Thread Number: 71155
/ Tag: Vintage Automatic Washers
3D Printing Door Seals & Other Parts? |
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Post# 941877   6/5/2017 at 11:15 (2,488 days old) by Volvoguy87 (Cincinnati, OH)   |   | |
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I'm beginning to read up on 3D printing as a potential means to replicate parts. The technology is evolving rapidly and can be used to make items out of materials other than just plastic. A few years ago, one of our members seriously looked into having Westinghouse Slant-Front door boots replicated using the original manufacturing technique of extruding a strip of material in the necessary profile, cutting it to length, and gluing the ends together. The problem was that such a production run would have had to meet a minimum number of units, it wasn't cheap, and the logistics of getting everyone who wanted a boot coordinated and paid up was quite difficult. Also, getting enough customers to buy the whole minimum production run was not really feasible. Is 3D printing a viable alternative?
I believe modern front loader door boots contain a lot of silicone, but I am curious to know if 3D printing in silicone, or some other substance, can be used to replicate a WH door boot (or other door boots). I have handled WH door boots and they are not silicone, they seem to be more rubbery. Can a different material be used if it is in the same shape and profile as a WH door boot? While the individual price for a 3D printed door boot, or other part, may be higher than the price of one made in a traditional-method production run, there would be no minimum number of items required for a production run, and the associated cost. The computer file used to program the 3D printer can be stored until needed, and even emailed around so it can be used wherever and whenever it is needed. Has anyone ever used 3D printing to make parts? Dave |
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Post# 941934 , Reply# 3   6/5/2017 at 17:26 (2,488 days old) by Rolls_rapide (.)   |   | |
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Or better still, design and print the mould, then use the printed mould to cast a door seal. Simples! |
Post# 942004 , Reply# 4   6/6/2017 at 03:10 (2,487 days old) by Ultramatic (New York City)   |   | |
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