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Questions tagged [3d-printing]

The process of creating three-dimensional objects out of plastic or other materials using a device similar to a printer.

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I'm wondering if the parts I have ordered to be vacuum casted and made have instead been made using 3D printing

The reason why I'm asking this in the first place is that I have observed striations on the parts I have received. I was under the impression that vacuum casted parts would not have striations that ...
Tarasvin's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
110 views

How do I calculate the strength to weight ratio of a material

I want to manufacture something using metal 3d printing. And I'm now choosing the material. Stainless steel is stronger but much heavier than aluminum, so I want to calculate which material can ...
Zyleyus's user avatar
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1 answer
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How to design a gear decoupling system?

I'd like to convert my stupid door lock into a smart one. I already have a gear for the lock knob. Now I'd like to design a gear decoupling system that will be connected between the knob and the motor ...
Defozo's user avatar
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When should a bolt and hole be tapped at an angle, if ever, from a structural/strength standpoint?

Assuming the head of a bolt makes proper contact with its surface and clamps properly, and tapping an angled hole is not an issue, when would an angled bolt and hole (relative to the primary surface) ...
Nubnubbud's user avatar
1 vote
0 answers
42 views

Optimizing fully 3d-printable shaft detent/index mechanism

I am building a vertical-mount deployable tool storage device. Normally, it is in the "locked" position, but when I turn a knob, it becomes unlocked, unfolds, and the tools inside can be ...
Dragongeek's user avatar
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3 answers
52 views

How to stop gear from wiggling despite connected gear being fixed in place?

I have designed and 3D printed a gear system with three gears. Two identical gears at each end with a smaller gear in the center. One of the larger end gears is to be rotated by a stepper motor, the ...
Osz's user avatar
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1 answer
47 views

Why sometimes it is very difficult to tighten the screws when threaded inserts are used?

I designed a part using CAD software to combine it with a mechanical component which already has holes on it. The locations are correct as I have the CAD file for that component from the manufacturer. ...
lovedrinking's user avatar
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21 views

Building CAD Models for simulations and 3D Printing

Is there a tool that allows you to make changes to models so that they can be used for both 3D printing and static simulations in SolidWorks. For example, I want to have a part printed and to deal ...
belza00's user avatar
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3D Printing-Calculate Z-height at a given orientation

I am doing research on Additive Manufacturing/3D printing. Does anyone know a way to calculate the Z-height and support's volume of a 3D object at a specific orientation (specific x, y, z angles)? I ...
Z47's user avatar
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For a given a molten metal (say copper), how do you determine the best material for a 3D printer flatbed? What about circuit board?

Suppose we had a 3D printer that can spew molten metal out of a 0.1mm hot nozzle and that we can control the heat at the last 5mm of the Tungsten hot nozzle's tip. I'm wondering then how would you get ...
D Left Adjoint to U's user avatar
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How are 2D views from a 3D CAD Model stored in STEP-File with Boundary Representation generate for engineers to define details? And why?

I am new in this topic and need some help. There are 3D CAD models (stored as STEP Files with the boundary representation) and some engineers need 2D views of these models for further processing. With ...
user3352632's user avatar
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3 answers
213 views

Solidworks - The protrusion disappears when I enter into sketch mode? What am I doing wrong?

I am fairly new to Solidworks but know basics of it (basic only). The have made a shape (which I have 3D printed as well), but I need to change the dimension of the protrusion now. Here is the design ...
TheTechGuy's user avatar
0 votes
2 answers
63 views

How should I split this part into two?

I’ve attached an image of a part I manufacture using 3d printing. I start with gold filament before switching to black mid-way. I’m hoping to simplify production by printing this as two pieces instead ...
mds's user avatar
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1 vote
2 answers
444 views

Eject Circuit Board From Jig

I have a jig I am working on that accepts a circuit board. When the lever is pressed I would like the board to be ejected to the left - as shown in the image. What I am finding is that the board is ...
Andy's user avatar
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Does this CNC machine exist?

About ten years ago I had an idea for a cnc machine that was meant to basically use multiple axis to airbrush finished milled or printed 3d objects. I still have my detail drawings i worked up for it. ...
Benjamin Barney's user avatar
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1 answer
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XL timing belt missing Dimension!

