Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you:
No adverts like this in the forums anymore.
Times and dates in your local timezone.
Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance.
Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely.
Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net.
If you are already a member then feel free to login now.
2013/05/16 10:19:35
Subject: Staples to become 1st US retailer to sell 3D printers
It'll be interesting to see how many people buy these for home use, and actually find them more useful than just buying the objects down the shops.
"The 75mm gun is firing. The 37mm gun is firing, but is traversed round the wrong way. The Browning is jammed. I am saying "Driver, advance." and the driver, who can't hear me, is reversing. And as I look over the top of the turret and see twelve enemy tanks fifty yards away, someone hands me a cheese sandwich."
2013/05/16 10:31:22
Subject: Staples to become 1st US retailer to sell 3D printers
TL;DR -- Anyone with access to a 3d printer and the skills to make a 3d printed gun probably already has access to equipment, and the skills required, to make a significantly better gun for a lot less money.
And would set off a metal detector in a heartbeat. A 3-D printed gun would not. To say that the bullets or the titanium pin (or whatever it is) can't be stashed somewhere else concealed on the body is naïve.
If there's a will, there's a way -- if you want to sneak a weapon past a metal detector, you will be able to do it with a little research.
But back on topic! I'm excited to start printing my own buildings and shtuff -- I'm only having trouble figuring out a style for the buildings that isn't already out there (because buying would be cheaper).
DS:80+SGMB--I+Pw40k12#+D++A+/wWD-R++T(D)DM+
2013 W/L/D Ratio:
Dark Angels (3/12/2)
Malifaux (1/3/0)
JWhex wrote: Some of you guys need to go a through bad girlfriend or two and gain some perspective on things.
2013/05/16 15:07:24
Subject: Staples to become 1st US retailer to sell 3D printers
Devoted-to-the-machine wrote: HA HA HA. You joke but I work for a hospital as an Inventory specialist and we have already been in discussion with several companies currently looking at production units that make printable replacement knee hip and ankle joints.
A similar and ready-to-go example I heard about a year ago was a med student used a 3d printer to print a model of a patient's bone to allow the student to practice a procedure before going to the overseeing doctor with a solution. Even now, it's another tool in the box even if they're not spitting out medical-grade parts at this point.
Working on someting you'll either love or hate. Hopefully to be revealed by November.
Play the games that make you happy.
2013/05/16 16:03:04
Subject: Staples to become 1st US retailer to sell 3D printers
Harriticus wrote: As soon as GW turns on their AOL dial-up and reads on ask jeeves about what a 3D printer is, they'll probably gak themselves and try to sue it.
Probably true, but it's a pity. Selling the blueprints or using a 3DP to make them on demand would be a great way to revive the Specialist ranges.
"The 75mm gun is firing. The 37mm gun is firing, but is traversed round the wrong way. The Browning is jammed. I am saying "Driver, advance." and the driver, who can't hear me, is reversing. And as I look over the top of the turret and see twelve enemy tanks fifty yards away, someone hands me a cheese sandwich."
2013/05/16 16:48:15
Subject: Staples to become 1st US retailer to sell 3D printers
Harriticus wrote: As soon as GW turns on their AOL dial-up and reads on ask jeeves about what a 3D printer is, they'll probably gak themselves and try to sue it.
Probably true, but it's a pity. Selling the blueprints or using a 3DP to make them on demand would be a great way to revive the Specialist ranges.
Print on demand models are GOING to happen. GW probably won't be interested, but there are going to be digital sculptors that want to get some money from things they've modelled, but don't want to get into the business of casting them / selling them directly / etc.
RiTides wrote: Well, Form 1 just put out an update and link to try out their new software. You can model a 3D CAD file in a lot of programs, of course (like Solidworks, AutoCad Inventor, Blender...) and just save it as a .STL file format. But taking that file and slicing it up for printing is actually pretty involved, and having good software is critical.
