grow out rack

[mpgrant77]

I would imagine any gap between the tiles is going to slow down growth. When I glue an encrusted plug to a grow out tile it takes a long time to bridge the gap. I don't think the flaw design is in the printed rack but the tiles. I wouldn't use 9 individual tiles, rather a larger scored tile that could be easily broken along partial perforations. I know this may depart from a 3D printing business but it is another way to go and I've seen some online hobbyist use similar ideas.

While that may be true with encrusting SPS the true intention for the racks are softies and zoas which would have no problem crossing a gap between tiles. The tiles do however fit really close together. At least the ocean wonder tiles I bought do.

 

[mpgrant77]

It is interesting to hear everyone's opinions. What I am finding interesting with designing new products for this hobby and selling them is the individuality of each hobbyist. There are some general designs that work good for a lot of people but not perfect for everyone. I think it stems from the individuality of each person's tank. There really is no common system in the reef community. Each setup is different and a lot of hobbyists are not scared to try something different. I actually tried putting a group of fairly well known people together in the freshwater shrimp hobby for a product design. I got everyone's opinions for an organizer for the tools used in planted aquariums. It was supposed to be a small tool organizer that had a handle to carry to your tanks and do the maintenance. By the time I tapped out it turned into almost a rolling janitor cart. LOL. The point is keep the ideas coming. Sometimes a single idea for a product can split into multiple products or a product line. I will always evaluate the design and manufacturability of the product along with market viability.

 

[Neurovet]

This is interesting and I can appreciate the challenge of making everyone happy...but isn't that the value of a 3D printing company? The ease of customization. As an owner of a 3D printing company myself I have quickly learned that mass producing generic product is by additive modeling is not nearly as economical as traditional cast/mold techniques. But its the ability to suit an individuals needs that makes our companies relevant.

 

[mpgrant77]

Somewhere in between. Lower volume products with the ability to customize. Customizing takes time which I do no problem but costs extra for your design time. Most people would rather chose an item from a line of unique products. Offering 8 different colors allows enough customization for the customer while remaining standard in design. As you know then with printing it is not as easy as push the button and watch it print. Each new item printed may require redesign and printer tweeks to make it print the way you want it to. So printing something different each time is not cost effective unless you charge extra which most people are not looking to pay for.