Jay Leno's technology in your garage

hey all. check this out

remember this? good read if not http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars...nology/4320759

ok so i just came across this website, and did a little digging:

http://botmill.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=45

http://repraplogphase.blogspot.com/
"It's big because these parts are not printed on a RepRap, they are printed on a professional grade printer, aka you know the quality will be as good as the top 5% of our hobby"


leno said in the article prices for a 3D printer have FALLEN to 15k and will continue to fall. how about...90%?

very cool...

 

Surely Jay's are larger, down right industrial-grade; which in turn increases the scope of molds/plastic pieces he can create. its also $15,000. For $1500 though its accessible to a much wider range of gearheads. Just imagine being able to re-make anything that might be prone to breaking--like plastic pieces for example. for pieces that arent plastic, like a custom bracket for a Ford Galaxie (in jay's case) or something, you could get the mold, check for fitment, and send it off to be cast(ed?) in whatever metal. AND now with 3D scanning technology you dont even need to have a CAD design file of the object. You could scan it and print it.

its just fascinating to me how a technology that normally would only be available to individuals who have reached "big boy status" is accessible to the masses. Whether its a wiper switch for a TR or a "feedwater heater" for a 1907 White Steamer (in jay's case) the technology is there. and its available to everyone, its incredible.

 

ah very cool. Yeah a scanner isnt necessary really, all you need is a CAD file of whatever you want to print--although a scanner pretty much makes anything printable. Does he have this one? Also, What kinds of work does he do with it? Reason I ask is bc I'm seriously considering getting one from the site I mentioned in my original post (http://www.botmill.com). took me all but a night's rest to contemplate it lol. It's a second generation model--its call it the "mendel". I read that the first generation--known as the "Darwin", has tons of bugs and kinks that need to be worked out. apparently there usually would be plenty of assembly required, but I did some research last night and it seems like these folks at botmill are the ONLY ones offering one that is pretty much fully assembled---which i like. All you have to do is clip on the electronics. however, it'd be a pretty neat project to get the "kit" and put it together on a weekend with a 6 pack I suppose.

it really is pretty amazing. maybe revolutionary? crazy how much "3D" stuff has been popping up lately. the other day I watched a few clips of the movie "ice age" in 3D with some family and it was pretty cool. This 3d printer stuff though is mind blowing

 

yeah agreed. something about sitting in front of my tv with bulky glasses just doesn't do it for me. I cant remember the last time I saw something that made me sit there and think...wow. then I saw the Leno's 3D Printer video clip. craaazy, but thought to myself "must be nice"


with this botmill machine it is now easily accessible to everybody. I never imagined it'd be so soon. I really think i'm going to place an order. once it arrives i'll post pics!!!!

 

Hi Wang, no problem man I will definitely put up a video....that is, as soon as i get it!!!! i'm pretty pumped up. I just placed my order for the fully assembled "Mendel" 3D printer IN BLACK from botmill.com just a few hours ago. based on the pics of the blue model on the website, which looks sick also, the black one should look pretty sinister

I'm not sure if all the people who've viewed this thread (not replied) have processed the magnitude of how insane this is but with this machine, i'll be able to make; by myself, pretty much anything. the uses are endless, and not limited to JUST auto parts. but for all of the F-owners (and owners of any make) on this site---gone are the days when you paid for inordinately expensive parts---as long as OEM is not a requirement, basically---YOU CAN MAKE THEM. yourself. well you'll need a CAD file, or a scanner. but whatever thats the easy part.