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Alexander - I stated that we would match the $0.346/cm^3 price. Do you need me to load each file and quote each part? We have the uPrint SE Plus printer. We would very much like to work with U of M students - I am a U of M graduate.
I would do the job in PLA for $180-$200 (shipping included), but my current printer has an 8"x8"x3.5" build area, so I don’t know if it’s big enough for all the parts. I am definitely interested in printing higher volume discount orders, and as far as I know I’m the cheapest in Minnesota.
I would almost do it for free if you let me hit the big red button to launch the rocket… hahaha
HeHe you are a genius!
Hi Alexander,
I’ve checked the files and would like to know, what infill percentage you thought of.
All of those parts are surely printable, but I wouldn’t recommend ABS as the printing material, unless there’s a very important feature, that only ABS has.
Of course PLA is too brittle and the risk, that one of those parts will break is there.
However there are alternative materials, for example Colorfabb’s “XT” or Taulman3d’s “Alloy 910”, “Bridge” or even “T-Glase”.
All of those, and especially “Nylon Bridge” and “Alloy 910” are very strong.
In regards to shrinkage (which will be the biggest problem for ABS prints, you’d be on the safe site will all of these materials.
Especially “T-Glase” does barely shrink, I’m talking about <0,3% shrinkage, whereas I experienced 5-10% shrinkage for ABS depending on the part.
Printing 16 of those “Finger Armors” is a pretty big order (beside those other parts, however my printer has one of the largest build volumes available, the print surface measures 27x29cm or 10,5x11,5".
The maximum height is well beyond what you need ( 7" ).
I could start printing within 24h and would most likely ship the parts at the end of the week.
The final price will depend on your material choise, but you can expect something similar to the following:
ABS: 180-200$ (+20-30$ for acetone treatment, which increases the strength and gives a smoother surface)
XT: 220$
Bridge: 225$
T-Glase: 240$
Alloy910: 250$
Some notes about the materials:
Bridge has the best layer-to-layer bonding strength
Alloy910 is the stiffest and has the best physical strength)
T-Glase is similar to XT, but has the lowest shrinkage factor.
“XT” is the cheapest of the four, has good layer bonding strength and is very durable
Bridge is a Nylon and has therefore a very smooth, nearly slippery surface, it’s barely glueable and will take up moisture, which will weaken the print by a little bit.
ABS can be smoothed with acetone to get a stronger object (still not as strong as any of the ones listed above). ABS does shrink a lot, which means, that you can expect a hole-displacement of approx. 2-5+% unless the holes are on the printbed.
the ABS shrinkage is also a big problem for tall parts, there CAN (dont have to) be cracks between layers for prints that are taller then 5cm.
In conclusion:
Alloy 910 would be the very best material, it is developed for industrial purpose. Alloy 910 is the strongest and most expensive material, it doesn’t suffer problems by shrinking, it’s glueable and you can machine it afterwards (drilling etc.).
XT is the cheapest alternative to ABS and provides very good physical properties, that will easily reach your expectations.
Bridge and “T-Glase” are alternatives if you want something inbetween XT and Alloy 910.
I hope to hear from you,
Marius Breuer
PS: even though I posted the link earlier, here’s my hub:
Hey Alexander, Former U student here that would love to help 
I would need to have the files for an exact quote however based on the image you uploaded I would ballpark 350-400 with vapor smoothing a potential option also. https://www.3dhubs.com/minneapolis/hubs/schmidt-engineering Sam
You’re selling me, thank you for your persistence. I’ve sent a more detailed message to your hub.
For those of you following this thread: my mind was changed when I heard of the different materials offered. If we need to adjust any of the parts after they’ve been received, the ability to safely machine them is too good of a capability to overlook.
This is a really cool design! Any chance you will post photos/videos when it is done?
Hey Alex,
If you would still prefer to work with a local, US based printer I would be happy to print in any of the materials mentioned by Marius. It sounds like you’re still learning how “deep the rabbit hole goes” with 3d printing options 
I have a few thoughts about part optimization, longevity and work-ability although I would need to know more about your design needs to optimize the parts.
Sam
PS. If you or your team has questions or would like to have a QA regarding 3d-printing/materials and how it effects your design feel free to give me a call. 651-208-1792
Haha, well said! Indeed.
I’ll give you a call tomorrow afternoon.
At what resolution and amount of shells are you printing, that it takes 96hrs to complete just one of those fingers ? Or are you talking about 96 hrs for all 16 fingers ?
Given the first assumption to be true it would take 2,5 months to complete this order (just printing time), this seems ridicolous.
Cheers,
Marius
that’s for all 16, single printed
Sounds good, I also took the liberty of printing one of your motor mounts which I would like to get to you sometime this week ( you are absolutely welcome to the part even if you decide to go with an other printer) . I think having an example print of one of the actual components in your teams hands will be invaluable in the material selection and print optimization process.
Hey Greg, thanks for your reply. Just a heads up that I moderated your email out. In the future, can you please use a link to your Hub profile as means of contact? Cheers
Hey @Molly_2, are you able to help out or advize on this one?
(Ah crap, wrong reply button! In response to uploading pics of the finished product:) You bet! I will certainly do that. Even after we get all the parts, it’ll likely be sometime mid June that it all comes together. I’ll keep you posted
Everyone: Sorry if I haven’t responded to each of you! It’s finals week here, so I’ve been busy trying to juggle about a dozen conversations on top of studying.
In the interests of my time, I’ve got a narrowed down list of people I’m trying to work with at this point.
Thank you everyone that reached out, and I’m definitely coming back.