3D printed pistons.

[beags86]

Somebody put this in the lounge.

http://m.wardsauto.com/engines/iav-...m=email&elq2=bdcf78b042554e1ab41a5496e64d5b60

 

[rdn2blazer]

That’s pretty sick.

 

[dangerdog]

Sounds like it will be a while before we see it.

 

[runamok151]

Sounds like it will be a while before we see it.

I bet we see working examples w/in a year. That's the beauty of 3d printing, changing a prototype is only a few mouse clicks away. You don't have to go through the time and expense of creating molds, casting, and machining.

 

[Blue85]

Why not? We're 3-D printing jet engine parts already.

https://www.ge.com/reports/mad-props-3d-printed-airplane-engine-will-run-year/

An interesting aspect of 3-D printing is that you can print not just a part, but an assembly. It's a common printer demo kind of thing to print a chain or other interlocking parts. If you could print the bearing materials, you could print a crank inside a block, with no removable main caps. Instead of rebuilding an engine, you just scrap it and print a new one - especially with external overhead cams.

 

[imiceman44]

Why not? We're 3-D printing jet engine parts already.

https://www.ge.com/reports/mad-props-3d-printed-airplane-engine-will-run-year/

An interesting aspect of 3-D printing is that you can print not just a part, but an assembly. It's a common printer demo kind of thing to print a chain or other interlocking parts. If you could print the bearing materials, you could print a crank inside a block, with no removable main caps. Instead of rebuilding an engine, you just scrap it and print a new one - especially with external overhead cams.

I didn't realize we got the the 3d printing to the level of printing metals.
That's just huge.

 

[runamok151]

I didn't realize we got the the 3d printing to the level of printing metals.
That's just huge.

Oh yeah, they're using a number of different powdered metals now. Then they just heat treat it and it fuses together.

 

[eodcoduto]

We are buying a metal 3d printer at work so I'll have to see what I can fab up!

 

[eodcoduto]

I didn't realize we got the the 3d printing to the level of printing metals.
That's just huge.

That is what a lot of people think, but metal printing has been around since '88-'89, it is just now more economical and easier to use. I am setting up a deployable system now for Marine EOD, as I am an EOD tech, and what it will allow us to do is awesome. Think about taking an old squarebody and 3d scanning every part and then between plastic and metal AM you can reproduce every part on the pickup without traditional machining needed. MERICA!