Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Getting good Macro Pics

Hi Guys,

Really sorry for not posting anything past few weeks, I have been too busy at work.

I will provide more updates about the project + FAQ by the end of this week. Meanwhile I hope you enjoy some new pictures from jewelry.

Regards,

Junior



Friday, September 9, 2011

Better Camera Lens!!!

Hi Guys,

Finally I got a macro lens, still learning how to use it but already got some good pics....

Thanks for all questions, I will answer by next week in the new FAQ.

Cheers,

Jr










Thursday, August 25, 2011

New Video - Youtube - Printing Alien Skull

Hi Guys,

We prepared a new video for you... I hope you like it as much we enjoy preparing it.

Follow the updates on twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/jvelosojunior




Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPmP0u1HuUM

Cheers,

JuniorLink

Friday, August 19, 2011

FAQ 4

Hi Guys,

Again, thank you very much for the interest in the project and all support. We have been working hard to bring this high resolution 3D Printer to all of you.

Before our FAQ, I would like to share a really nice thing with you. I printed some amazing bracelets (link) that I found through Google and posted here in our blog, however I didn’t know who created it.

I got the comment from him (Jesse Louis-Rosenberg) this week and I am very impressed with their work… check this out… http://n-e-r-v-o-u-s.com/blog/ I hope we can print some more of their work…

FAQ 4:

Q: There are plans to sell worldwide when it's ready?
A: We will be selling everywhere

Q: How much the 3D Printer will cost? (This is the main question we have received)
A: Unfortunately we don’t have the price yet as we are still finishing the design and material needed. We know that will be cheap, really affordable for a hobbyist, designers and home users.

Q: How much cost the resins?
A: The resin cost is quite high at this moment because of the volume, over 350 per litter. We truly believe that this can go down once the volume increases, this means we need big number of people using the technology to have good price for the resin. I hope this happens as soon we bring a low cost printer to the market.

Q: How much cost the software? Can I buy just the software?
A: The software price is still in discussion.

Q: Will the resin be open source?
A: Most probably not, because you can’t find the raw material easily to buy and some countries you will need government license to buy it. However the mixed material can be commercialized as resin. Additionally if we manage to buy together from one vendor we will reduce the price drastically.

Q: I would like to ask though, can you try to print a larger/heavier object (closer to the max theoretical dimensions you mentioned in an earlier post) so we can see what this design is capable of?
A: Answer in FAQ II - http://3dhomemade.blogspot.com/2011/06/thank-you-faq-ii.html

Q: Can you print wax models for jewelry? (Esta impressora serveria para fazer modelos de joias em cera?)
A: Yes, check the previous FAQs.

Q: Any dates for the commercial version available? (Há previsão para comercialização?)
A: We will start the preorder soon via crowd-funding (most probably within 2 months).

Q: From Teagus: would you be willing to run a figure i have modeled as a test?
A: Yes, but we are quite late with these requests as we have been testing the printer. If you don’t mind in waiting few weeks we will be more than happy to print. Please send me a comment with your email address and I will contact you.

Q: What kind of files can it import?
A: All STL files. Any 3D system can export 3D files to this extension also you can convert any 3D file to STL using free applications.

Q: Does the printer software add the necessary support structures automatically?
A: Yes, the software adds the necessary support structures, you don’t need to do it manually.

Q: how possible are moveable parts like ball bearings using the same resin material as a support?
A: Yes, you can print movable parts.

Q: Can the software set the wall thickness of a model? Or is that something that has to be handled while creating the 3d model?
A: Yes, the software will set the wall thickness.

Q: Do you think there might be a way to scale it up so that the same system could be used to create objects of a larger size but with reduced resolution?
A: See previous FAQs. This is possible but some implications.

Q: May I ask how long it took to print the sphere?
A: with 50 micros resolution around 4 hours

Q: very nice, are the resin materials safe for the environment? will they degrade with time, what are they made of?
A: Will answer this one once the material design is finalized.

Q: the last photo: there are tiny scratches on the surface, is there any way to do to achieve a much smoother surface or the resin(lost-wax type) can be modified after?
A: The surface is really smooth, you may not be able to see in the pictures. BTW, none of the objects received any type of finishing.

