A new project offers a way to make use of that old 3D printer you’re no longer using.
Over the past decade countless inexpensive bedslinger-style desktop FFF 3D printers have been sold. Popular models included the Prusa MK2, Ender-3 and similar devices. There are certainly tens of thousands of these 3D printers still in operating condition around the world.
But many who operated those machines have moved on to more advanced 3D printers of today. For less than US$1000, it is now possible to buy professional-grade 3D printers that can print at far higher speeds, in many different materials with vastly greater reliability and quality.
There is no reason to keep using those old bedslingers.
If so, what do you do with them? Certainly many have been abandoned on workshop shelves or trashed. Some have been donated to others, but that’s just moving the problem elsewhere.
Now there’s a new Kickstarter project that might provide a way to do something useful with these older 3D printers.
The Liquid Blade 3D is an add-on to desktop FFF 3D printers that changes the device into a metal etcher and cutter. And it does so in a fascinating way.
Normally metal etching and cutting has implications: smoke (requiring ventilation), or noise (requiring enclosures). This makes traditional approaches more expensive and challenging to deploy.
Liquid Blade 3D uses an entirely different approach. The toolhead is replaced with a system that jets a narrow flow of a saltwater electrolyte at the target surface. Then an electric current selectively etches the surface — which is moved around using the 3D printer’s original motion system.
There are no toxic chemicals used or emissions generated by the process, making it far safer. It’s also nearly silent, and requires no enclosures or ventilation.
The project said that the current version of the Liquid Blade 3D is compatible with Ender-3 models, but that they intend on adding additional compatibility for other devices over time. Targeted machines:
- Creality Ender 3 (V2, S1, Pro) Supported
- Creality CR-10 Supported
- Prusa Research Original Prusa (i3 series) Supported
- Anycubic Kobra 3 V2 Supported – working on it
- Anycubic Kobra 2 Series Supported – working on it
- Bambu Lab H2D / H2S series Supported – working on it
- Duet3D Supported – working on it
- AnyCubic Mega X 3D Supported – working on it
What could you do with such a system? The project listed these possible applications:
- Custom PCBs for Electronics Prototyping: Design and etch your own single-sided, flex, and IMS PCBs, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming external fabrication.
- Unique Jewelry and Accessories: Craft personalized pendants, rings, earrings, and other metal accessories with intricate designs and precise detailing.
- Detailed Metal Art and Sculptures: Transform your digital designs into tangible metal creations, adding a new dimension to your artistic expression.
- RF Shields and Antennas for Electronic Devices: Build custom components to enhance the performance of your electronic projects.
- Custom Tools and Components: Fabricate specialized tools and components for your projects, tailored to your specific needs.
- Cosplay Props and Armor: Add realistic metal details to your costumes and props, enhancing their authenticity and visual impact.
- Decorative Metalwork: Create custom metal decorations for your home or office, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication.
The project is currently open for anyone to join as a backer, and the early bird price for the Liquid Blade 3D is €350 (US$406). That’s approaching the price of a modern advanced desktop 3D printer, but less than you would pay for a typical metal cutting system.
It’s too early to tell whether this concept will succeed, but there have been several backers already, with weeks to go on the campaign.
Via Kickstarter and Athena Technologies
