3D Printing

[framemaker]

Anyone thought about applications of 3D printing in picture framing?

A framer I work with introduced this amazing technology to me in April when he started working with, and I have been thinking ever since how it could be used.

One of his ideas was that very ornate antique frames, which would cost alot to have carved could be copied and then gilded/finished.

I thought that it could be used to replicate individual ornament, taken from antique frames, this could then be used to make a mould, or if a suitable material is used you would be able to print off the ornament you need and then apply directly to your frame. You would have an online database of all the various frame ornament patterns and simply print what you need - amazing!!!

I was very happy to read in the latest PFM that this type of application is already being done by William Adair in making a replica frame, for a copy of the Declaration of Independence, using a Rapid Prototype machine to print 3D copies of the ornament. These were then used to make a traditional flat type mould to make ornament from composition.

Maybe not going to have one in every home, but as prices come down, this tech is one to watch!

[GeoSpectrum]

I've been thinking exactly the same thoughts. Fancy moulding decoration seems and obvious one but have been scratching my head for other applications. The technology might come into play for niche framers like those who specialise in high end hand finishes, or perhaps be used by companies to offer something other than pasta decorations. I suppose a intricate style of frame, one with holes, slots and fancy decoration etc which would be too expensive to carve out of wood might be possible too.
The price is coming down as well I cant find the URL at the moment but I was looking at a site recently where the price of a 3D printer is around 1000 euros. It was aimed at home DIY use but did look a bit Heath Robinson'ish.

[theframingwizard]

Hi there, Ive looked into this tech in regards to framing too. It does look promising for small decorations etc but would be far too expensive to produce something large like a whole frame. There are other Rapid prototying methods that are cheaper but still you'd be looking at (at a guess) £1/gram of finished product. Might try to get me some custom pasta CNC'd from mdf. Do you think there would be enough material to survive the cnc milling? has anyone actually done anything like this before commercially?
mike

[Not your average framer]

If you are looking at producing moulds for creating frame ornaments from, the spark errosion is probably significantly more cost effective than 3D printing.

Having said all that, I must admit that a 3D printer would be a fun tool to have!

[theframingwizard]

hmm, thats a good idea Mark. Theres a guy down the road that does spark erosion too..
Does anyone know of a source of 3D CAD models for decorations? Would only be used as a tester, not commercially. I could make one but its a reasonably complex model and my cad skills are a little rusty (and i'm lazy!)
thanks

xmsx

[simoonez]

I think this is an exciting technology indeed. I have a friend who is a model maker who says the price is coming down fast. The technology involved is apparently quite simple, and as a result there's quite a few 'home brewers' making their own machines.
This said the materials used to print are still a bit pricey.
In terms of frame making, I can't see it being useful beyond corner ornamentation?
If they fulfil their promise though and you can pick up machines for a couple of hundred and download catalogues of designs, then it may be well worth it.

[framemaker]

Here is a link to another example of it being used to make a frame:

http://www.directdimensions.com/port_pr ... VI%20Frame

A very limited use I could think of is with object framing where you could make a support or stand to hold the thing being framed.

[JohnMcafee]

I wonder does anyone have a 3D CMC head in the pipeline.

[stcstc]

they exsist, but more on stuff like cmc router tables

and can cost less that a cmc

here is an example

http://www.multicam.com/eng/Products/ro ... 4QodShh9lg