Designing and 3D printing feeders & accessories

[DonyaQuick]

I read through the first and last two pages of this thread and it was very interesting.

Could someone please explain in the simplest terms possible how 3D printing works?

Is this how they make all the plastic objects in the store?

Thank you in advance!

There are different kinds of 3D printing that work in very different ways; this thread is about filament deposition modeling (FDM) printing. A filament extruder head moves around, melts plastic coming into it, and draws up a shape one 2D layer at a time by extruding the melted plastic. Each 2D layer is basically “drawn” with lots of melted filament lines. It’s very different from how most store bought plastic things are made. Most of those are going to be something like either injection molding or the method where plastic film is heated and stretched over a shape (I forget what that one’s called just now unfortunately).

 

[Evadig]

There are different kinds of 3D printing that work in very different ways; this thread is about filament deposition modeling (FDM) printing. A filament extruder head moves around, melts plastic coming into it, and draws up a shape one 2D layer at a time by extruding the melted plastic. Each 2D layer is basically “drawn” with lots of melted filament lines. It’s very different from how most store bought plastic things are made. Most of those are going to be something like either injection molding or the method where plastic film is heated and stretched over a shape (I forget what that one’s called just now unfortunately).

Thanks! Where do you get the plastic?

 

[DonyaQuick]

Thanks! Where do you get the plastic?

It comes in big reels/spools like a giant thread spool. So far I've been ordering all my filament online from amazon. It's still a niche enough market that I've yet to see filament reels in physical stores anyhwere around me. Almost everything in this thread is made from PLA filament (polylactic acid).

 

[Evadig]

It comes in big reels/spools like a giant thread spool. So far I've been ordering all my filament online from amazon. It's still a niche enough market that I've yet to see filament reels in physical stores anyhwere around me. Almost everything in this thread is made from PLA filament (polylactic acid).

Thank you!

 

[NameIwish]

I read through the first and last two pages of this thread and it was very interesting.

Could someone please explain in the simplest terms possible how 3D printing works?

Is this how they make all the plastic objects in the store?

Thank you in advance!

By melting plastic and depositing it following a pattern/program.

Search for "How does 3D printing work." If there is a community college or high school in your area, call them and ask if they have a 3D printer class open to the public - might also check with your county library.

Search for Maker Spaces in your area, many offer an Open House hoping to attract members.

Also watch YouTube videos o see it in action - many 3d Printer Vendors publish videos to demonstrate their wares.

Assuming you know how an ordinary InkJet printer works, image it uses thicker ink that hardens as it cools. Wait! Have you got a Hot Melt Glue Gun?

You can APPROXIMATE 3D printing by depositing the glue in a pattern, try a circle. Deposit one layer, then another and another until you've got a tube - in Three Dimensions (H x W x H) There, you're a 3D printer!

 

[NameIwish]

". . . the pet carriers I sometimes have to use with chickens (usually for hospital purposes). "

You take chickens to the hospital? You have multiple pet carriers for the purpose. Chickens, really. Whatever for?

 

[DonyaQuick]

You take chickens to the hospital? You have multiple pet carriers for the purpose. Chickens, really. Whatever for?

Hospital or isolation crates is what those are. Not a transport to a hospital. No vets in easy driving range of me will see chickens anyway. If I find a bird in my flock some dire condition (injury or other problem) I typically need a place to put it where it is safe and contained. Most recent case of use: a hen that decided to hard molt and be mostly naked and was showing mild hypothermia issues in already cold temps with much more serious polar winds coming the next day. Had to move her someplace warmer. She still needed food/water and the containers I had were not ideal, so I have now made my own.

 

[NameIwish]

Hospital or isolation crates is what those are.

Isolation crates, I'll give you that one. Pet carriers is what they look like to me. I assume lots of places might use them to isolate an animal for whatever reason. And a Vet would be likely to have one or two of them as do the ASPCA Spay and Neuter Programs.

"Hospital" just took me by surprise.