Printing with support is required when plastic must be deposited on a layer where there is no or insufficient plastic on the previous layer. This includes steep overhanging surfaces, straight overhangs, and fully suspended islands. Learning to print objects on a 3D Printer that require support structures will dramatically expand the potential of your printer and give you the confidence to undertake printing tasks that perhaps you had previously avoided. It would seem though that nature doesn't like to follow design guidelines like the "45 Rule," the idea that overhanging surfaces should not exceed 45 degrees thus avoiding the need to use support (a guideline Makerbot seems to live by); and many of the most compelling objects to print require the use of support.
ProtoParadigm Blog
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What to do with a 3d printer: Fix the Dial on the Clothes Dryer
You have a 3d printer, or maybe you want a 3d printer. Maybe the only thing stopping you from acquiring a 3d printer is that your significant dearest is unconvinced of your NEED for a 3d printer. And if you're really lucky, maybe the dial on the clothes dryer has just broken. Well if you need help showing that your desire to pull physical objects out of thin air like Marry Poppins's carpet bag is justified? Perhaps you should read further.
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Ultimaker Build
Below is a timelapse of our Ultimaker build. We are working on a comprehensive review of the Ultimaker.
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Printing Polycarbonate
Well, it's finally time to share what we've learned about printing with Polycarbonate. As we recently announced, pre-orders for Polycarbonate in both 3mm and 1.75mm diameters are available. It took us awhile to get the details sorted out, but we're all set for a ship date of January 30, 2012. There's a whole world of materials out there for that hungry printer on your desk, and we plan to dish up a feast.
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New Plastics!
Since our last product announcement, we've been adding products to our lineup. We figured it was time to announce their arrival. This round of products includes Glow in the Dark ABS, PVA (Water Soluble), and pre-orders of Polycarbonate. Here they are:
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Carol of the Bells on a Makerbot Thing-O-Matic
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
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ABS Glue: Weld, Cast, Texture and More!
Looking for an easy way to permanently fuse printed parts? Want to smooth, texture or paint printed walls? Need a way to cast ABS at room temperature? All this and more awaits you with this handy concoction.
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Mosaic Build
Below is a timelapse of our MakerGear Mosaic build. We should have a comprehensive review of the Mosaic finished shortly.
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Plastic Filament in Stock!
We are thrilled to announce that our first plastic filament products are now available in our store! After a long search, we have found what we believe are the best plastic filaments for 3D printing.
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Filament Tolerances and Print Quality
Filament Tolerances is a subject that doesn't get much discussion, yet is arguably the most important quality to look for when choosing a plastic supplier.








