3D printer/printing

[bibleje]

I'm not sure this is the proper place to ask but I'll give it a shot and then move if it is not.  I am interested in purchasing a table top 3D printer for myself.  I will be using Inventor as the design software.  I know there are very many items to consider when making my choice (price, media, size) but I value other people's opinion.  I will say price is a consideration as I have somewhat limited funds.  Other than that, I am open to suggestions.

IV 2014 (when I get a chance to load it)

XP-Pro

8 gig ram

2 gig video ram (nVidia Quadro)

Thank you,

John E. Bible

[blair]

I would look at a 3D printing service, if price/cost is a major consideration. Those units don't come cheap and unless you are doing a lot of 3D printing it would be cheaper to outsource.

[JDMather]

What build size envelope do you need?

What ballpark can you afford to play in?

If really limited

http://cubify.com/cube/index.aspx?tb_cube_learn

little less limited

http://cubify.com/cubex/

if you can afford 10-20 times that for better/larger machines there are a lot more choices.

(these might be considered toys)

If you can't afford $1,300 USD then there are some "homebrew" options, but they require some tinkering.

Don't forget material costs (how much did your inkjet printer cost?  what about replacement ink cartridges?).

[bibleje]

The CubeX is a very nice consideration JD.  Thanks for reinforcing my inclination.

John E. Bible

[JDMather]

I am not sure I would consider it in the professional ballpark.

Get them to make some parts for you before making purchase.