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Author Topic: 3D printed replacement parts  (Read 7278 times)

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Offline MikeDX

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3D printed replacement parts
« on: 26, August, 2012 - 12:57:36 »
Hi all!

as those of you who are my friends on facebook will know, I recently fully commissioned a reprap mendel 3D printer, which has begun making some prints of quite amazing quality.

Would there be any interest in the following parts, if so I may start making them to order:

Main drive gear

satelite drive gear

Hub cap



I'm going to start on the hub cap 3d model today, and then onto the gears once my digital calipers arrive.

These are some other c5 parts that are in short supply but needed - anybody know of any others?

I would be willing to let a few go to the usual suspects for testing / review purposes too :)

Offline radiomarty

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Re: 3D printed replacement parts
« Reply #1 on: 26, August, 2012 - 16:53:48 »
Depending on pricing Mike - think your onto a winner  :) :) :) :) :)

The main drive cog (drives the belt) would be rather handy
« Last Edit: 26, August, 2012 - 16:56:51 by radiomarty »

Offline MikeDX

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Re: 3D printed replacement parts
« Reply #2 on: 26, August, 2012 - 16:58:26 »
Depending on pricing Mike - think your onto a winner  :) :) :) :) :)

The main drive wheel would be rather handy

Price for the first batch will be small, then something more sensible once the parts are perfected.

you say the main drive wheel - the actual wheel??

Offline kamilb1998

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Re: 3D printed replacement parts
« Reply #3 on: 26, August, 2012 - 17:29:47 »
I have seen some of the things you've made and they look fantastic.

How about making some of those grommets that go around the holes for the mast on the back?

Offline MikeDX

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Re: 3D printed replacement parts
« Reply #4 on: 26, August, 2012 - 17:34:57 »
I have seen some of the things you've made and they look fantastic.

How about making some of those grommets that go around the holes for the mast on the back?

Thanks Kamil, very kind :)

I don't think either of my C5s have those

Does anybody have any accurate measurements for any C5 parts?

Offline mhurt

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Re: 3D printed replacement parts
« Reply #5 on: 26, August, 2012 - 17:53:33 »
I would definitely be interested in the gearbox parts, depending on price.

Offline MikeDX

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Re: 3D printed replacement parts
« Reply #6 on: 26, August, 2012 - 18:18:22 »
I would definitely be interested in the gearbox parts, depending on price.

cheaper than a second hand set I imagine

Offline kamilb1998

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Re: 3D printed replacement parts
« Reply #7 on: 26, August, 2012 - 18:37:28 »
I would definitely be interested in the gearbox parts, depending on price.

cheaper than a second hand set I imagine

Less than £20 incl. P&P for 3 of the small drive cogs? You've got me interested. £20 isn't really a lot but with the mileages I do, the little drive cogs will need replacing at least once every year.

Offline MikeDX

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Re: 3D printed replacement parts
« Reply #8 on: 26, August, 2012 - 18:39:23 »
Less than £20 incl. P&P for 3 of the small drive cogs? You've got me interested. £20 isn't really a lot but with the mileages I do, the little drive cogs will need replacing at least once every year.

Sounds like you are offering to try a set out for me :)

Offline kamilb1998

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Re: 3D printed replacement parts
« Reply #9 on: 26, August, 2012 - 19:01:25 »
Less than £20 incl. P&P for 3 of the small drive cogs? You've got me interested. £20 isn't really a lot but with the mileages I do, the little drive cogs will need replacing at least once every year.

Sounds like you are offering to try a set out for me :)

If you're asking... ;)

Offline MikeDX

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Re: 3D printed replacement parts
« Reply #10 on: 26, August, 2012 - 21:50:07 »
The thought occurs that my ABS or PLA plastic parts may not be up to a lot of abuse in a gearbox - what are the original ones made of? Nylon?

Well, it'll be an interesting experiment either way.

Now, once I find out where I put the parts in the picture (to keep them safe obviously) I'll be able to carry on making the 3d models...

Offline C5 ENTHUSIAST + RESTORER

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Re: 3D printed replacement parts
« Reply #11 on: 27, August, 2012 - 08:25:57 »
Hi there Mike I have already had some gearbox small cogs made .Take a look at them .....And check out the specs at


http://www.plastic-products.com/spec.htm




« Last Edit: 27, August, 2012 - 08:32:44 by C5 ENTHUSIAST + RESTORER »

Offline radiomarty

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Re: 3D printed replacement parts
« Reply #12 on: 27, August, 2012 - 08:45:55 »
Depending on pricing Mike - think your onto a winner  :) :) :) :) :)

The main drive wheel would be rather handy

Price for the first batch will be small, then something more sensible once the parts are perfected.

you say the main drive wheel - the actual wheel??


The white cog that drives the belt - many of them are starting to crack now

Offline MikeDX

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Re: 3D printed replacement parts
« Reply #13 on: 27, August, 2012 - 10:54:34 »
Hi there Mike I have already had some gearbox small cogs made .Take a look at them .....And check out the specs at



those are great chas, what is the process? are they machined?



The white cog that drives the belt - many of them are starting to crack now

Ah ok yes. I think it's doable but what kind of stress my current plastic stock can take is another thing :)

Offline C5 ENTHUSIAST + RESTORER

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Re: 3D printed replacement parts
« Reply #14 on: 28, August, 2012 - 08:40:33 »
Hi there Mark the cogs are machined ..Regarding the large drive cogs  I had some alloy ones made but they are 72 teeth not 69 and you would need a lager belt ..