Lego Bulleid Boxpok Wheel
I've been bugging Ben Fleskes a few times about producing these. Thing is, injection moulding tools are very expensive so it's understandable, but now I'm thinking I'll just make some myself. I knocked this up on CAD this afternoon, basing it on the BBB XL wheel's dimensions.
I recently 'discovered' www.Shapeways.com (I'd already heard of it but never really explored it). I found quite a few people who had put lego technic compatible parts on there, and that got me thinking I could have a go at this.
The main issue I can see is the tolerance of the axle hole. I've spoken to one of the guys who has experience with the 3D printed technic parts, and he says the axle hole can vary from too tight to insert on the axle, to loose enough to slide easily along the shaft, printed from the same CAD model.
There are quite a few manufacturing options, and tons of materials to choose from on Shapeways, but the better they are the more expensive they get. I'll have to get do some experimentation before I can actually produce these properly.
Would be interested to hear from anyone who has experience of 3D printing and/or Shapeways.
Lego Bulleid Boxpok Wheel
I've been bugging Ben Fleskes a few times about producing these. Thing is, injection moulding tools are very expensive so it's understandable, but now I'm thinking I'll just make some myself. I knocked this up on CAD this afternoon, basing it on the BBB XL wheel's dimensions.
I recently 'discovered' www.Shapeways.com (I'd already heard of it but never really explored it). I found quite a few people who had put lego technic compatible parts on there, and that got me thinking I could have a go at this.
The main issue I can see is the tolerance of the axle hole. I've spoken to one of the guys who has experience with the 3D printed technic parts, and he says the axle hole can vary from too tight to insert on the axle, to loose enough to slide easily along the shaft, printed from the same CAD model.
There are quite a few manufacturing options, and tons of materials to choose from on Shapeways, but the better they are the more expensive they get. I'll have to get do some experimentation before I can actually produce these properly.
Would be interested to hear from anyone who has experience of 3D printing and/or Shapeways.