Thread: A novel way of creating change gears

Originally Posted by Michael G

For those who prefer the machine to do the work,
CVA Lathe Metric Gear Change set by JBFromOZ - Thingiverse
They don't look too bad. As it is a complete set, the pressure angle does not matter (originally it would have been 14 1/2 degrees). Don't know how well they would transmit the power as those 32DP teeth are not big.

Michael

The mind boggles at what can be done now.impressed? Yes.

Originally Posted by j.ashburn

The mind boggles at what can be done now.impressed? Yes.

There are quite a lot of videos on YouTube showing 3D printers making gears. Was looking at this a few days ago.

They may be reasonably durable as they are made from a type of polymer. These types of gears are in printers, scanners etc.

Change gears aren't stressed hugely compared to some applications.

Rob

I've watched a few 3D printers and was considering the Rep-Rap build at one stage. To be honest I wasn't overly impressed with the results, although the concept is incredible. The surface left is in no way considered "precision", but would make a good blank for further machining. I'm confident that this is the very early stages of this type of thing, and 3D printers will continue to evolve until they really are a viable appliance in the home, but I think they have a way to go yet. Anyone in Sydney attending the Woodworking show will most likely see one running there, I vaguely recall that was one place I saw one running in the past.

Pete

When they can create/print the component in metal, then I'll think about buying one. Probably be about 80yrs young and won't remember what I wanted it for!!!!!

Originally Posted by KBs PensNmore

When they can create/print the component in metal, then I'll think about buying one. Probably be about 80yrs young and won't remember what I wanted it for!!!!!

Already available. various different technologies, from plasma arc spraying to sintered metal. You don't want to know how much they cost however! I did see a mig wire feed 3D printer that was novel and not crazy expensive considering, but the results were quite rough.

Edit: Here's a little primer that has a few videos 3D printing with metal: The final frontier of additive manufacturing | ExtremeTech personally I'm very confident in the future of 3D printing, and can envisage a time when many homes will have one. Not that they will need one, but "just because". Sadly that won't be next week however.

I read some time ago that NASA was involved with the development of metal printing. Parts could be made to order in space. No need to carry spares.

Dean

NASA is also printing food in space.....yep, put the powdered food in, add water and it prints you a hamburger......yum

You can also print in wax for direct lost wax castings, and of course for mold making they are fantastic.
On of the heads can also have wax in it so you can print moving parts in one go, with wax in what should be air space. Put the item in hot water and the wax melts out, leaving a working item.

Cheers,
Ew