| Greetings [message #32307] Tue, 09 August 2011 00:09 UTC |
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I'm an IT manager for a living and a medieval armor maker in my spare time.
I am trying to prototype some tools which are multi-part and in use will be under load, what material would you recommend?
thanks,
Steve
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| Re: Greetings [message #32308 is a reply to message #32307 ] Tue, 09 August 2011 00:36 UTC |
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Welcome!
The Shapeways response is that all items are for decorative purposes only. What kind of load will they be under? WSF (White strong and flexable) is strong, but flexable. So under a load it will flex. Stainless, is Steel so it's very strong and won't flex much.
The Mad Moder
michael@shapeways.com
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| Re: Greetings [message #32312 is a reply to message #32308 ] Tue, 09 August 2011 01:41 UTC |
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Thank you for the reply.
I am prototyping a pair of compound force pliers. I don't need them to "work" but i do need to be able to apply force and not have them flex to test the proportions and/or fitment.
Thanks again,
Steve
P.S. I have been "whoring" this site to everyone i know.. love it.
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| Re: Greetings [message #32352 is a reply to message #32312 ] Tue, 09 August 2011 16:15 UTC |
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Ya know, what would be really nice is some form of "cast iron", like a sintered JBweld...
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| Re: Greetings [message #32369 is a reply to message #32355 ] Tue, 09 August 2011 21:11 UTC |
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Thank you for your feedback..
If I could afford the uptake in cost between the grey robust and the steel i would do it in a heartbeat
would Grey Robust or Alumide be more rigid?
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| Re: Greetings [message #32404 is a reply to message #32307 ] Wed, 10 August 2011 14:00 UTC |
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The Grey Robust material (ABS) is used for hand tool prototypes in industry, and sometimes even for direct tooling with certain forming operations. Keep in mind that it is weaker along the layer plane, so you may have to compensate for that in your design (and hope it is printed in the correct orientation). To get a good fit and realistic clearances, I recommend printing the parts separately and using metal for the hinges, fasteners, etc. You can also reinforce the part with a metal rod insert, blend the layer grain with a solvent, and a variety of other post-process tricks.
Aaron - 40westdesigns.com/blog
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| Re: Greetings [message #32411 is a reply to message #32404 ] Wed, 10 August 2011 16:24 UTC |
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Thank you for all your advice.
come payday I'll be placing my first order.
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