This tool would be really handy to build custom molds for parts. Print
the mold. Then get the epoxy and fiberglass out along with the vacuum
bagging accessories. The sky is the limit. :-)
 
George

*From:* Ernest Christley <echristley@att.net>
*To:* Rotary motors in aircraft <flyrotary@lancaironline.net>
*Sent:* Friday, September 30, 2011 11:36 AM
*Subject:* [FlyRotary] Re: O/T: 3D printing/ additive manufacturing

-Some of the plastics being used are useful in lost wax casting techniques.
-What?  You're not going to make a hood ornament for your airplane?
-How about switch and control handles?
-Maybe a new design for a portable radio/gps mount completely customized
for your airplane.
-Do you have a cup holder in your airplane?
-How many times have you wished for a quick way to prototype something
before spending the time and money cutting real
metal?

That's just off the top of my head.  The one thing I do know is that
projects grow to fill the tools available 8*).

Chad Robinson wrote:

I looked at these and they're pretty cool. But I can't for the life of
me figure out what I'd make for an airplane with them. Most produce
fairly most-sized parts, in other words, not wings, and they use (heavy)
thermoplastics - again, not wings. They aren't strong enough for engine
parts, and can't fab with metal anyway. (There are some laser-sintering
concepts but they're much more complicated and expensive.)

Any ideas on how they'd be useful? I just don't see it (yet), but my
ears are open.

On 9/30/2011 11:33 AM, Ernest Christley wrote:

Requisite link:

http://reprap.org/wiki/Mendel

Ed Anderson wrote:

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