Re: make shrink-on sleeve
Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2022 11:12 pm
I iterate a lot, but it's primarily on two fronts:
1) I need to print a part that mates closely with an existing piece of hardware. Sometimes I can't get access to all the measurements I need for a good fit. Even if I can, the precision of 3D printing is such that I need to print at least one prototype and then adjust a dimension or two. Very often, I'm trying to mate with a surface with multiple curves. I have a set of metric radius gauges, but that will often only get you in the ball park when the curvature changes rapidly. I also use dovetails to build up larger models, and if I want a secure fit, an iteration or two is often required.
2) Dealing with unknown material properties. I make a lot of parts that snap into place, or have built in "springs". I'm printing Rev. 2 of a part right now where the part that is supposed to flex and snap into place is too stiff. I just cut the thickness down, and I'll see how that turns out. I've got another design where the spring needs to be stiffer. It was marginal with the PLA I first printed it with, and the PLA "Plus" I'm currently using is stronger, but more flexible.
I spent a lot of time slicing my models up into pieces to quickly print test articles to evaluate fit, strength, or springiness. When it comes time to run a large complex print, my odds of success are greatly improved.
1) I need to print a part that mates closely with an existing piece of hardware. Sometimes I can't get access to all the measurements I need for a good fit. Even if I can, the precision of 3D printing is such that I need to print at least one prototype and then adjust a dimension or two. Very often, I'm trying to mate with a surface with multiple curves. I have a set of metric radius gauges, but that will often only get you in the ball park when the curvature changes rapidly. I also use dovetails to build up larger models, and if I want a secure fit, an iteration or two is often required.
2) Dealing with unknown material properties. I make a lot of parts that snap into place, or have built in "springs". I'm printing Rev. 2 of a part right now where the part that is supposed to flex and snap into place is too stiff. I just cut the thickness down, and I'll see how that turns out. I've got another design where the spring needs to be stiffer. It was marginal with the PLA I first printed it with, and the PLA "Plus" I'm currently using is stronger, but more flexible.
I spent a lot of time slicing my models up into pieces to quickly print test articles to evaluate fit, strength, or springiness. When it comes time to run a large complex print, my odds of success are greatly improved.