Sorry if I missed your question, I will answer more next FAQ.

Cheers,

Junior

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

3D Printer - Software Demo

Hi Guys,

Very short demo from the software we are developing for the 3D Printer.



I will soon post more details as well FAQ 4:

Main question I received is about the kit availability - Answer: We intend to release by the end of this year, pre-orders will be open soon.

Regards,

Junior


Friday, August 5, 2011

High resolution pics

Hi Guys,

I was asked to post some size references near the objects, so you could see the resolution.

I didn't realize this before as I can see the objects, but I imagine that is quite hard to evaluate the quality and resolution without a reference...

So here we go.... high resolution pics

Regards,

Junior

PS: FAQ 4 coming soon...









Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Ferdinand von Zeppelin sculpture + FAQ

Hi Guys,

First of all, really thank you for all support!!!

This is a amazing digital sculpture tom Alex Neto... check out his website: http://alexneto.deviantart.com/











FAQ 3 – My apologies if I miss some questions…

Q: Is suction effect a problem that limits the size that can be printed?

A: Suction + object weight could be a problem but there are many ways to solve it by hollowing the objects and creating some tiny holes to avoid the suction.

Q: Can I build my own printer and buy just the software?

A: Yes, you can buy just software or parts of the printer; this is the cool thing about the kit.

Q: Are the resins dangerous for health?

A: Not really if you take proper cautions to handle the uncured resin, such as gloves, not drink, etc.

The cured resin is safe and you can handle as plastic toy.

Q: Can I use LCD projector?

A: Haven’t tested.


Q: Why not build and ship full printers?

A: Still evaluating this option also

Keep in touch,

You can add me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/jvelosojunior

Cheers,

Junior

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Cross Platform 3d Printer Software



Hi Guys,

Sorry, I have been quite busy these days... but got lot of progress on software development now that we have PH (Pedro Henrique) full time working on that.

The software is cross platform and I will provide some screen shots soon.

Best regards,

Junior

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Thank you + FAQ II

Dear All,

Thank you very much for all nice and supportive words and suggestion in the blog comments, emails and twitters. I really appreciate that.

Please find below some answers for questions I have received through the blog comments:

Q. Are those materials suitable for lost-wax casting?
A: Yes, I have material for lost-wax casting.

2. Is the software ok for the stl files from Rhino?
A: Yes, any STL file works, including from Rhino.

Q. Is the resolution we see on the pictures achieved by using a Projector or a Laser Galvanometer for the exposure?
A: Projector

Q. Is there a glass between the base pan and the projector or is the purple outline we see in the pictures, and video, a reflection of the black plastic, or a purple filter, or a Blue Laser Beam?
A: There is a glass between the base pan and the projector

Q. What is the approximate usable ( good resolution without distortion ) work area of the printer?
A: The bottom up approach has some limitations of size as the object can not be too heavy. Also the vacuum created with the bottom of big will possibly break the object or the tray. I believe we can reach 210X180X200mm, but haven't tested.

Q. Is the Venus and Alien Head a Solid or are they hollow? What is the Wall thickness (or minimum wall thickness ) , if hollow?
A: They are all hollow. The wall thickness od this objects is 1.5mm. I already tried 0.45mm wall and works fine but it is fragile.

Q. Is the Base Tray sourced as a part from other manufacturers or is it glass/plastic DIY.
A: It is DIY

Q: This printer can arrive at this details: http://www.moddler.com/index.php?p=model&id=4 it is a 2 inc statue
A: Yes

@: Will you be making the software cross-platform? Windows, Mac, Linux, or even Ubuntu?
A: Yes the software is cross-platform. I will post some screen shots next week and release a beta version for download soon.

Messages:
@Guybrush – Please send me your e-mail through comment and I will contact you, so I can print some of your sculptures.

Cheers,

Junior

Monday, May 16, 2011

Making things clear…

Hi Guys,

My apologies for removing some posts and comments during last 2 days. The main reason for that were some negative comments I received in my last post.

