SoliForum - 3D Printing Community — Coating printed parts to make them harder?

Re: Coating printed parts to make them harder?

null@example.com (Tin Falcon) — Fri, 16 Dec 2016 01:10:29 +0000

No harm in asking . the only Dumb question is the one that was never asked.
IMHO The practical Machinist site like has someone that can help these guys are for the most part production guys that have to solve complex problems all the time. They are good at what they do but some have a bit of an attitude. A bit of patience perseverance and and professionalism you should be able to get some help.
and will throw in another link.

http://www.stratasys.com/~/media/Main/S … .pdf?la=en
Tin

Re: Coating printed parts to make them harder?

null@example.com (cmetzel) — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 19:15:14 +0000

Thanks T/F for the lead, I will poke around on the practical machinist forum to see what they say. I know this is more of the home style printers, I have an SD2 and SD3 at home but I know there are certain people here that have amazingly creative minds so I was hoping someone had crossed this bridge before me. I'll report back if I find something interesting.

Re: Coating printed parts to make them harder?

null@example.com (Tin Falcon) — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 01:01:20 +0000

Mybe Statasys can give you some helpful direction , And design assistance.

Re: Coating printed parts to make them harder?

null@example.com (Tin Falcon) — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 00:46:13 +0000

The blessings and the curses of Pro machines.
the local maker space where I hang out and help out has a U-print by STRATASYS. Does a great job with abs but only abs.
The other option is to think of the 3d printer is a pattern making machine .use it to make a mold then make a working jig or jigs from the mold. Smooth on plastics has a lot of resin choices in a variety of durometer ratings from soft rubber to rock hard, Well more or less.

You may be able to get some help from the practical Machinist forum . Not a place I frequent and a rep for being a tough room.
This forum is a hobby forum for mostly low to mid grade printers . so you get what you pay for . A helpful bunch but does not seem to be a place where a lot of tool and die makers frequent.
When I did silk screens for production IIRC we would figure a several screens for a long run you just may have to design the jig with replaceable wear parts that can quickly be swapped out every 10 k parts or so.
Wish I could help more
Tin

Re: Coating printed parts to make them harder?

null@example.com (cmetzel) — Mon, 12 Dec 2016 15:47:20 +0000

Thank you very much, I suppose I should have given the full story up front. I finally got my company to buy a professional printer. We got a Fortus 250mc so the only material choice is ABS. I bookmarked all of your links and I will be doing some research.

Yeah we are considering them throw away in a sense, but for a production run of 50,000 or so I need something that will not wear out while deflecting parts coming off the tool where we have little control of the orientation.

I was surprised how little documentation there was about jigs and fixtures online.

Re: Coating printed parts to make them harder?

null@example.com (Tin Falcon) — Sun, 11 Dec 2016 14:32:33 +0000

http://www.stratasys.com/~/media/Main/S … .pdf?la=en

I'm considering using 3d printed parts in the tool and die industry

This is being done there are thoughts on this presented by various 3d printer Manufacturers.
A google search will reveal this below are a few links.

http://airwolf3d.com/2015/09/22/5-advan … -fixtures/

https://ultimaker.com/en/explore/how-is … s-fixtures

https://www.stratasysdirect.com/blog/to … ing-tools/

they would be subject to sharp edges of the parts and they would wear away quite quickly.

Fixtures /jigs can be designed to have relief where the sharp corners rest. also remember 3d printed jigs are often considered an expense rather than an asset another words a disposable tool . once a production run is finished or the tools is worn beyond use toss or recycle and print a new one when needed . no need to warehouse or inventory.

As far as materials this link may help

http://taulman3d.com/how-to-choose.html

another option is Makergeeks Raptor PLA

http://www.makergeeks.com/disafdaaphip5.html

Stronger than ABS, PETG, Co-Polyester Blends and even most Nylons - Plus stands up to even the sanitizing heat of a dishwasher with no deformation - and yet, still prints just like a normal PLA 3D Filament no special equipment or nozzle temperatures needed!!
Tensile Strength @ over 6,000psi
IZOD Impact Strength (notched) @ 40 Newtons!!

Hope this helps

Re: Coating printed parts to make them harder?

null@example.com (AZERATE) — Sat, 10 Dec 2016 19:42:12 +0000

I would recommend meeting up with someone who has experience and knowledge in Lost Casting as you can read about here.
http://www.instructables.com/id/From-3d … plaabs-me/
Here's a very informative video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWVVSZP3Au4
This method would be more steps, but if you are doing a limited run of parts for machining (tool/die) purposes, this method would let the parts last much longer with the right metals being used. Smelting can be very dangerous if you don;t know what you are doing, so please be extra careful and do your research if you are attempting this.

My experience: I've made several leather working stamps for a buddy of mine. I designed and printed them, then he cold casts them with whatever steel is cheapest or available at the time, then makes custom purses, belts, satchels, etc

Re: Coating printed parts to make them harder?

null@example.com (Tin Falcon) — Sat, 10 Dec 2016 19:21:40 +0000

There are coatings https://www.smooth-on.com/product-line/xtc-3d/

IMHO nylon would be a better more durable choice .

Coating printed parts to make them harder?

null@example.com (cmetzel) — Fri, 09 Dec 2016 22:54:00 +0000

Has anyone come across a coating for ABS to make it more resistant to wear? I'm considering using 3d printed parts in the tool and die industry, but they would be subject to sharp edges of the parts and they would wear away quite quickly. Is there a ceramic coating or something that anyone has experimented with to get around this limitation?