I'm trying to design and 3d print a XL pulley. I think there is a missing dimension that I can't find in the spec tables. we've got pitch circle, teeth height, belt thickness... but I can't find ...
2012User's user avatar
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1 vote
3 answers
179 views

Achieve mechanically water tight snap-in-place joint

I'm not sure how to ask it but i'll try I want to 3d-print 2 half spheres with a screw cap that then can be clipped once (can't un-clip later) And can be filled with water (lets say its food safe, i'...
Simon's user avatar
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1 vote
1 answer
59 views

Fuzzy texture in soildworks

Is there a way to add a "fuzzy" texture to a body in solidworks? Something like this: The purpose - to 3d print a body with a fuzzy surface to get better bonding Any other ideas to improve ...
Simon's user avatar
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1 vote
0 answers
34 views

Open 3MF File in another Program With Macro

I made a macro a few months ago to save a .3MF (alternative file format to .STL for 3D printing) which I love, but I'd like Solidworks to Auto-open the 3MF with PrusaSlicer when the file is saved. Is ...
Nathan Eads's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
442 views

How is the table of a 3d printer called?

There is this table, flatbed on the 3d printers. I need such a table which can move up and down, and I firmly believe there are such components on the market, but I can't find anything because I am ...
Gregory Kornblum's user avatar
1 vote
0 answers
24 views

Question about tensile test of model from research paper [closed]

In this paper they made a tensile force test on their four different models with four different pore size structure to show that pore size is not affecting on the tensile force. But it seems that they ...
Stainless Steel's user avatar
1 vote
3 answers
205 views

Mechanical joint that break at specific force

I am designing a joint which I want to break at a specific force. I want to design a 2 parts connected by a joint that breaks when a certain amount of force is applied and thus prevent any damage to ...
Shaurya K. Panwar's user avatar
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0 answers
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Is there any cost effective static stress simulation for rapid prototyping (FDM / 3D-printing)?

I've been using the static stress simulation (computed locally) which, until recently, has been free with the Personal licence of Fusion 360. Is there a reasonable alternative? The cost that Autodesk ...
timeSmith's user avatar
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1 vote
0 answers
451 views

Calculating Z-axis Torque on a 3-D Printer

I recently built a large CoreXY 3D printer and I am wondering if my 4 z-axis stepper motors combined will have enough torque to accelerate the build plate with a heavy 3d print. During the building to ...
Feynman137's user avatar
4 votes
4 answers
1k views

Why are many compliant mechanisms only flexible in the joints?

I've been playing around with 3D printing some compliant mechanisms, mostly to get precise linear motion, and I've noticed that many commercial compliant mechanisms are often designed like this: ...
Beacon of Wierd's user avatar
1 vote
0 answers
67 views

What are the limits of small 3D printed gears?

How much tangential force should I expect a 10~20mm pitch diameter/1.5mm gear module 3D printed rack and pinion system to support without breaking nor sliding?
curioso's user avatar
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2 answers
30 views

Sizing a spring

I am attempting to 3D print my own Quad lock mount and require a spring. I've taken some measurements but don't know how to search for where I can buy more springs. Dimensions: 12mm height, 20mm OD. ...
flying_loaf_3's user avatar
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2 answers
55 views

Polypropylene material characterization

I'm trying to make an evaluation of the available 3D printing options of polypropylene and I'm having difficulties comprehending material characteristics that make PP PP-like. I realize this sounds a ...
user2882635's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
148 views

How to calculate the adhesion I need to keep a 3D printed bending part straight?

3D printed parts cool down during printing, resulting in thermal contraction which causes a bending moment and separation from the printing bed. The issue is solved by increasing adhesion to the ...
FarO's user avatar
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1 answer
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Calculating Gearing Ratio from Constrained Rotational Linear Arc and Horizontally Opposed Rotation

I'm 3D printing an aircraft throttle unit as a POC and am trying to calculate the gearing ratios that are required in order transfer the full range of linear motion into a directionally opposed sensor ...
obious's user avatar
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0 answers
46 views

Recommendation of different materials for 3D printing flexible parts

I am planning to 3D print this part from solidworks. I am hoping to achieve a good level of flexibility with the clasps in this part. Thin circular arc in the Top drawing. and Wider circular arc in ...
WnGatRC456's user avatar
0 votes
0 answers
120 views

How to use mesh as a reference object in Solidworks?

Suppose I want to design some device against a scanned 3D model like eyeglasses. I have imported STL model and drew a reference plane by three points of it. I can ...
Dims's user avatar
  • 203
0 votes
1 answer
372 views

3D printer printing out cotton-candy like material after repeated use

I recently purchased a JGMaker Magic 3D printer. It worked well for about 3 months [first picture], but now it is having a lot of trouble. As you can see in the images below, when printing new pieces, ...
Ryan Dehmoubed's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
98 views

Where can I find technical drawings for computer parts?

