thenated0g
Moderator
Third layer connected with just some straight metal connectors and a harbor freight magnetic tool holder on the side.
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Prusa i3 MK3S+ Build log and the road to "the quieting"
- Thread starter thenated0g
- Start date
Txmustangflyer
Strong User
Ok, this is a purely theoretical question..
But, in theory, with a 3d printer and enough travel in the mechanism, instead of say, printing the individual wing ribs and formers, do you think current tech could 3d print the entire wing structure as one piece without twist? Thus making the spars and ribs one unit, no glue joints?
Would this make a wing heavier? Or lighter, than a wing of balsa/ply construction?
Honestly, there are 3d printers available now, that will use aluminum...How long, you figure, before one capable of 3d printing with a titanium alloy becomes available for us little guys? Aerospace companies already are. My daughter's printer can print with aluminum, but the temps needed for titanium....I don't think it can. There are companies testing implants to repair skull damage and broken bones with it as well.
Imagine 3d printing sections of wing structure that screws together with a few brackets and screws, or rivets, sheeting it in 1/32nd aluminum sheet.
That would be cutting edge ARF turf...
Something to think about, is the what if..Someone will attempt it, somewhere in rc and 3d printing titanium structures may be the next step in both RC and UAV tech. One thing to consider, wayne, would be how much that could change sail and slope...an underlying titanium structure glassed into a composite skin could also be the next tech advantage in the rc racing scene.
I also don't think we're too far away from 3d printed "castings" for rc engines, cutting development, prototyping, and production costs. The only parts that would still need traditional castings/forgings being the rotating assemblies. I also think that will be the "explosion" of sorts of scale engines for scale rc at working man prices. Scale v12's based on the RR Merlin, now, are 5 figure engines, but a 3d printed block, and cylinder heads would cut a lot of the costs, needing only finish machining...
So, if you were to build a printer wall, considering where and what could be possible might get Aloft on the leading edge of that revolution. Designs of air frames using 3d printed titanium structure and light weight 3d printed skins could very well be the future of the hobby.
The constraint, right now, is machine cost, but setting up to potentially do it when the tech becomes manageably cheaper...
But, in theory, with a 3d printer and enough travel in the mechanism, instead of say, printing the individual wing ribs and formers, do you think current tech could 3d print the entire wing structure as one piece without twist? Thus making the spars and ribs one unit, no glue joints?
Would this make a wing heavier? Or lighter, than a wing of balsa/ply construction?
Honestly, there are 3d printers available now, that will use aluminum...How long, you figure, before one capable of 3d printing with a titanium alloy becomes available for us little guys? Aerospace companies already are. My daughter's printer can print with aluminum, but the temps needed for titanium....I don't think it can. There are companies testing implants to repair skull damage and broken bones with it as well.
Imagine 3d printing sections of wing structure that screws together with a few brackets and screws, or rivets, sheeting it in 1/32nd aluminum sheet.
That would be cutting edge ARF turf...
Something to think about, is the what if..Someone will attempt it, somewhere in rc and 3d printing titanium structures may be the next step in both RC and UAV tech. One thing to consider, wayne, would be how much that could change sail and slope...an underlying titanium structure glassed into a composite skin could also be the next tech advantage in the rc racing scene.
I also don't think we're too far away from 3d printed "castings" for rc engines, cutting development, prototyping, and production costs. The only parts that would still need traditional castings/forgings being the rotating assemblies. I also think that will be the "explosion" of sorts of scale engines for scale rc at working man prices. Scale v12's based on the RR Merlin, now, are 5 figure engines, but a 3d printed block, and cylinder heads would cut a lot of the costs, needing only finish machining...
So, if you were to build a printer wall, considering where and what could be possible might get Aloft on the leading edge of that revolution. Designs of air frames using 3d printed titanium structure and light weight 3d printed skins could very well be the future of the hobby.
The constraint, right now, is machine cost, but setting up to potentially do it when the tech becomes manageably cheaper...
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Wood builds are both lighter and stronger. 3D printed, especially larger wing spans do require adding spars, they usually slip into a cavity and usually are glued to the spar. Very light planes can get away without this.
Yes there are very expensive machines that can do metals, etc, but I think you will find they do not produce an affordable part. They are really only for prototyping. As soon as you are considering production you are going to kick those parts off to a more affordable method of construction.
3D printers can be used for many things, some good, some bad. I have seen plenty of people using them for sand casting, composite molding etc. They can and are used for these things, but it comes down to how many do you want to make from the tolling. In some cases the tooling is lost, so new tooling each part.
Typically the cost of the higher end consumables for 3D printing more durable parts is so high it may not make the end product practical for many uses.
Yes there are very expensive machines that can do metals, etc, but I think you will find they do not produce an affordable part. They are really only for prototyping. As soon as you are considering production you are going to kick those parts off to a more affordable method of construction.
3D printers can be used for many things, some good, some bad. I have seen plenty of people using them for sand casting, composite molding etc. They can and are used for these things, but it comes down to how many do you want to make from the tolling. In some cases the tooling is lost, so new tooling each part.
Typically the cost of the higher end consumables for 3D printing more durable parts is so high it may not make the end product practical for many uses.
Txmustangflyer
Strong User
Right now, sure, but the thickness the comercial machines are printing at to replace sections of the human skull in titanium..if future home 3d printers get to that point, it very well could be the other way around, especially if home machines gain the capability of using DMLS in a powder bed.
The current aloft printed plane is just the start...Even dmls in a plastic powder bed could result in much stronger airframes. One piece internal structure
The current aloft printed plane is just the start...Even dmls in a plastic powder bed could result in much stronger airframes. One piece internal structure
thenated0g
Moderator
thenated0g
Moderator
So after doing a couple 3-hour prints I found that if I crack the doors open a little bit as shown in the picture that it will keep it right around 90° f inside. Which is I think you want between 80 to 95 for PLA.
