will 3d printing change the saxophone world?

[marcusb]

I was just checking out about 3d printing.. for a short while ago they were only able to make parts in some kind of plasticform.. Now they are able to make it in stainless steel and bronze etc..
Its just a matter of scanning the object mail the scanned data to the printshop and they make it ..
I am thinking of scanning my beloved early babbitt hr and let them make it in stainless steel..
or scan all the parts of a nice mark1..
I think we are at the beginning of something big..
Greetz Marcus

[abadcliche]

Its going to change everything, including saxophones. If you can visualize it, a 3D printer can make it.

The real benefit is going to come not by scanning existing items and duplicating them, but from thinking up new items that do not need to take tools into account for their design. Much of what you see in objects is the result of its (utlity + aesthetic) / manufacturing reality.

[Dr G]

Lasers and powder met?

What examples did you find, Marcus?

There are still going to be some considerable limitations - for instance, porosity, finish, strength, crystallographic texture.

[marcusb]

iits just a matter of time.. logistic it will change a lot too,, instead of buying a product made in country X . i just buy the digital drawings and let it print out in a local printershop or even at home . but first i will test it with a stainless replica of my beloved EB link..!!
Greetz

[rleitch]

My prediction is that the 3D printers will be cheap but then they'll kill you with the cost of the printer cartridges!

[marcusb]

Lasers and powder met?

What examples did you find, Marcus?

There are still going to be some considerable limitations - for instance, porosity, finish, strength, crystallographic texture.

I found a few examples , this is a you tube promo.
http://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DB9VOwqtOglg

[milandro]

take a look at this

[marcusb]

and another one
http://www.shapeways.com/themes/3dparts

[marcusb]

take a look at this

Thanks! great video!!

[Pete Thomas]

My prediction is that the 3D printers will be cheap but then they'll kill you with the cost of the printer cartridges!

Even more for the WW2 cartridges for the best MKVI copies.

[SAXISMYAXE]

My prediction is that the 3D printers will be cheap but then they'll kill you with the cost of the printer cartridges!

Ain't that the truth!
You can take that prediction to the bank my friend.

[Swampcabbage]

Keep us posted. I would be very intersted in having a few of my mouthpieces scanned. Just think of the possibilities - you could have your favorite piece opened up or baffled or whatever and try it without destroying the original.

And in my case, some of my pieces have had some very nice custom work done - I don't know who did them and trying to replicate them would cost me 1,000 in materials and refacing per mouthpiece.

And since material doesn't matter....

[Pete Thomas]

Just think of the possibilities - you could have your favorite piece opened up or baffled or whatever and try it without destroying the original.

I already do that, or rather I get Ed Pillinger to do it.

[Stretch]

I am not going to invest in a 3D printer and then have it become obsolete in short order when newer technology is developed. I am holding out for a Star Fleet replicator. That gets me thinking about holodecks......

[abadcliche]

Thread about this from a little while ago: http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthr...t=future+flute

[Dr G]

That will still have very poor tolerances given that they are forming a porous shape and then backfilling with bronze. If you're not happy with CNC machining, you really won't be satisfied with this product.