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Old 18-10-2017, 00:30   #1
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3D printing parts

I while back I discovered the free 3D design software Sketchup and have desgined a few thungs around the boat to remedy nuisances or to build a part that's no longer available.

This is a catch for the cooler door that had no way of staying open. Now, I can grab a beer with one hand!

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This is the end of the genoa track that would otherwise stub my toes.

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Here is the engine STOP handle that was broken when I bought the boat (there was only a wire sticking out)

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And here is the top plate of a Barient winch that you can no longer find spare parts for.

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The oldest of these parts have been on the boat outdoors, year round UV for 4 years with no discernible degradation. And the largest part, the winch top plate, cost $60 to print.

I think there is a lot of potential for 3D printing boat parts. I would like to imagine a future where they are as common as wrenches in a workshop.

Does anyone have 3D printed parts on their boat? How/what did you print?
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Old 18-10-2017, 01:28   #2
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Re: 3D printing parts

What material are you printing with that is showing this longevity? I've had issues with 3d printed parts being weak and cracking.
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Old 18-10-2017, 01:30   #3
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Re: 3D printing parts

I use Strong Flexible from shapeways (no affiliation). You upload your design to their website and within a week you yave the part.

https://www.shapeways.com/materials/...exible-plastic
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Old 18-10-2017, 02:03   #4
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Re: 3D printing parts

I considered coating tye parts in epoxy to seal it off from the elements but never got around to it. Looking at how they held up so far, I am happy with the longevity but I am sure it could benefit in the long run.
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Old 18-10-2017, 02:13   #5
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Re: 3D printing parts

Quote:
Originally Posted by hd002e View Post
I use Strong Flexible from shapeways (no affiliation). You upload your design to their website and within a week you yave the part.

https://www.shapeways.com/materials/...exible-plastic
Interesting,
The parts I had problems with were PLA.
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Old 18-10-2017, 02:46   #6
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Re: 3D printing parts

There are three plastics that is used for 3D printing: PLA and ABS. ABS is the stronger one, (trivea: Lego blocks are made out of ABS). There is also PETg but not as widely used (as yet).

Here is some very good general info:
https://www.3dhubs.com/what-is-3d-printing
https://all3dp.com/

Hmm, have been looking to buy a 3D printer to play with. Happy to receive recommendations.

If long-livety is a problem (in plastic), just print another one in a few years' time? Maybe in 10 years' time metal 3D printing will become within reach of us mere mortals.
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Old 18-10-2017, 02:50   #7
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Re: 3D printing parts

I'm testing some printed belaying pins on my boat. One is Nylon, one ABS, and one Nylon-12. The last is the awesomest in terms of feel and finish, but the guy I'm testing them for said it was significantly more expensive.
We'll see how they all hold up to perpetual exposure--that's the biggest question with all plastics, IMO.
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Old 18-10-2017, 07:22   #8
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Re: 3D printing parts

Quote:
Originally Posted by Benz View Post
I'm testing some printed belaying pins on my boat. One is Nylon, one ABS, and one Nylon-12. The last is the awesomest in terms of feel and finish, but the guy I'm testing them for said it was significantly more expensive.
We'll see how they all hold up to perpetual exposure--that's the biggest question with all plastics, IMO.


Belaying pins? Very traditional! Please post if you have photos, I would be curious to see.
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Old 18-10-2017, 07:52   #9
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Re: 3D printing parts

We have started prototyping parts for work but nothing in production. We did quote a customer to build a custom relay holder and 3D print them but never got an order.
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Old 18-10-2017, 08:21   #10
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Re: 3D printing parts

Quote:
Originally Posted by hd002e View Post
I while back I discovered the free 3D design software Sketchup and have desgined a few thungs around the boat to remedy nuisances or to build a part that's no longer available.

This is a catch for the cooler door that had no way of staying open. Now, I can grab a beer with one hand!

<Image Snip>

This is the end of the genoa track that would otherwise stub my toes.

<Image Snip>

Here is the engine STOP handle that was broken when I bought the boat (there was only a wire sticking out)

<Image Snip>

And here is the top plate of a Barient winch that you can no longer find spare parts for.

<Image Snip>

The oldest of these parts have been on the boat outdoors, year round UV for 4 years with no discernible degradation. And the largest part, the winch top plate, cost $60 to print.

I think there is a lot of potential for 3D printing boat parts. I would like to imagine a future where they are as common as wrenches in a workshop.

Does anyone have 3D printed parts on their boat? How/what did you print?
I have managed to print PETG, Nylon, ABS, and PE on my printer so far.

I also have a spool of TPU, which is flexible, that I hope to experiment with this winter - great for rubber bumpers, handle covers, and such.

I think it is great that you have found uses for 3D printed object around the boat. I especially like the replacement part for the self tailing winch.

Thanks for sharing.

-BC
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Old 18-10-2017, 09:51   #11
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Re: 3D printing parts

https://www.i3dgear.com/online-store
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Old 20-10-2017, 15:27   #12
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Re: 3D printing parts

Quote:
Originally Posted by hd002e View Post
Belaying pins? Very traditional! Please post if you have photos, I would be curious to see.
This is the ABS one
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Old 20-10-2017, 19:13   #13
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Re: 3D printing parts

Here is also a previous thread on CF:
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ts-186042.html
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Old 20-10-2017, 22:44   #14
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Re: 3D printing parts

I have a FlashForge Dreamer and print many useful objects for around the house and boat. Recent prints for the boat in ABS are:
1) Tip for the end of fishing rod
2) Window latches. Photo attached. Left is original, right is the print.

[IMG][/IMG]


I have found if I can CAD it, I can print it. The big thing is to print the piece sufficiently strong, which is achieved by the internal fill rate and print program.

I am interested to read BlueChicago has TPU which is flexible while strong. I have not used yet, but looks like it needs to be my next material to try. Most of my prints to date take less than an hour from idea to CD to print.
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Old 05-01-2018, 13:26   #15
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Re: 3D printing parts

Recently did another project around the boat to replace reading lights to LED. What I used is a cheap IKEA desk lamp (model HARTE) that I hacked and then CAD designed and 3D printed brackets for it to be bulkhead mounted.

The IKEA lamp is a beauty and very easy to modify. It is powered by USB and comes with a long wire.

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