Hi Jurgen,

Have you done any work with modeling in support structure, like ribs, so you can produce large pieces?

Chris

Hi Chris,

The short answer is: no, I have not yet.

The longer answer/explanation is:
I send my STL-files to Shapeways (http://www.shapeways.com) for 3D-printing in PA 2200 (see http://www.shapeways.com/materials/white_strong_flexible).
The maximum size is 70x58x38 cm.
But I have not produced large pieces, as even at $1.50/cm3 it's getting expensive quickly...
For large pieces (up to 1m3) I use currently a hotwire EPS cutting machine.
But I am now trying to design a re-usable mould with MOI to be printed in PA2200, with which I would then like to produce multiple copies of an object.
For this mould I will probably have to build a support structure...

I hope this info is of some use to you
regards/Jurgen

Jurgen,

I can imagine ways that rods, dowels or tubing could be used for large pieces. It would be useful to know if there is a reliable method to model in a support structure (using the printing material itself) that is cost effective.

You must have created some holes in your shape so the unused material could be emptied?

Chris