***CLEAR*** HP-85 FS on E-bay

From: Joe <rigdonj_at_cfl.rr.com>
Date: Thu Sep 25 15:49:36 2003

At 02:27 PM 9/25/03 -0500, you wrote:
>On Thu, 25 Sep 2003, Bryan Pope wrote:
>> And thusly Tothwolf spake:
>>
>> > Clear cases are usually made just prior to any texture being added to
>> > the production molds. Usually they are used for engineering purposes
>> > (making sure it all fits), but sometimes they will also use those
>> > cases for demo/promotional purposes too.
>>
>> Just a thought....
>>
>> Is there any *other* way to tell that this is an original? What if
>> somebody went and made a new clear plastic case and replaced a normal
>> case? How much does a normal cased HP-85 go for?
>>
>> The 3D printers out there are getting cheaper... (relatively!)
>
>I seriously doubt someone (at this point) would make up a new case with a
>laser system.


   I've seen cases made with 3-D lasers (my old employer was a pioneer with
the process). They're very rough. The process leaves DISTINCT ripples in
the surfaces and it's obvious that they're not normal cases. The chemicals
used in the process are VERY expensive. In addition you would need a 3-D
CAD drawing to operate the lasers. The process is MUCH to difficult and
expensive for use in making fake cases, especailly for something like an
HP-85 that's usually cheap (<$100) to begin with.

   Joe


Making molds to create just a few cases the old fashioned
>way would also be extremely costly, so I don't think we have to worry
>about it just yet. Maybe in another 5-10 years though...
>
>-Toth
>
Received on Thu Sep 25 2003 - 15:49:36 BST