So… could you use one to make cavaletti feet/blocks? I am not handy so maybe I am way off base. I just read an article where an individual was using a 3D printer to make pieces for home repairs. There was a plastic brace he designed to fix something and it looked close enough to cavaletti blocks to imagine printing those too. I am not good at this stuff but it looks interesting.
I’m no expert, but I am sure it could be done - for much more than a set would cost elsewhere.
I’ll have to ask my son. He has one but other than some basic parts for repair of various things, I have no idea what he really uses it to produce/make.
It would be cost prohibitive. The printer that can print that large alone is very expensive, and the material costs too.
In 3D printing, complexity of design doesn’t add to the cost to print, unlike other types of manufacture. So 3D printing is best for intricate pieces, unique organic forms or pre-articulated items, which would be impossible to make otherwise, unless by hand.
Injection moulding or blow moulding is best for mass producing simple shapes like cavaletti blocks. But that requires a large volume order to make each piece cost effective.
For cheap and simple at home, get thee some wood!
signed, worked in 3D printing for 6 years
Oh well, the experts have spoken. I guess I will have to get better with a hammer and a drill. Bummer!
It’s cheaper to buy them vs printing.
My son has a 3-d printer and makes all kinds of crazy things. It’s $$ for the good filament.
Theoretically yes, but like others have said…pretty pricey.
I have two 3D printers that I use almost daily for a variety of around-the-house things. They work best for small parts, IMO - think quart mason jar or smaller. I have found them invaluable for re-creating specifically sized hardware that’s no longer made, in-a-pinch hinges etc. when it will be days until I get to the hardware store, things like that. I have a 3D printed buckle on my neck strap that has been in use for well over a year.
I could see 3D-printed jump cups or the cavaletti pole inserts being 3D printed and working well, for example. But I think it would be difficult to make anything as large as an actual block end without highly specialized equipment. You just lose a lot of the benefit of 3D printing the bigger something gets, and strength starts to get iffy.
Although, now that you mention it, I bet 3D-printed pole raisers would work!
Best advice is to sketch out what you’re thinking and find someone who’s experienced to work with you. I enjoy 3D printing as a means unto itself. Getting useful objects out of it is just a fun by product. Kind of like when us mediocre riders have an exceptionally good course now and then