I'm doing an engine rebuild at the mo and could do with some new tinware (and some new everything else’s too). Looking at the prices of them, I was wondering whether they could be 3D printed instead, might be more pricey to start with, but it ain’t rusting! Anyone 3D printed anything before? Any good? Still too in it’s infancy?
I started reading about it and basic printing can do 85° with higher quality composites doing 130+. How hot can it get round the engine? Normal engine temps are about 90° aren’t they?
Even if the plastic doesn't melt into a liquid, it will melt enough to fall onto various engine bits, exhaust etc and cause a mess and problems. Metal tin wear for the win.
I’m not convinced about 3D printing to replace metal parts. But it’s ideal for many restoration applications. I used 3D printed parts to fix my indicator switch recently.
They don't give much away do they - it shows you how it works, without actually showing you how it works!
The plastic is reasonably priced depending on its characteristics I believe. And the printers are fairly spendy. Though my brother bought a £200 Chinese copy of a £2k printer. And then used it to print upgraded parts to convert it into a £2k printer. So in his case, you’re probably right!
Replacing metal with plastic!! Does remind me of my fathers prank of replacing someones single cylinder motorcycle piston with a wooden one, way back in the 50's. Ran well for a short while but after a lot of clattering when he took the barrel off and could not find any piston!
When I bought my 3D printer the first prints were all upgrades for the machine itself. As for using it for VW related goodies I've not found anything yet, but I'm sure there will be something that breaks that I can CAD and print.
Our 3D printer was 80k .. very quick and produce quality stuff .. great for honeycomb stuff or prototypes but I can fabricate most stuff ..