I think the open source software I used with my MakerBot was OK, but I have a feeling that commercial software (like the above) will be a lot better. (MakerBot might have their own non-open-source software now, I'm not sure)
Have they resolved the 3D Systems lawsuit yet? Last I heard them mention back in November and there doesn't seem to be any new news since then.
Not too thrilled about the Staples printer. Is a plastic extrusion model like the Makerbot models and I believe has the same resolution. We've all seen examples of from Makerbot. Miniatures from desk printer to tabletop is still a while off. The Form1 is close, but not quite there.
Like almost any company facing any lawsuit, they're not commenting publicly on it.
2013/05/16 18:04:17
Subject: Staples to become 1st US retailer to sell 3D printers
jason1977 wrote: Yes you would still need permit to get ammo but paperwork hasnt stopped bad people now.
You do not need a permit to buy ammo.
The "printable" gun was a one-bullet gun that eventually blew up from stress (if I recall the story on it correctly).
You can make a 1-bullet gun from crap you buy at a hardware store for much less than $1300 and no specialized equipment (still illegal).
I'm not really worried about the printable gun.
Actually, making your own firearm from hardware stores isn't necessarily illegal. It's quite legal to build your own weapon in most places in the US. Sometimes you have to fill out a form, but that's basically it.
2013/05/17 00:37:36
Subject: Staples to become 1st US retailer to sell 3D printers
Ketara wrote: I think the first worrying question would be whether or not it can print the new 3D gun.
TL;DR -- Anyone with access to a 3d printer and the skills to make a 3d printed gun probably already has access to equipment, and the skills required, to make a significantly better gun for a lot less money.
I'm baffled at this response, The subject is about a cheap, off the shelf 3D printer being available on the high street. For anyone who has what is equivalent to a months paycheck on minimum wage. Hence the concern as to whether or not it can make the new printable firearm.
There is no way on earth that walking into a shop to buy this thing, downloading a file, and clicking 'print' is somehow equally difficult to building a gun in your back room.
Mainly because the latter requires knowledge of physics, working with materials, basic gun design planning, etcetc. The former just requires a local high street and the ability to select 'search' on Piratebay.
Not such a concern in the US where everyone has 'Grandad's Arsenal' to fall back on, but here in the UK? Colour me worried.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/05/17 00:38:17
2013/05/17 02:32:03
Subject: Staples to become 1st US retailer to sell 3D printers
This is only a one-shot gun. Tomake the equivelent weapon without a 3D printer I can do that with $15 of supplies from the local hardware store, half an hour of my time, and a couple basic tools.
Heck I even found plans (from a UK citizen) on how to make a fully-automatic 9mm weapon from hardware bits for about $25. That would require a half-day to make, and tools found in a well-stocked toolbox, nothing more.
2013/05/17 02:42:13
Subject: Staples to become 1st US retailer to sell 3D printers
Automatically Appended Next Post: So is it only the Americans on this thread that think printing a 3D gun is fine?
For the $1300 the printer costs I can go into just about any gun store any buy a trunk full of rifles and shotguns or a handful of pistols. Printing out one gakky zip gun isn't what anyone is buying this thing for. Frankly considering the average criminal can illegally get a pistol for considerably less then I can legally buy one they aren't buying a 3D printer either.
2013/05/17 11:03:20
Subject: Staples to become 1st US retailer to sell 3D printers
Yes, I feel like printing guns is no big deal. Like the article I posted said, the gun they printed is just as easy to make with a pipe, hammer, and nail. Gun creation can be done A LOT cheaper than through 3D printing.
Also, yes, I'm American, and think shooting guns for fun is, well, fun. I'm also a fan of gun legislation when it contributes to responsible gun ownership -- I'm not a "crazy, right wing, gun nut with an arsenal in his basement." I don't even [i[own[/i] a gun.
What I'm really worried about is people printing loaded dice.