After thinking a lot, I realized that I will never be able to make everyone happy, which means a lot of people will complain and provide negative comments.

So I decided to do two things:

1) Leave everything open: posts and comments, and not remove any negative comment as people should be free to say whatever they want.

2) Write this post to make things crystal clear.

I spent almost 4 years and lot of money to reach at this point, I can tell you that I have better resolution than all 3d printers under 25K USD (before tax), for this reason I DO expect to make some money out of it. There is nothing wrong on it.

My plan is make most of components open source (90%) and sell just few components (10%) in a kit. But if you don't want to spend any money you can build the remaining 10% at your own as the main concepts will be shared. I have no problem with that.

I do expect to deposit a patent as I don’t want another company selling some components of the kit. But I don’t mind if you do it for your own at your home and share for free. Also this helps me in future in case any company sues me for patent infringement.

I have been working a lot past weeks to prepare things I can share with you but this will take sometime as it is not easy and I can't spend 100% of my time on it because I have my own daily work as I need to make money to live. For this reason I expect to finish this by end of 2011. (I need at least 6 months to finish the software)

I will focus my work on finishing the project so you may see less posts and answers for the comments; and NO answer for negative ones.

Why I need money from this project? It is not to cover my costs… It is to give me enough free time to implement some other cool projects and make them available for mass market. I already have another 3 nice projects that I would like to start but I don’t have time for it.

If you are not happy and think I should not make any penny out of it, you still can follow the blog and build your own 3d Printer. I will be happy with your success in building a 3D Printer on your own and making it open-source!!!

Cheers,

Junior

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Quick update & FAQ 1

Hi Folks,

I have received some questions and I would like to create a king of FAQ so I can answer some of them.

If you have any question, please send a comment in this blog and I will do my best to add it in the next FAQ. You can also add me on twitter and send your question there. http://twitter.com/jvelosojunior

BTW, I have receiving many offers from nice people who are willing to support the project somehow. I really appreciate that. I will contact you in when the help is needed.

I intend to create a kind of forum, so we can improve the communication between everyone interested in this project. Any suggestions for this?

What is the current status?

A: I am currently working on the technical material for patent deposit. The machine looks like the existing in the market but it is very different. You can’t see the difference because I can not disclose it before depositing the patent.

This is the main reason you don’t have much detail of the machine here. This process can take few weeks and maybe months. I will keep you updated.

Why is taking so long to start the project on the crowd-funding?

A: I will start the crowd-funding when I finish the patent process, I don’t want to commit with anyone something and later delay to deliver.

How much the kit will cost?

A: The kit will be a very small fraction of the existing machines with similar quality but for sure a bit more expensive then the existing kits as you need very precise components to achieve such resolution.

You won’t get good resolution with simple components you can find in the common hardware store. Wood and common screws and nuts can’t be part of this kit.

Material

Is the material hard?

A: There are huge number of materials with different properties, some hard other soft and flexible.

What colors are available?

A: Yes, there will be different number of colors and I am currently testing a clear material

What resin are you using?

A: I don’t have one single resin that I am using right now; actually I am testing many combinations. You can see that the color and material looks different in some pictures I posted.

Is it UV curable resin?

A: No, It is near UV curable

How much the resin will cost?

A: Not sure, but for good quality resin the price won’t be much different from what you can see in the market right now. I hope the volume can bring the price down once the technology becomes more popular.

Light Source

What is the light source?

A: Projector

Software

Did you develop the software?

A: Yes I did

Is the software capable of building the support structures?

A: Not yet, but it will be soon.

Cheers,

Junior

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Update and Flute pics....

Hi Guys,

First of all thank you very much for all support!! I am receiving many e-mails and comments in the blog from some great folks willing to somehow support the project.

We are at full speed and as soon we need any support we will be contacting your. My apologies if I haven't contact you yet because I have been quite busy these days.

Please add me on twitter and we can keep contact. http://twitter.com/jvelosojunior

As I mentioned before I printed a nice flute... and it works !!!!! I will post a video with my friend Tiago playing it soon... (unfortunately I can't play)

BTW, I will try to answer some questions by these weekend that are in the comments.

