Post by lankyyorky on Oct 5, 2019 1:44:21 GMT
Hi all,
Having managed to get my head around Fusion 360, for simpler parts at least, I've been looking into either buying a resin printer or having parts done commercially.
To this end I uploaded some STL files to www.3dprint-uk.co.uk/ in Leyton, East London, with the idea of using the parts as masters for polyurethane resin casting.
These were sections of paneled sides and ends for G3/2.5" gauge GNR Howlden coaches, also buffer stocks and other smaller parts.
The material this firm uses is some form of powdered nylon and the process doesn't need supports so there is no cleaning up to do.
Long story short I was pleasantly surprised with the accuracy and finish, suitable for masters straight off other than a few strokes with a file on long straight outer edges to remove very,very minor undulations.
The small parts such as buffer stocks were cheap enough to use as is (About a £1 each and reductions for quantity) and certainly strong enough, the cured material is definitely stronger than polyurethane resin and not as brittle. Parts can also be dyed black rather than white which could save some painting.
If I had a lot of parts to do I would probably go for a resin printer although the mess and health issues with the resins could be a little off putting, the small platform could be an issue too.
After this glowing advert I'd better add the usual disclaimer of no connection with the company.
There is also an extended thread on the Anycubic printer here:
Regards
Dave
