MAGIC OF 3D PRINTING if you have an (old) yacht

[batami]

Some time ago, being a newbie, I posted on Sailboat Owners a problem that I had - a traveller on the missen boom of my 35 year old Thaihiti Ketch would not function because of worn out wheels - and replacements could not be found. THe boom / traveller makers name was no longer listed

Many yachtie suggested solutions which helped but did not solve the problem .... until step onto stage a friend who runs a 3D Priniing business who came to the rescue. I attach the photos of BEFORE, AFTER and on the Boom (Latter if it loads - having a problem getting third photo up) .

Original material was Nylon, new wheels are ABS

I have a functioning missen sail now.

If I can help anyone by providing an intro to the guy who did my job and saved me a lot of hassle let me know - he is in Singapore but for small jobs (typical 3D) shipping / post is not significant - just PM me with a photo

Bill Lewis

PS: Cost - yet to know - but the last job he did for me was very inexpenisve so i am not worried.

 

[Gunni]

The future has arrived! Very cool.

 

[31seahorse]

BE STILL MY HEART!!! When you mentioned the 3-D printing and old yachts I imagined that your contact was making half hull models for any sailboat owner who might want one as a wall plaque. Anyway, your solution for the roller problem is just one of the new applications to which 3-D printing can be useful. Very 21st Century! Thanks.

 

[batami]

BE STILL MY HEART!!! When you mentioned the 3-D printing and old yachts I imagined that your contact was making half hull models for any sailboat owner who might want one as a wall plaque. Anyway, your solution for the roller problem is just one of the new applications to which 3-D printing can be useful. Very 21st Century! Thanks.

Half Hull models to put on the wall -- yes, thats possible - do you have a drawing / photograph? SIze of model required?

Bill

 

[kloudie1]

Would be GREAT for some other unavailable parts like the much sought after Merriman shift and throttle control mount that goes on top of those pedistals

 

[cb32863]

Not sure you would need to contact someone all the way out in Singapore but yes, very cool adaption of the technology. Been wondering about 3d printing applications for sailing myself.

 

[Gunni]

Check out Local Motors, they have designs and existing prototypes for a 3D printed car. Massive 3D printer.

 

[cb32863]

Find a 3d printer near you!

https://www.3dhubs.com/

 

[PGIJon]

I've decided to print my next sailboat! 5 inches at a time... That should only take me... let's see... 5*(50*12)^^..... close to 50 years to complete! -Jon

 

[Apex]

it would seem additive engineered products are not as strong as wheels machined from stock. For simple applications, get friendly with a local machine shop, esp applications under stress and strain.

 

[batami]

it would seem additive engineered products are not as strong as wheels machined from stock. For simple applications, get friendly with a local machine shop, esp applications under stress and strain.

Thanks for the observation. We will see how mine perform. Convenience was the key here. Although Singapore is a major shipping hub, and there are lots of machine shops, it can take an age and levering networks to find someone who would do a "tiny" job such as mine. Sad but true. My 3D printer friend is moored four berths away from me. And he has given me a set os spare wheels. I will test thoroughly before planning to set off around the world!

 

[Meriachee]

Few, if any, of the plastics out there for printers (yet) is UV stable. High Density Polyethylene, or HDPE can be had in a filament packaging that has UV stability, but it's not common and wont work in standard "poly" printers.
The stuff's not ready for marine use, but dammit, hurry up.

 

[rpwillia]

Something like this?

Half Hull models to put on the wall -- yes, thats possible - do you have a drawing / photograph? SIze of model required?

Bill

Would love to have a model myself.

 

[batami]

Would love to have a model myself.

Hi Ray

It seems there is a lot of interest in a wall model, or a desk top model. I have pinged my 3D man and sent him your drawing. I have asked him to tell me what he needs in terms of information from a customer. I will let you know.

Bill

 

[Ukeluthier]

it would seem additive engineered products are not as strong as wheels machined from stock. For simple applications, get friendly with a local machine shop, esp applications under stress and strain.

^^^^ This.

In this case, 3D printing is likely the harder way of going about it, and produced an inferior product. High-tech often isn't the best approach.

Those wheels could have been easily turned from Delrin rod stock (or any other tough, machinable plastic). If you have any ingenuity, you wouldn't even need a machine shop to do it... just access to a hobby lathe or even a drill press. If you can find rod stock of the right diameter from McMaster-Carr or MSC, or a dedicated plastics supplier, you wouldn't even need to turn them.

 

[batami]

^^^^ This.

In this case, 3D printing is likely the harder way of going about it, and produced an inferior product. High-tech often isn't the best approach.

Those wheels could have been easily turned from Delrin rod stock (or any other tough, machinable plastic). If you have any ingenuity, you wouldn't even need a machine shop to do it... just access to a hobby lathe or even a drill press. If you can find rod stock of the right diameter from McMaster-Carr or MSC, or a dedicated plastics supplier, you wouldn't even need to turn them.

Hi Ukeluthier

Indeed, you are correct. I could have done what you suggest.

This is not a case that “Hi tech is best”. It was a case of what is practical affordable and achievable - in my case, where i am located.

I am perfectly capable of using a lathe - I don't have one or access to one; I am sure there are suppliers of Delrin or similar somewhere in Singapore but I would rack up hundreds of dollars in taxis and probably a few hours trying to find a supplier, then - knowing suppliers here - i would have to buy a full length. OR I could have spent an equivalent amount of time trying to find a shop to do it. Many weeks I work 60 plus hours, so time is at a premium

So, when your neighbor offers, takes away the trolley, returns it 72 hours later with a set of spare wheel (in ABS - and we understand ABS UV properties), at a cost $40. What would you have done?

I know that 3D printing is in its infancy, but don't knock it – techniques and materials will improve; there will be many applications in the yachting world. Initially, for low stress, complex shape parts, or – like mine – hard to find.

If my wheels wear out in a year, I will not blame the process but research how next time I can use a different material.

Thanks for reading my thread and offering comments

Bill

 

[rpwillia]

I do have access to a 3D printer

Hi Ray

It seems there is a lot of interest in a wall model, or a desk top model. I have pinged my 3D man and sent him your drawing. I have asked him to tell me what he needs in terms of information from a customer. I will let you know.

Bill

Our modeling guys use Blender to develop the models for the printer. I am just not all that talented.

 

[rgranger]

:theman:

Coolest thing I've seen in a while....

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Same here...which got me thinking this could come in handy for folks who have old bronze "thrones" like the Wlcox-Crittenden Skipper or Imperial (now discontinued because they're too durable to be profitable to today's toilet mfrs). I hear from people all the time who've found one, or one was on an old boat they've bought, but in non-working condition and they'd love to restore them. The parts in rebuild kits aren't the only things that become too worn for the pump to work any more, but no hardware parts are still available. Could 3D printed parts be made in bronze or other metals for about the same price or less than tooling and milling them? Or at all?

 

[Meriachee]

Peggie,
The capable answer is yes, but the cost answer - probably not yet.
Here's a sample of where things are today:
http://3dprintingsystems.com/additive-manufacturing-using-metals/