3D printing...

[league_of_ordinary_men]

We have the flexible filament and some awesome glow in the dark filament too.

[AndyD]

I'm following this thread with interest. At R30K I could almost justify the cost of one just for making out own labelling in house. Some months I spend upwards of R3K on engraved traffolite labels alone.

[adrianh]

3D printing is a fairly slow process that is definitely inappropriate for making labels. It is great for making replacement and bespoke components.

The answer to your problem is to build a 3d printer fitted with a small rotary tool like a Dremel and use it as a cnc engraver. All the parts are available off the shelf in kit form.

[AndyD]

Thanks for the suggestion. Is it just the speed that would make it inappropriate for making labels? How long do you think it would take to make say a 300 mm x 15mm label?

[adrianh]

It will take 1000 times longer than an engraver. Remember that the engraver only has to remove a tiny bit of material whereas the 3D printer has to add a huge amount of material.