DS:80+SGMB--I+Pw40k12#+D++A+/wWD-R++T(D)DM+
2013 W/L/D Ratio:
Dark Angels (3/12/2)
Malifaux (1/3/0)
JWhex wrote: Some of you guys need to go a through bad girlfriend or two and gain some perspective on things.
2013/05/17 16:05:06
Subject: Staples to become 1st US retailer to sell 3D printers
What I'm really worried about is people printing loaded dice.
The resolution of these printers up to the $10-20k range is so poor that it will be immediately obvious if someone is using printed dice. Just ask them to use normal dice instead. Major US tournaments are starting to require the use of standardized sets of dice handed out to participants anyway, so this will remain a non-issue for many years.
2013/05/17 16:28:29
Subject: Staples to become 1st US retailer to sell 3D printers
Automatically Appended Next Post: So is it only the Americans on this thread that think printing a 3D gun is fine?
For the $1300 the printer costs I can go into just about any gun store any buy a trunk full of rifles and shotguns or a handful of pistols. Printing out one gakky zip gun isn't what anyone is buying this thing for. Frankly considering the average criminal can illegally get a pistol for considerably less then I can legally buy one they aren't buying a 3D printer either.
Maybe 15 years ago. Modern prices, no. Even pop n drop HiPoints are running 250-300 nowadays.
And yes, I'm American. But I have no need of my Granddads Arsenal. I have my own.
There is a word for a wargamer with an empty paint bench.
Harriticus wrote: As soon as GW turns on their AOL dial-up and reads on ask jeeves about what a 3D printer is, they'll probably gak themselves and try to sue it.
Probably true, but it's a pity. Selling the blueprints or using a 3DP to make them on demand would be a great way to revive the Specialist ranges.
Print on demand models are GOING to happen. GW probably won't be interested, but there are going to be digital sculptors that want to get some money from things they've modelled, but don't want to get into the business of casting them / selling them directly / etc.
RiTides wrote: Well, Form 1 just put out an update and link to try out their new software. You can model a 3D CAD file in a lot of programs, of course (like Solidworks, AutoCad Inventor, Blender...) and just save it as a .STL file format. But taking that file and slicing it up for printing is actually pretty involved, and having good software is critical.
I think the open source software I used with my MakerBot was OK, but I have a feeling that commercial software (like the above) will be a lot better. (MakerBot might have their own non-open-source software now, I'm not sure)
Have they resolved the 3D Systems lawsuit yet? Last I heard them mention back in November and there doesn't seem to be any new news since then.
Not too thrilled about the Staples printer. Is a plastic extrusion model like the Makerbot models and I believe has the same resolution. We've all seen examples of from Makerbot. Miniatures from desk printer to tabletop is still a while off. The Form1 is close, but not quite there.
Like almost any company facing any lawsuit, they're not commenting publicly on it.
I think GW heard of these new doo-dads, that's why they changed their policies to not allow bit selling. But they are a modelers dream, don't like the sculpt GW offers, make your own. Need a few more guns, print em up. It will be interesting to see how the community handles it though, will they be embraced openly, or shunned? Once the color ranges become more vibrant, I'd love to que up 180 ork boys and hit print, based, colored, and ready to play right off the printer
2013/05/17 21:22:09
Subject: Staples to become 1st US retailer to sell 3D printers
GW Fulchester on 12th march wrote:
We are pleased to announce that we have streamlined the miniature collecting process. For a large sum of money we will simply give you an empty box with an exciting picture of a Space Marine on the front.
We call this the "You won't get round to painting it anyway" scheme.
Check out my Warmaster Blog at: www.theultimatewarmaster.wordpress.com
2013/05/20 03:53:34
Subject: Staples to become 1st US retailer to sell 3D printers
kronk wrote: To be able to make a variety of shoulder pads for chapters that either don't have sculpted pads or are fan-made would be nice, but not for $1300.
Well in a few years the prices will be reasonable, i think.
Then instead of getting Papercraft templates from the net, we will be downloading 3D CAD files!