Cheers,

Junior

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Quick update....

Hi Guys,

I have few news:

1) I am currently preparing the material (videos, pics...) for the crowd-sourcing.

2) As Kickstarter is just available for US based person, I will be using http://www.indiegogo.com
I will send the link as soon I prepare the project. Within 2 weeks.

3) I already have an idea about when the kits will be available - I believe I will need 4-6 months after funding to complete the project. This means by end of this year but the plans will be released before that.

4) The crowd-funding money will be used for:
a) Improve and reduce the cost of the resins
b) Improve software
c) Improve and reduce the cost of electronics
d) Create molds for the injected parts (reduce the cost and avoid CNC work at home - some people may do it by themselves)

I hope we can create huge 3D Printer community and bring this technology to everyone...

BTW, I can't stop printing... you get addicted when you start printing.... :-)
I will post some pics tomorrow..

Cheers,

Junior

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Alien Skull - By Avinash Hegde

Hi Guys,

I have just printed a amazing digital sculpture from Avi. He is a great artist and you can check his collection at http://aysculpture.deviantart.com/.

Please check the resuls.... the first image is from the 3D Software that Avi uses.

Thanks Avi, hope you like it!!!

Cheers,

Junior

Click on the images to see the details....












Thursday, March 31, 2011

What comes next??

Hi Guys,

I have been receiving many questions around my plans for the 3D Printer and what are the next steps.

My plan is very simple, improve the project in a way that anyone could build one of this 3D Printer at home. Additionally I may bring some commercial kits or parts so you don't need to buy a CNC or any other expensive tool to build your own 3D printer.

In my to do list to improve the project I have:

1) Improve material and reduce cost
2) Improve software
3) Improve a little bit the electronics ( this is almost done)
4) Document everything (including videos)

To fund this final stage of the project I will start soon a project at Kickstarter. There will be very different level of rewards (from PDF with complete plans up to full working printer) for those who would like to back this project and support the idea of spreading the High Resolution 3d Printer in the world. (still need to work on this name :-) )

Thank you very much for all support and I hope bringing more news soon.

Cheers,

Junior

First video...

Hi Guys,

I hope you enjoy...

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snOErpOP5Xk

Cheers,

Junior

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Ring - Mass Production... :-)

Hi Guys,

It is really amazing what you can do with high resolution printer, sometimes I see myself surprised with the results.

You can print very small things with great details... take a look on the rings I printed....

BTW, now I can give a ring to my wife every day... hahahahaha... (I hope she doesn't read this)

Cheers,

Junior

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Venus 2.0

Hi Guys,

You may remember the first object I printed last year (Venus), I have printed again this week... take a look on the difference...

These are the pics of Venus printed last year....



And this is the new Venus..... with 50 microns resolution.... cool!!!!!!!!


Cheers,

Junior

Monday, March 28, 2011

High Resolution compared to FDM Kit

Hi Guys,

This weekend I decided to compare the results of my Homemade High Resolution 3d Printer (I need find better name, this one is too long) with the existing low costs FDM printers (kits). I am huge fan of the FDM kits and I think they are great but they can't deliver professional results.

I have printed the objects with 50 microns (this is so good that I can't see myself printing on 100 micros again... :-) )

Take a look on the pics....




Okay, I don't need to tell you that my whistle is the second one....

Another one.... the first picture is the FDM object and the last two pics from my Printer.





BTW, I will upload a video this week.

Cheers,

Junior

PS: Sorry that I haven't be able to answer the comments as I have been too busy... I will try next weekend.

About the Project


I have been dreaming about having a 3D Printer at home for many years, but the ones with good quality are not affordable and the low costs just deliver poor quality. Sounds crazy but I decided to build a high resolution 3D Printer by myself at home (people actually said that I was crazy and this was impossible). The funny thing I never saw this type of machines in real life, and still haven’t seen one besides the one I built.

Now that I succeed building the first prototype, the target is to bring this low cost 3D Printer to every home, so we are developing the first affordable one with high resolution.

I hope you enjoy our blog, follow us and you can have this printer in your home soon.