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Making "new" plastic parts

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JimmyGermany:
Gentlemen!

First off - a Happy New Year to you all!

To business:
With the ummm ... fragile nature of some of the plastic parts. (Glovebox handle, convertable hatch flaps, etc.) has anybody got any experience with 3D printing them?

I'm currently, trying to "cast" some bits using ABS melted in acetone (and will report on the success - if any).
Just seems that 3D printing would be easier.

Cheers
James

greywolf27030:
I believe Rocketman is looking into it.

Rocketman:
I have a 3d printer, the "FDM" type. The resolution & strength of parts is not up to par for what we need, I believe.

I am waiting for a particular model of resin "SLA" 3d printer to become available, and then find a suitable resin for strength/ convertible interior durability to print with

If you have good results with your tests, by all means let us know!

JimmyGermany:
Gentlemen!

As promised, a quick update to my experiments.

I'm sure some of you have seen the YouTube vids about ABS-slurry.
Basically, you take some scrap ABS plastic, and dissolve it in acetone (50g to 125ml).
This results in a paste-like substance (a bit thicker than wood glue).
Using a syringe and blunt needle, this can be used to fill out cracks and small gaps.
Using a (cheap) brush, it can be spread over larger cracks if they can be accessed from behind.
The material dries hard, waterproof, but not very flexible.
I've used it so far to patch a few cracks and build up material (using multiple applications) on some weak parts.

I WAS hoping I would be able to "cast" parts using it, but it does shrink while curing, so accurate casting is tricky.
Also if the layer (or block) is too thick, it takes a LONG time to cure.

Summary: not great for casting, but good for crack repairs.
Use a CHEAP brush, because it becomes useless after this gunk gets in it.
Maybe have a few repairs set up at one time :-)

Methinks 3D printing will be the way to go.

Cheers
James

Rocketman:
James,

Thank you for the update. Shame that method will not work for casting parts. Sounds great for repairs, though!

As an update on my end, I have purchased a resin 3d printer (not the model I wanted, but one that I hope is sufficiently suitable)
I am printing some test parts to check the suitability of the resin for our purposes. I will update on my findings.

-Rocketman

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