http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php Shapeways: Bring your creativity to life in 3D http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=59389&th=12199#msg_59389 I have just finished my design and uploaded it here;

http://www.shapeways.com/model/849346/skateboard-longboard-t ool.html?li=my-models&key=030d720464e11be71584036015b52f 6b

and was wondering if anybody could recomend how to reduce the cost - is it a case of the total volume of material in the design , or is it the size block the material would be cut from?

Thanks,
Aaron]]> aarondobie555 2012-12-30T22:19:54-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=59396&th=12199#msg_59396 That means it's going to be expensive.
http://stonysmith.com/wired/VolumeEstimator.asp?L=20&W=2 0&H=170&T=0

3d printed items are not "cut from a larger block".. they start out as powder that is welded together by a laser, or as a liquid that is hardened by UV rays. You pay only for the volume of material consumed.

If you had the option of making the item hollow, then you could reduce the price considerably, but if you want to use it to tighten/loosen bolts.. hollow won't withstand the torque.]]> stonysmith 2012-12-31T00:56:35-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=59404&th=12199#msg_59404

Thanks Again,
Aaron]]> aarondobie555 2012-12-31T12:31:59-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=59474&th=12199#msg_59474 http://www.instructables.com/id/3D-printing-on-the-cheap/]]> Youknowwho4eva 2013-01-02T13:53:50-00:00