't run into the same problems, if I do, I'll just have to figure out a way to fix those too. I have a few ideas for ways to improve rigidity if it becomes necessary.

[SappySE107]

Rigidity isn't the issue I have. Its the Z offset, and either the belt system itself, firmware, sensor feedback touching off the corners, or...its just a pile of garbage. Ill get it dialed in, and 3 prints later its eating the bed on the first layer.

[AaronGTR]

Don't know if I'd trust most publicly available 3d printed materials for an intake manifold. I don't think they could handle the heat and pressure. We use some 3D printed prototype parts for testing at work (GM powertrain), but they are commercial machines using special materials that are both extremely expensive. Not the kind of stuff people can typically get at home.

[SappySE107]

Got the bed leveled and the belt tension figured out. i think. Its consistent and close enough across the table as far as the first layer height goes. He wants to cast a manifold after its made with a 3D printer.

[ericjon262]

Don't know if I'd trust most publicly available 3d printed materials for an intake manifold. I don't think they could handle the heat and pressure. We use some 3D printed prototype parts for testing at work (GM powertrain), but they are commercial machines using special materials that are both extremely expensive. Not the kind of stuff people can typically get at home.

I wouldn't make the actual manifold on the printer, just a prototype, then I would use the printer to make molds that could be sand casted

[AaronGTR]

I wouldn't make the actual manifold on the printer, just a prototype, then I would use the printer to make molds that could be sand casted

Makes sense. That would be very doable and should be able to make some custom, sturdy parts that way.

[Evan Walker]

Hmm, are 3D printed materials very durable though?

[ericjon262]

sorry about the response delay...

as far as material durability, I plan to use the printer to make mock up parts, that can then be used to have billet parts, or sand cast parts made. some people seem to think a 3d printed intake manifold is feasible in consumer grade material with a consumer grade printer, but I'm not sold yet.