TXE36

http://www.racecar-engineering.com/a...dge-of-racing/

I have to admit this 3d printing stuff is looking better every day. The article is a bit technical, but think the of the customization possible with tech like this.

We already use this stuff at work with plastics for prototypes. Metals open up another world.

-Mike

Cory M

Yeah, the Direct Metal Laser Sintering is pretty crazy to watch, and you can make some very detailed 3D geometries with internal features that would be impossible to machine. Material properties are hard to come by though as most of the testing I have seen is done by the companies themselves. Cool stuff for prototype testing and small part runs.

Matt Romanowski

There is an article out there where an F1 team used this to print their rollbar and pass the strength requirements. They have also been using 3D printing in plastics to make investment castings for years. Very cool stuff.

333pg333

My understanding is that the metals they use are more porous than we'd need in certain applications. Won't be long though. 3D print the motor!

Cory M

The suppliers I have visited claim similar properties to forged metals but I find it hard to believe. It's really slick though and a trip to watch the laser moving fast and sparking on the titanium dust.

here's a short video on some bike parts that shows the basic process:

http://www.bikerumor.com/2012/08/16/...us-the-future/

J richard

Yep my little bro is a rocket engineer, the fully fabricate end use components using the process. Maximum effectiveness of material with no compromise of fabrication technique. The end product is effectively laser welded out of the base metal used. Now even doing it on a large scale with very high strength concrete to produce structures. Very cool stuff.

Veloce Raptor

Y'all call me when we are able to 3-D print this:

Matt Romanowski

Thanks for that great addition to the thread

J richard

VR il give it a go, but I'll need the original for detailed surface scans...

333pg333

Certainly the way of the future. Wonder how long it will be before they will be able to make body panels with various changes to test Aero differences. Straight from the CFD to the printer and pop out a new splitter/fender/hood....whatever. DZ it onto the body and go test it. They'll be doing it trackside soon...

sundog

Lots of talks about 3D printed parts on Aircraft and Rockets at the AIAA conference last week. We will be flying some printed Titanium parts on the James Webb Space Telescope. They have some very good properties.

Plavan

Blah- Old news..... I have been 3D printing ABS plastic parts (Brackets, prototypes, etc) for race cars since Xmas 2013 (Xmas gift from wife)

Its a great tool, period. I double check fitment, then CNC if I need the part in aluminum. The ABS plastic (100% Fill) parts are plenty tough and strong! I would be hesitant using PLA plastic other than for prototypes.

Its really cool to go into the house, mess with a CAD program, and spit out a part in an hour or two. I have been making parts for my 818R race car and it is awesome. (Some guys are buying them also)

The only bad thing...It is like owning a truck.... everyone wants to use it.

Its only going to get better down the road. It is an exciting tool.

Examples- Radiator Mount with OEM Rubber insert.



Another mount- Using a simple CAD program.


Then you find yourself making all sorts of crap for around the house (Razor holders for the shower, Frother holder to attach to the Keurig coffee maker, little Lego men and toys for the kid....its endless)

My wife thinks I'm crazy because I made scale model cars to the blueprint of our new house (2 more months until we move!). I wanted to see how many cars I could fit into my dream garage :P.




My wife just shakes her head. I tell her it all her fault for the cool Xmas present.

gums

there are even dental applications, this is how Invisalign is made.
And some guys are buying 3D printers and making their own, in office.

95m3racer

If anyone has any commercial 3D Printing or Rapidprototyping projects let me know, launched a new business and am looking for some projects/clients for case studies.

We used 3D printing intake manifolds for FSAE 15 years ago, and the team is still using them today. It allowed us to make internal structures and velocity stacks inside an enclosed plenum that could not be built any other way...its an amazing technology, but you do need the commercial/professional machines that are setup and run properly to get good results. Crap in = crap out