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Building a Plastic 3D Printed Engine - junk idea or possible?

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raynerd:
Hi guys, most of you know I`ve built a 3D printer recently and I`m getting some real nice prints off it. I`ve been thinking for a while that a printed engine would be amazing, but maybe not possible.

The finish of a 3D printed item is no good, so a wobbler type engine just wouldn`t work because of the required lapped surface. I was thinking however that the rocker type engine would be possible as no lapped surfaces are required and with a bit of sanding, a decent enough fitting piston could be printed to create "enough" of a seal!

Don`t get me wrong, I`m not looking for a perfect running steam engine, just something that does move under pressure.

I`ve attached the original plans for the rocker engine here: http://www.raynerd.co.uk/images/RockingSteamEngine.pdf

...and of course there are loads of build logs of this engine on here and the net.

I`m not great with cab but I am getting better with google sketchup so not only am I hoping people can chip in here, but if anyone thinks this might be an interesting project and is interested in doing some drawing, please get in touch. When doing the drawings, we need to consider how it will be printed, i.e no bridges, steep overhangs etc.

I hope I`m not overlooking something that makes this a total none-goer! I`m sure someone will tell me if I am...

Look forward to some replies!

Chris

raynerd:
and before anyone says anything... no, I`m intending to run on compressed air, NOT steam!! That would certainly be a major issue with the idea   :lol:

John Stevenson:
Have you seen the UP 3D printers ?
video here of it pronting a bearing that works afterwards.



Is yours of this quality Chris ?

raynerd:
In theory there is absolutely no reason why mine can not print that bearing - I have looked at the up! printer and it seems to be a limited working space for the money but I dare say it is ultimately more rigid and finely tuned than my reprap prusa. I dare say if I was to build a new 3D printer, which I will when I get more time, I would make something much more stable but my prusa is pretty good and is doing some nice prints.

All that said, in all honesty I don`t think I could print that bearing.... but hell, you know now what I`ll be trying to print tomorrow!! Pictures to follow!

Chris

John Stevenson:
Chris,
what stops you putting an extruder head on a CNC router or mill ?

BTW did you get my email reply the other day about the bits?
I thinks some have fell thru the cracks, lost one to the laser cutting people

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