As the title says, this thread is about sourcing companies or methods for doing metal castings, prints and CNC.
I'll be up front and say this is an area I know very little about right now. I'm researching things now and figured why not use this to document the findings.
I've seen a few online companies that do (according to their websites) high quality 3D metal prints and that got me intrigued. I was thinking I would need to prototype my parts on my printer, and then send the part to someone and they would make the mold and cast it, but if this method provides quality parts, then all is needed is to develop the object, send the stl and they make the item and send it back. In theory that sounds great. I'm sure there are many people on here with a lot of experience in this area and can provide a lot of great input.
Most of the online companies say 'Instant Quote', but when you go to their site they want you to fill out a form, send them the file and then they will respond... not exactly what I call instant. Shapeways does provide prices immediately, but as we know Shapeways is usually more expensive than other places. I did find a company called i.materialise at https://i.materialise.com/en I've read some good reviews on them but would like some more information and first hand experience from someone before I order. I read their quality is good, but shipping is expensive and slow. Has anyone dealt with them before and can provide first hand experience with the service, quality and final costs?
I'll be up front and say this is an area I know very little about right now. I'm researching things now and figured why not use this to document the findings.
I've seen a few online companies that do (according to their websites) high quality 3D metal prints and that got me intrigued. I was thinking I would need to prototype my parts on my printer, and then send the part to someone and they would make the mold and cast it, but if this method provides quality parts, then all is needed is to develop the object, send the stl and they make the item and send it back. In theory that sounds great. I'm sure there are many people on here with a lot of experience in this area and can provide a lot of great input.
Most of the online companies say 'Instant Quote', but when you go to their site they want you to fill out a form, send them the file and then they will respond... not exactly what I call instant. Shapeways does provide prices immediately, but as we know Shapeways is usually more expensive than other places. I did find a company called i.materialise at https://i.materialise.com/en I've read some good reviews on them but would like some more information and first hand experience from someone before I order. I read their quality is good, but shipping is expensive and slow. Has anyone dealt with them before and can provide first hand experience with the service, quality and final costs?