Doable? I need a part that will probably best be made by casting (it's got some really weird geometry), but I only need one of them.
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Aug. 13, 2010 10:14 a.m. DILYSI Dave SuperDork
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Aug. 13, 2010 10:19 a.m. 914Driver SuperDork
How big? If only one, why not whittle it out of stock? Ever hear of the lost wax process?
Dan
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Aug. 13, 2010 10:49 a.m. Ojala New Reader
Depending on your coding skills it is very doable. Some of the newer 3D makerbot kits are down in the $500 and under range. There are even DIY five axis and plasma kits that you can buy these days for a very reasonable sum. The primary limitation is cost relative to the size of work you need to accomplish. This of course assumes you have some above average code monkey and EE skills.
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Aug. 13, 2010 10:54 a.m. tuna55 HalfDork
Yeah man, lost wax is a great process. A good investment casting place should be able to handle it all from a CAD file, and low volumes are their thing. Look for places specializing in either investment casting or rapid prototyping.
The process is flat out beautiful - I highly recommend that you go and watch if they let you.
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Aug. 13, 2010 11:02 a.m. 93gsxturbo Reader
Email or call me with questions, I do this all the time but dont want to do a whole write-up on it.
920-7two eight dash 13four 2
aacthree at g mail dot com
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Aug. 13, 2010 11:43 a.m. Josh Dork
93gsxturbo wrote:
I do this all the time but dont want to do a whole write-up on it.
I can think of a magazine that might want to pay you to
.
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Aug. 13, 2010 12:01 p.m. wearymicrobe Reader
DILYSI Dave wrote:
Doable? I need a part that will probably best be made by casting (it's got some really weird geometry), but I only need one of them.
What tolerance do you need? We do it here but away have to machine the part afterword.
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Aug. 13, 2010 2:53 p.m. erohslc Reader
The newest 3D printers can build wax or sand directly from CAD.
"If you can dream it, we can build it ...."
For a fee, of course.
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Aug. 13, 2010 3:15 p.m. DILYSI Dave SuperDork
wearymicrobe wrote:
DILYSI Dave wrote:
Doable? I need a part that will probably best be made by casting (it's got some really weird geometry), but I only need one of them.
What tolerance do you need? We do it here but away have to machine the part afterword.
Tolerance isn't critical. The part that is can be machined as a secondary operation. The part that isn't can be worked to suite with a die grinder.
It's a part similar to this, but with a WAY different turbo flange - http://www.z10eng.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=3&products_id=47
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Aug. 13, 2010 3:17 p.m. DILYSI Dave SuperDork
erohslc wrote:
The newest 3D printers can build wax or sand directly from CAD.
"If you can dream it, we can build it ...."
For a fee, of course.
Didn't know that they were building with wax. I've used ones that build with plastic, but I don't think it would be suitable for investment casting. a 3D print in wax would be directly usable for investment casting, vs. having to use plastic to make a pattern. An investment cast would need a lot less secondary work. Hmmm...
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Aug. 13, 2010 3:25 p.m. wearymicrobe Reader
DILYSI Dave wrote:
erohslc wrote:
The newest 3D printers can build wax or sand directly from CAD.
"If you can dream it, we can build it ...."
For a fee, of course.
Didn't know that they were building with wax. I've used ones that build with plastic, but I don't think it would be suitable for investment casting. a 3D print in wax would be directly usable for investment casting, vs. having to use plastic to make a pattern. An investment cast would need a lot less secondary work. Hmmm...
They build with a bunch of stuff now, some of the higer end printers can take multiple cartridges. So metal, plastic, wax on the same piece.
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Aug. 13, 2010 3:38 p.m. VanillaSky HalfDork
Why am I now wanting a 3D printer?
Did I ever tell you guys that my wife doesn't like me hanging out here too much?
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Aug. 13, 2010 4:24 p.m. Marty! Dork
Last night I was watching American Chopper and noticed that they had a wax model of the bike they were building. I thought that was pretty cool (and expensive!) and wondered what type of machine did that.
Then today you guys start talking about 3d printers. I never knew these things existed! I want one though it is a little out of my price range. I think I might have to wait until the prices come down and Wal-Mart starts selling them before I get one.
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Aug. 13, 2010 4:34 p.m. erohslc Reader
But wait! They are working on a deal where the 'ink' consists of tiny nano metal balls, coated with a braze/solder layer. The part gets 'built' by the 3D printer. Then it's sintered in a furnace to re-melt the braze/solder layer, fusing the balls, resulting in a solid metal piece that can be used as-is.
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Aug. 13, 2010 4:53 p.m. John Brown SuperDork
I wants can't haz. Poor storage lacking Mofo.
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Aug. 13, 2010 7:00 p.m. pirate New Reader
This is from Jay Leno's Garage site. It is a 3d printer in action. If the link doesn't work copy and paste to your browser:
http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/nextengines-3d-scanner/944641/
Unfortunatly you have to wait through the 15 second commercial.
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Aug. 18, 2011 7:02 p.m. tdunigan
Metro Rapid Prototyping at www.metrorp.com does this all the time.
Rapid Prototyping Samples - Casting Patterns
Casting Patterns
SL models can be used as plaster cast patterns or investment cast patterns.
Models can be produced solid or in hollow "Quickcast" style for ceramic molds.
Quickcast is a process used by the machine to build the part with an interior honeycomb structure instead of being solid. This allows for easier and quicker melting in the investment casting process. Although wax thermojet printers are very useful, they can not always produce the details or quality in the master pattern as needed, nor is the wax as durable.
Wax printers also have a size limitation and if a large part was produced, it would be very heavy, especially to ship. Quickcast patterns are extremely light, yet hold their shape when handled. These patterns can be made up to 20" x 20" x 23" on our machines.
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Aug. 18, 2011 7:52 p.m. jstand New Reader
erohslc wrote:
But wait! They are working on a deal where the 'ink' consists of tiny nano metal balls, coated with a braze/solder layer. The part gets 'built' by the 3D printer. Then it's sintered in a furnace to re-melt the braze/solder layer, fusing the balls, resulting in a solid metal piece that can be used as-is.
I've had parts made through laser sintering. Surface finish was rough, but the part was accurate enough to use in a cadaver lab.
There are several companies out there that do 3d printing and offer overnight or 2 day delivery for a premium. I don't want to advertise for any one, but if anyone needs the names send me an email or pm.
Be careful when selection the 3d printing process. Some don't have the resolution to poduce small details. If you don't need fine detail (<.010"), then you can even have parts made in Ultem or other high performance polymers.
Joe
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Aug. 18, 2011 8:15 p.m. fast_eddie_72 Dork
Crap. I am a member of a place here in Denver called Club Workshop. They have one of these machines. Now I have to go learn how this works.
