What is stopping you from getting a 3D printer?

[PeterEde]

Do you account for this in the dimensions?

I only know it is a process that is used. My resin prints are perfect every time

 

[Projects with Sam]

One trick with FDM prints is to smooth them in an acetone vapor bath which effectively melts the outer surface thus smoothing it.

I'm nervous about putting acetone treated parts in the tank. haven't looked into any residual residues or similar... besides, the extra surface area is good for bacteria.

 

[Projects with Sam]

What about internals?

don't have to worry about smoothing the insides. you only leave the part in the acetone vapor long enough to melt just a little bit around the outside.
I don't think you'd do it on dimensionally dependent objects. or, the part you need true, you mask off with something I suppose. Wax may work or I'm sure an airbrushing mask would work.

There is always a degree of play in the parts. That's why all the print-in-place fidgets sometimes need profile tuning to work properly.

I've printed this before:

Cute Mini Octopus by McGybeer

Cute mini Octopus, articulated and printed without additional supports.It's designed so it can be printed at once. No assembly or supports required.Many different STL files, with straight or spiral tentacles, both with and without included support.UPDATE!! v6 fixes some mesh errors, improves bed...

www.thingiverse.com

its really neat how once you pop it off the bed and work-out the 'kinks' a little, how loose and movable it is.

 

[Projects with Sam]

I got into 3d only a few years ago when I found shapeways very expensive. I downloaded a for home use version of Fusion360 and watched a lot of youtube videos by Lars. Very good teacher.
I have drawn up and printed a lot of stuff. I find it more appealing to draw my own than print other peoples stuff.
But sometimes why bother reinventing the wheel if someone has done a good job already

Lars is awesome! I cannot believe some of the stuff he can do, and make it look so easy. Like Bob Ross for 3D.
I agree on designing rather than downloading. - and the 80/20 - I have no problem using other people's designs as a stepping-off point. Even if it is just to get the dimensions from.

 

[Malcontent]

I've yet to download and print someone else's design.

 

[Karen00]

I'm nervous about putting acetone treated parts in the tank. haven't looked into any residual residues or similar... besides, the extra surface area is good for bacteria.

I had to laugh at the bacteria comment. It's all about the bacteria in this hobby. They are the very tiny workhorses of our tanks and if a rough finish on a 3D printed part gives them a nice home then that's a bonus. LOL

 

[FMF0331]

 

[Malcontent]

Average bacteria size is 0.002 mm so a 3D print at a 0.2 mm layer height is smooth from their perspective.

 

[Projects with Sam]

layer lines don't bother me so much that I went from a .4 nozzle to a .6! I'll take larger faster stronger prints with lines anyday.

 

[PeterEde]

I'm nervous about putting acetone treated parts in the tank. haven't looked into any residual residues or similar... besides, the extra surface area is good for bacteria.

To be honest I'd not use the process for anything going into the tank. Where's the requirement for nice and smooth in a frag rack?
If I want smooth I'll make something using acrylic on my laser cutter.

 

[PeterEde]

layer lines don't bother me so much that I went from a .4 nozzle to a .6! I'll take larger faster stronger prints with lines anyday.

comes down to what you intend printing.
One of my other hobbies is model building and making upgrades for them.
I have drawn up my own Saturn V F1 engine for a 1/72 Saturn V