A little over 3 years ago I had the opportunity to participate in the University of Alaska’s rapid prototyping lab. It was my first real experience with fused filament processes, and I loved it. I had read about the potential of 3d printing, but being able to design and fabricate was pure magic. By the end of the lab I had created a fully operational RC tank using an Arduino, an old broken RC helicopter and 3D printed parts. Within the year I got my first 3d printer - a Solidoodle that I have rebuilt and upgraded extensively since, and is still working like a champ every day. I was an early adopter of the technology and potential in 3d fabrication and over the years since have devoted a ridiculous amount of time into learning and expanding my abilities.
To me a 3d printer is an instrument of creation; a fantastic device that allows one to quickly design and create dreams. However, a printer is only as good as the user who operates it. Anyone with experience in 3d printing knows the devil is in the details. Wonderful prints do not come from hitting a button; they take hours of preparation, calibration, and truly understanding the process. I am still learning and hope to continue to refine not only the technical intricacies of 3d printing but also the creative art form of producing truly remarkable prints. In the years I have been printing there have been many opportunities to help people out, you can read about some of them on my Product Page. But I have countless stories of little simple prints that have made my friends and families lives better. From little repair items to replacement pieces that actually work better. I feel that everyone out there, when they think about it, can come up with a situation where a 3D printer and an enthusiastic maker like me could have helped them out. This is what Hourglass fabrication is all about; helping people and offering up a unique service and/or product that is patterned after your needs and situation.
Think about it, do you have something that is perfectly capable and working fine with the exception of a small insignificant plastic part? This is exactly where a 3D printer is most useful! Most of the time, the fix is actually stronger and works better than the original. Do you have an idea or concept that could exist in the real world? Perhaps a better shoehorn, or a new kind of widget. I can totally help with that. Part of what makes 3D printing so amazing.. so fantastic and difficult to understand... is the fact that there are so few limits on what is possible. Even if your ultimate goal is to make something out of metal or ceramic or any number of other material, you can first have a plastic print made in order to get an actual physical reassurance of your products utility. 3D printers aren't called rapid prototypers for nothing. This is the future, a whole new world where the digital and the unreal thoughts become physical and concrete. Let's do something awesome.
For more information about my 3d fabrication business visit my webpage at www.hgfabrication.com - Joe Carr
To me a 3d printer is an instrument of creation; a fantastic device that allows one to quickly design and create dreams. However, a printer is only as good as the user who operates it. Anyone with experience in 3d printing knows the devil is in the details. Wonderful prints do not come from hitting a button; they take hours of preparation, calibration, and truly understanding the process. I am still learning and hope to continue to refine not only the technical intricacies of 3d printing but also the creative art form of producing truly remarkable prints. In the years I have been printing there have been many opportunities to help people out, you can read about some of them on my Product Page. But I have countless stories of little simple prints that have made my friends and families lives better. From little repair items to replacement pieces that actually work better. I feel that everyone out there, when they think about it, can come up with a situation where a 3D printer and an enthusiastic maker like me could have helped them out. This is what Hourglass fabrication is all about; helping people and offering up a unique service and/or product that is patterned after your needs and situation.
Think about it, do you have something that is perfectly capable and working fine with the exception of a small insignificant plastic part? This is exactly where a 3D printer is most useful! Most of the time, the fix is actually stronger and works better than the original. Do you have an idea or concept that could exist in the real world? Perhaps a better shoehorn, or a new kind of widget. I can totally help with that. Part of what makes 3D printing so amazing.. so fantastic and difficult to understand... is the fact that there are so few limits on what is possible. Even if your ultimate goal is to make something out of metal or ceramic or any number of other material, you can first have a plastic print made in order to get an actual physical reassurance of your products utility. 3D printers aren't called rapid prototypers for nothing. This is the future, a whole new world where the digital and the unreal thoughts become physical and concrete. Let's do something awesome.
For more information about my 3d fabrication business visit my webpage at www.hgfabrication.com - Joe Carr
