[EricH]

Originally Posted by JorgeReyes

I think it might be a smart idea to 3D print the side plates, that way you don't have to use all your grant money machining something that might not work

Originally Posted by Jacob Bendicksen

Smart idea.

ONLY if you do the math for the 3d print.

Remember, folks, 3D printing can be plenty strong, but if you 3D print plastic sideplates for gearboxes without redesigning from a design made for metal, you're probably going to shoot yourself in the foot. Gearboxes with plastic sideplates are few and far between as it is due to durability concerns. Now you're adding in that the sideplates would have a built-in weakness--the layer boundaries--and that they're not going to be all that filled in... I'd make sure to run the numbers prior to attempting a 3D print.