Reply To: JCCC3: Any 3D Printer/Maker fanatics on board?
I get a lot of parts/assembly models done in 3D print for fit/clearance checks (tricky if scaling down really big stuff, but usually I’m checking if my kit will fit with the client’s subsea equipment on a macro level), and also as desk toys sales tools, which is why we’re looking at getting one in-house. The filament-extrusion ones are undoubtedly less expensive, but they don’t have the tolerance precision I need to get moving parts without a LOT of opening up of tolerances in the models to unacceptable levels, which is why I’m looking at one that’s basically a 3D inkjet for purposes of discussion. I’ve also messed around with SLA, SLS, and adhesive-binding machines over the years, and the inkjet-type seems to be the best setup for that (SLA is good, too, but requires a lot of support equipment and the Big Vat Of Goo, which translates to “dedicated room for this thing with special ventilation, plumbing, etc.” vs. printer and a small tabletop convection oven and an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner).
We do a lot of work with water-jet cutters (ROV control panels for tools can be done on one easily, complete with stencil-font labels for valves, gauges, and hotstab manifolds), and I’m also doing more stuff in aluminum that’s bolt-together instead of welded and using the water-jet to do >95% of the machining including bolt holes. Cheap, quick, and a well-designed bolted joint is stronger in 6061-T6 than a welded joint unless the part is small enough you can re-heat-treat after welding (without causing the thing to pretzel during its time in the furnace — good luck with that as it’s almost impossible), as welding heat-treated aluminum anneals it back to T0 level in the heat-affected zone. 6061-T6 has similar mechanical properties to 316 Stainless Steel, but 6061-T0 has similar mechanical properties to room-temperature butter as far as I’m concerned…