Well not any printer. Few printers have stationary beds (which I think would be desirable). It's true I could use a rostock but the issue there is that most of the print volume for those machines is in the x axis (if I'm not mistaken). ;) Without a hammer, though, you're right, any bot could do it.
I think that for very small wires there would indeed be some flexing issues but, if one used larger gauge wires and a very very small "hammer" (small but fast!) I think it would be worth the (theoretically) increased part durability.
As for adding other fillers, yes that is an awesome idea. This way you get the surface hardness and durability of steel (or whatever). Thanks for your input!
If there are any machinists out there who care to chime in, I'm curious if this small hammer approach could be used to work harden as well, after the initial weld. Would this lead to better material characteristics?
I think that for very small wires there would indeed be some flexing issues but, if one used larger gauge wires and a very very small "hammer" (small but fast!) I think it would be worth the (theoretically) increased part durability.
As for adding other fillers, yes that is an awesome idea. This way you get the surface hardness and durability of steel (or whatever). Thanks for your input!
If there are any machinists out there who care to chime in, I'm curious if this small hammer approach could be used to work harden as well, after the initial weld. Would this lead to better material characteristics?