3d printed aquarium parts?

[Eric LeClair]

Is this true? Then I am definitely interested in trying it out:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikesc...g-will-change-the-way-we-make-things-in-2017/

Apparently, you can make your own stuff with this 3d printing technology.

Its like any other printer but instead of printing text, it makes the actual physical version of it. Like real stuff.

For example, look at this aquarium bubbler:

https://pinshape.com/items/18837-3d-printed-aquarium-bubbler

Has anyone heard of this stuff?

I would love to make my own aquarium parts (Like reefs, etc). 


 

[Maddlesrain]

We have 3D printers at the high schools and universities here. My friend printed me a small octopus figurine using one on her campus. I'll try to get a picture of it if I remember! It's really neat how it all works.

 

[805reef]

Here's a thread that has a lot of info: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/3d-printing-thread.244294/

 

[reeferfoxx]

There is a company is China or Japan(can't remember) that makes 3D printed hermit crab shells. Coolest thing I've seen yet.

 

[Mike N]

I've been waiting for a reason to fire up the 3d printer!

 

[Brad Bessett]

I had a local guy in Dallas make me a 2.5 cup measuring cup for mixing 5 gallon batches of salt. Pretty cool stuff.

Yes, I'm that lazy.

 

[IronVulture]

This guy has some good stuff and quick shipping.

http://printedreefingsolutions.com/products

 

[reeferfoxx]

 

[Maddlesrain]

That's so cool!!! I want an entire hermit army with pretty printed shells to spice up my reef now! haha

 

[reeferfoxx]

That's so cool!!! I want an entire hermit army with pretty printed shells to spice up my reef now! haha

I wanted some that looked like sports cars lol

 

[Maddlesrain]

I wanted some that looked like sports cars lol

lol I wouldn't mind a few of those myself!
An engineering friend said she'll give one a try if I go to visit her. Haha

 

[Cherub]

make sure to use plastics that aren't leaching chemicals into the water

 

[Mike N]

Awesome! As long as the inside of the shell is designed the same you can do whatever you want to the outside.
I've read that ABS is saltwater safe. PLA could break down over time and leech into the water.

 

[Mike N]

That's so cool!!! I want an entire hermit army with pretty printed shells to spice up my reef now! haha

I wanted some that looked like sports cars lol

You design, i'll print and ship

 

[Maddlesrain]

You design, i'll print and ship

Sounds good, lets do it! Haha (;

 

[Frop]

This is the CAD software I use since it's free (unless you need private documents).

Www.onshape.com you can also export CAD and I think in the apps is a company that will print and ship your design to you. If there is free trials (or paid if you prefer) you may also be able to stress test it too with simulations. Manufacturing software is really expensive. The programs at where i work are like 4-10k (solidworks, Mastercam, pcdmis, catia, mold flow analysis). And the simulation computers have to be built processing machines so this website does everything on the cloud. Take the need for an expensive computer out of the way.

 

[Mike N]

I just print small stuff here and there, blender works fine for me for designing models.

 

[Frop]

I just print small stuff here and there, blender works fine for me for designing models.

I don't have a printer. I tried to get work to buy one. They started getting upset (I was a little persistent lol). i don't make any parts but I check parts all day at work.

 

[Mike N]

I don't have a printer. I tried to get work to buy one. They started getting upset (I was a little persistent lol). i don't make any parts but I check parts all day at work.

Funny you say that, my boss is the one who bought my 3d printer. It's pretty easy to talk him into buying things. Things that he forgets about that I then call my own haha

 

[Frop]

Funny you say that, my boss is the one who bought my 3d printer. It's pretty easy to talk him into buying things. Things that he forgets about that I then call my own haha

No way they are cheap here. I was saying we need it so I can 3D print a holding fixture to simulate part assembly as I check the surface profile of the part. It would be for plastic car parts. Some times plastic warps itself when it is unassembled (big example is any kind of arched part like a fender garnish, the plastic piece that follows the curve of the body above the wheels). Assembling warps it. So after assembly you get more realistic results of real world shape as it's in a vehicle, such as the outside of a car above the tire.