[FTC]: Strengthening 3D printed parts

[kevin.li.rit]

I have tried the MEK but no the plasti dip. We were using it to strengthen and waterproof our 3D printed nozzles.

[Andrew Schuetze]

Not much help in terms of adding strength to the part, but do consider the printer orientation. The horizontal layers are stronger as there is entanglement within the layer as the abs is hot but much weaker due to less entanglement between the horizontal layers as they have cooled to some extent between passes. So think of it like a carpenter cuts a part out of wood which has grain.

Maybe you or the college has already considered that aspect. If not build them in two or three different orientations and see is one better than the other for your application.

Other thought is to build a metal shield of some type that doesn't interfere with ring grab and hanging but affords some level of protection from bumps in the field...

APS

[CENTURION]

You could add some ribs to the design; some 45-degree ribs where the cup of the grabber meets that flange, and some 'U'-shaped ribs, or even a grid of ribs, around the cup shape would help.

[Enderbot]

You could possibly try covering it in fiberglass fabric and resin. Keeps its shape when the core is broken.

[Andrew Rudolph]

I have seen products that use the 3d printed part as a mold to make a part. Cast the part into silicone then use another plastic to cast from it. (see http://justindunham.net/2011/08/maki...printer-parts/ )

You can coat the plastic in resin, possibly with some reinforcing such as carbon fiber, fiberglass or microspheres, but I would be sure (And test) the plastic wont react to the resins. Also if you don't do it neatly it will show...nothing some sanding and a coat of paint wont cover hopefully

[FTC5096]

Thank you for the fiberglass recommendation. We will try it this weekend.