"Can one 'print' a dial, gnomon and all, for example? Could an incompetent like me print out a fabulously ornate gnomon which hitherto only the likes of Tony Moss could create?"
Simply put, Yes! But the Devil's in the details. Developing the necessary definition files is still a big task, a great deal beyond designing a dial with a simple CAD or sundial program. Making just a gnomon this way should be well within reach, though. At this point, you can even build your own 3D fabricator. Another approach is to do it with a "subtractive" process, rather than additive, programming a computer-controlled mill to do the work. Probably cheaper for now. I hadn't thought of it before, but one can import vector graphic artwork and use it to engrave various materials, right from your PC desktop. Check out http://www.frontpanelexpress.com/ out of Seattle and Munich, if I recall correctly. I've had a number of equipment panels made by them, and it's very nice finished work! Dave -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Peter Mayer Sent: Thursday, February 17, 2011 3:51 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Print me a Stradivarius... Hi, The recent issue of the _Economist_ magazine has this as its title, and contains a significant article devoted to 3-D printing, using fabricators (or "fabbers"). Essentially these are forms of ink jet printers which create 3-D objects in plastic or metal. Shapeways (http://www.shapeways.com) is a commercial firm which will 'print' out objects, things in stainless steel, alumide, glass, nylon, polycarbonate, acrylic. The maximum size for stainless steel (also available in 'bronze diffused' matt) is 100cm(W)x45(D)x25(H) @ upwards of $10 per cubic cm. Can one 'print' a dial, gnomon and all, for example? Could an incompetent like me print out a fabulously ornate gnomon which hitherto only the likes of Tony Moss could create? As Agatha Christie's detective, Hercule Poroit was wont to say, it makes one 'furiously to think'. best wishes, Peter -------------------------- Peter Mayer Politics Department The University of Adelaide, AUSTRALIA 5005 Ph : +61 8 8303 5606 Fax : +61 8 8303 3443 e-mail: [email protected] CRICOS Provider Number 00123M ----------------------------------------------------------- This email message is intended only for the addressee(s) and contains information that may be confidential and/or copyright. If you are not the intended recipient please notify the sender by reply email and immediately delete this email. Use, disclosure or reproduction of this email by anyone other than the intended recipient(s) is strictly prohibited. No representation is made that this email or any attachments are free of viruses. Virus scanning is recommended and is the responsibility of the recipient. --------------------------------------------------- https://lists.uni-koeln.de/mailman/listinfo/sundial --------------------------------------------------- https://lists.uni-koeln.de/mailman/listinfo/sundial