I want to 3d print a custom computer case, I have the skillset to do so, however, I do not know where to find the technical drawings required. I need drawings for a 280mm Radiator, an ITX Motherboard, ...
ManquX's user avatar
  • 33
2 votes
3 answers
94 views

Small scale manufacturing [closed]

Some background: I am working for an ed-tech startup and we are hoping to release our first product soon but have been hitting a lot of hurdles with our current manufacturing strategy. We want to ...
Ryan Dehmoubed's user avatar
1 vote
3 answers
144 views

Why didn't 3D printing become a standard commodity after around 2012?

Around 2012, you had big news coming out about 3D printing: Things like replacement body parts being produced for about 1% the cost, individuals being able to produce guns off the printer, etc. You ...
Panzercrisis's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
125 views

Can wet welding be done in mineral oil?

I'm interested in knowing whether or not submerged welding can be done in fluids other than water, specifically mineral oil in this case. The reason I want to know is that I'm looking into designing ...
Gabe's user avatar
  • 13
1 vote
1 answer
161 views

Help understanding this dimension sheet

I am trying to currently model a few parts for my custom 3D Printer. I have found some flanged lead screw nuts i'm going to use, but i'm having a hard time reading the dimension sheet. Specifically, ...
user3841476's user avatar
-1 votes
1 answer
63 views

How do you create a mounting device for a PCB if the PCB's mounting hole positions aren't documented?

I'm trying to create a place for these PCBS to mount onto: https://www.amazon.com/ELEGOO-Prototype-Soldering-Compatible-Arduino/dp/B072Z7Y19F/ref=pd_cart_vw_crc_1_2/133-3052301-7665733?_encoding=UTF8&...
dragonking3002's user avatar
0 votes
0 answers
71 views

3D Printing Models exported to DWG from STL using 3DS Max have missing surfaces

I want to edit some STL projects with Inventor. According Autodesk documentation, since Inventor is not able to edit mesh models, the most practical way without installing other software in my ...
AndreaF's user avatar
  • 101
-1 votes
1 answer
294 views

Is it possible to grayscale a MPO file (3D camera) for a CNC carving

I had/have a 3D camera back in the day, and I gotten a few pictures. I kinda stopped using it since there wasn't anything I could do with the MPO files. However, the camera might gain a new life if I ...
Craig Bennett II's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
188 views

Drilling PCB 3d printer bed

I need a heated surface for a project and was thinking of using one of these PCB heater beds. But I'd need to drill a few holes in it - can I do this without stopping it working? Thanks
Oliver Walters's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
676 views

Difference between perpendicular and transverse loads?

What is the difference between perpendicular and transverse loads? I saw this on a forum for 3d printing, but I couldn't find any online explanations on what the difference between both measures of ...
Ethan Owen's user avatar
0 votes
0 answers
56 views

Could 3D printing be done at a distance e.g. by pointing laser?

Could 3D objects be printed from a distance? Say, by pointing a laser at a stone wall? I'm not concerned with whether the requisite technology already exists or would be difficult to build, but ...
Dennis Hackethal's user avatar
0 votes
0 answers
173 views

Cutting lego "+" cross-axle holes, lego knobs?

In short, I'm looking for ways to reasonably precisely machine a "+"-axle hole, Lego compatible sockets, Lego compatible knobs, Lego compatible round peg/axle holes, and other cutouts for Lego-...
Craig Ringer's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
34 views

Feasibility of additively manufacturing large metal objects in microgravity/high vacuum (space)

This a somewhat speculative question; I would like to know whether it is feasible to additively manufacture large (>100m) metal objects - from for example aluminum alloys - in a space environment. ...
Roko Mijic's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
941 views

Could stepper motor lose torque because of overheating?

I have a stepper motor on a 3D printer that heats up very bad because of the heated extruder (it is actually controlling the extruder). When this system starts, it works fine at the beginning, while ...
Dainius Stankevicius's user avatar
-1 votes
2 answers
172 views

What does stress analysis of 3D printed parts reveal vs their normal counterparts?

I have seen videos or heard about 3D printed buildings, 3D printed space shuttle parts and more. There seems to be a lot of craze developing around 3D printed manufacturing. I have never heard anyone ...
quantum231's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
62 views

Stability of lattice or mesh supports for printing

Support structures like lattice supports, tree supports or wire supports are being widely used in metal printing or FDM as they minimise the wastage of material and power consumption. In addition, ...
Gaurav Sharma's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
68 views

Cad file for turnstile mechanism/ one-way clutch/ one-way rotation?

I am writing my first 3D cad-file and I want to place into it a turnstile mechanism (a mechanism that allows a fixed axis to rotate only one way, and not in the opposite). Are there cad-templates for ...
NeStack's user avatar
  • 101