3D printing is nothing new to the hobby, however, I do not feel it is getting the traction it should. That said, as seen here: https://www.reef2reef.com/search/2447484/?q=3d+printing&o=relevance, there is a
good amount of discussion and ideas. Including, 3d printed live rock, filter sock replacements, mounts, frag carriers, the list goes on! The focus of this posting is to poll the R2R users to get our own 3D Printing forum and a central place to discuss such things.
Information on 3D printing is not in short supply. There are also many companies that offer design and printing services, but there seems to be very little in the way of reefing communities
supporting each other in 3D printing efforts. To jump-start things, I have created a ThingiVerse collection specifically for Reef2Reef (https://www.thingiverse.com/sbash/collections/reef2reef). Please PM me if you want anything added to it. The collection includes a fully printable skimmer, overflow box, pump and airline fittings, and more!
Admittedly, 3D printing is not as developed as I would like, however, if you are new to 3D printing, the process is quite simple. First, the part needs to be measured and designed
in a 3D design program (Sketchup, Solidworks, Autocad, etc). Depending on the part, there could be some meticulous measuring invovled as part of the design process. Next, the design needs to be converted into something the printer can read (we call this 'slicing'). On more advanced printers, this can be done on the printer itself. On more hobby-grade printers there is a pre-processing step to slice the design into machine code which the printer can read (and thusly, print).
This is where community support and discussion comes in. Due to the steps invovled, and potentially the varying expertise required, we can work together to break further
ground with 3D printing and reefing. It will give us a place to request designs and parts, help with printing problems, discussing new ideas and so on. So, take a quick look at the Thingiverse link above and get inspired!
All the pictures are from my own personal printing adventures. The full light mount for a 5.5 gallon tank and ATO float mount are part of my various systems. I also have many other 3D printer parts, including a convenient cup holder (as seen below), various mounts and spacers, other ATO designs, part of my DIY auto feeder, and so on.
Information on 3D printing is not in short supply. There are also many companies that offer design and printing services, but there seems to be very little in the way of reefing communities
Admittedly, 3D printing is not as developed as I would like, however, if you are new to 3D printing, the process is quite simple. First, the part needs to be measured and designed
This is where community support and discussion comes in. Due to the steps invovled, and potentially the varying expertise required, we can work together to break further
All the pictures are from my own personal printing adventures. The full light mount for a 5.5 gallon tank and ATO float mount are part of my various systems. I also have many other 3D printer parts, including a convenient cup holder (as seen below), various mounts and spacers, other ATO designs, part of my DIY auto feeder, and so on.
