http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php Shapeways: Bring your creativity to life in 3D http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=59943&th=12334#msg_59943
1) Is it best to not have nested parts, such as the valve pistons, which could be part of the model or could be separated out as 3 individual parts?
(Value Springs, too)

2) How best to handle threaded items, such as screw caps or items that thread onto a second part? Can they be done as part of the same model or should these threaded parts be unique pieces?

3) With my model, at least one tube part needs to be inserted and slide freely inside of a second tube for the tuning mechanism. This is how tuning is done on a trumpet or trombone. Are there any tricks with the process to make this happen best? Should the tuning slide tube part be a separate piece from the body of the horn?

I have always thought casting would be an interesting way to make a horn, but the weight was the killer. The DMLS process is very promising for new trumpet models. New options for shaping the horn seem very possible.]]> Passagemedia 2013-01-09T22:25:51-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=60029&th=12334#msg_60029
1. In stainless you can't nest parts, or have multiple parts in a file.

2. Because of stainless prints resolution and potential for warping, it's best to thread yourself.

3. Any moving parts, you'd have to have in separate files, and if you want them to slide like a tuning slide, you're going to have a lot of polishing to do.

A couple additional notes:
1. The max bounding box for stainless is 1000x450x250mm (not a very big trumpet) so you'd probably have to do separate pieces, and weld them together

2. Cleanablity. You have to make sure the operator can clean out unused steel so it doesn't fuse closed any pipes

3. Price, Stainless is $8 per cubic cm plus $6 handling fee and shipping. Your trumpet would not be cheap. ]]> Youknowwho4eva 2013-01-11T13:58:42-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=60033&th=12334#msg_60033
With regard to the tuning slide — is the need for polishing because the stainless steel material is a rough or pitted finish?
As a working process the tuning slide(s) will be separate parts. The exposed end that is inserted into the other piping could easily be buffed on a grinding wheel to get it polished up.

Just a side note, on cost: not that we will make a Monette horn, but the Dave Monette products run from about $9500 upwards to $16K! More than a decade ago I played a $4500 horn while on tour. Maybe we can make something close and make some money or monette. ]]> Passagemedia 2013-01-11T15:53:49-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=60034&th=12334#msg_60034 Youknowwho4eva 2013-01-11T16:06:29-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=60036&th=12334#msg_60036
Also.. the Shapeways process is not DMLS. They use an 'organic binder' to adhere the steel particles, and then the particles are fused together in a kiln. DMLS uses a laser or electron beam to fuse the particles.]]> stonysmith 2013-01-11T16:59:21-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=60052&th=12334#msg_60052 You are dead on. Wall thickness in the bell section should be 1.2mm max. Traditionally a bead roll on the outer bell rim has been for integrity, adding some thickness. There are sections where walls are thicker, and maintaining a specific tube bore is critical to functional tuning once it's built.

Maybe exploring the DMLS process a bit further is the thing to do, as that process can go thinner with metals.

This is a cool area that is exploding. The potential to design differently – because we can – will make things very exciting!]]> Passagemedia 2013-01-11T21:16:16-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=60062&th=12334#msg_60062 stannum 2013-01-12T00:34:52-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=60089&th=12334#msg_60089 Does it really need 3mm? that seems really thick for things like jewelry.
]]> Passagemedia 2013-01-12T17:35:23-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=60090&th=12334#msg_60090 stonysmith 2013-01-12T17:43:48-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=60106&th=12334#msg_60106 stannum 2013-01-13T00:53:36-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=60224&th=12334#msg_60224
Does anyone know enough about investment casting to know if tubing, such as found in a trumpet, can be handled with this method?
Seems like hollow and deep would be a problem, but I don't know enough to know what I don't know. ;>)

But, I could make my model and sub-parts from some of the plastics on Shapeways, and use it (them) for an investment casting, provided this process would work.

Any thoughts to viability given the shape of my model?]]> Passagemedia 2013-01-14T22:01:53-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=60251&th=12334#msg_60251
a thought from left-field perhaps, but how about using silver for some or all of the parts? If you are willing to spend 16,000 USD ... lol

I don't know about the tonality etc but it would certainly be a talking point!

Good luck, sounds like a very interesting project]]> AmLachDesigns 2013-01-15T11:10:58-00:00