Print on demand models are GOING to happen. GW probably won't be interested, but there are going to be digital sculptors that want to get some money from things they've modelled, but don't want to get into the business of casting them / selling them directly / etc.
I wasn't saying it wouldn't happen (so I'm not sure why so strident), just that GW are probably going to put their hands over their eyes and miss a golden opportunity to sell more stuff and make veteran gamers happy. Just a hunch, based on how they've related to the internet so far.
"The 75mm gun is firing. The 37mm gun is firing, but is traversed round the wrong way. The Browning is jammed. I am saying "Driver, advance." and the driver, who can't hear me, is reversing. And as I look over the top of the turret and see twelve enemy tanks fifty yards away, someone hands me a cheese sandwich."
2013/05/20 11:20:53
Subject: Staples to become 1st US retailer to sell 3D printers
Devoted-to-the-machine wrote: HA HA HA. You joke but I work for a hospital as an Inventory specialist and we have already been in discussion with several companies currently looking at production units that make printable replacement knee hip and ankle joints.
A similar and ready-to-go example I heard about a year ago was a med student used a 3d printer to print a model of a patient's bone to allow the student to practice a procedure before going to the overseeing doctor with a solution. Even now, it's another tool in the box even if they're not spitting out medical-grade parts at this point.
I have also read that. One application I know my work is also interested in is stuff like customized cut blocks. Cut blocks are jigs for different angled cuts needed for procedures. They are expensive for something so simple. My boss called staples business help line and we conferenced with them for information. Sadly the refills are not cost prohibitive to the saving and I don’t think they will be for hobbyist. I don’t know the mass of current GW terrain kits but I am almost sure it would cost you more to print one out right now then to buy one. IIRC the mass that each cartage can produce 300g worth of printed material but the loss is almost 25% in some cases.
2013/05/20 15:44:07
Subject: Re:Staples to become 1st US retailer to sell 3D printers
I have also read that. One application I know my work is also interested in is stuff like customized cut blocks. Cut blocks are jigs for different angled cuts needed for procedures. They are expensive for something so simple. My boss called staples business help line and we conferenced with them for information. Sadly the refills are not cost prohibitive to the saving and I don’t think they will be for hobbyist. I don’t know the mass of current GW terrain kits but I am almost sure it would cost you more to print one out right now then to buy one. IIRC the mass that each cartage can produce 300g worth of printed material but the loss is almost 25% in some cases.
Have they checked with Makerbot (http://store.makerbot.com/? The printers are more expensive, but their filament is sold by the Kg and doesn't have any special cartrige. The Staples one looks to be following the model used by normal printer manufacturers. Reduced price printer, expensive ink.
Quote from chromedog
and 40k was like McDonalds - you could get it anywhere - it wouldn't necessarily satisfy, but it was probably better than nothing.
2013/05/25 02:27:02
Subject: Staples to become 1st US retailer to sell 3D printers
nkelsch wrote: Personally, I would rather go to a '3D printer Kinkos' and have something rattled off as I needed them opposed to having a whole printer. And just like paper copies, the professional reproduction shop was higher quality that the home printer for over a decade.
The only problem is people can't get away with infringing on copyrighted materials when you go to a professional printer.
Some people do not see this as a problem, its mostly just thieves that have a problem of not being able to infringe on copyrighted materials.
Print on demand models are GOING to happen. GW probably won't be interested, but there are going to be digital sculptors that want to get some money from things they've modelled, but don't want to get into the business of casting them / selling them directly / etc.
I wasn't saying it wouldn't happen (so I'm not sure why so strident), just that GW are probably going to put their hands over their eyes and miss a golden opportunity to sell more stuff and make veteran gamers happy. Just a hunch, based on how they've related to the internet so far.
We're actually in agreement I was emphasizing how likely it is / agreeing with you (just not in regards to GW adopting it, but it will be adopted).
. You can model a 3D 
Check out my Warmaster Blog at: www.theultimatewarmaster.wordpress.com
