3D printing

Posted by: tahir

3D printing - 04/07/2016 14:01

Does anyone know of a 3d printer that would scan an existing part and replicate it? It's the drive cog from a Cuisinart ice cream machine, bought in 2011, Cuisinart don't have any spares!

I'm assuming this will be a relatively cheap and easy process, but stand to be corrected...

I'm based in East London/Essex but could post anywhere.
Posted by: K447

Re: 3D printing - 04/07/2016 14:56

Perhaps the purchase of a working used model (from which you can extract the needed part) in poor cosmetic condition would be easier than replicating the part?

3D scanning and replication technology is advancing impressively but I would not consider it to be inexpensive.
Posted by: tahir

Re: 3D printing - 04/07/2016 16:37

I'll have a search on eBay
Posted by: larry818

Re: 3D printing - 04/07/2016 16:37

Wouldn't the scanner & printer be different machines?

I had a similar problem with a fan gear, it had lost a couple of teeth on one side, so I slathered the good side with silicone to make a mold of the teeth, and used that to make epoxy replacements. I filled the missing teeth holes with epoxy and attached the mold to the gear. That was like 25 years ago, it's still holding up.
Posted by: tahir

Re: 3D printing - 04/07/2016 17:48

Larry, it sounds doable, but I have my hands full right now with proper work, work on the farm, and a bit of furniture making just to fill in any gaps in my life smile

If I knew someone locally who could do it your suggestion is probably the best, no machines on eBay
Posted by: larry818

Re: 3D printing - 04/07/2016 20:29

You'd probably spend hours getting a gear out of a 3d printer. I probably spent 1 minute slathering the gear in silicone, then a day later I probably spend 10 minutes trimming the mold, cleaning the gear, and putting the epoxy on. The next day, finished gear.
Posted by: tfabris

Re: 3D printing - 04/07/2016 22:30

You didn't say whether the gear in question was plastic or metal. That's an important factor in the process.
Posted by: larry818

Re: 3D printing - 04/07/2016 23:38

It's broken and from a consumer appliance, so probably plastic. smile
Posted by: tahir

Re: 3D printing - 05/07/2016 09:01

Originally Posted By: tfabris
You didn't say whether the gear in question was plastic or metal. That's an important factor in the process.


It's hard white plastic.
Posted by: tahir

Re: 3D printing - 04/08/2016 15:16

eBay has not turned up anything yet, and I haven't had the time to think about the epoxy solution.