printing a pulley
I need to print pulley as the image attached, outer diameter 70 thickness 35 mm. Material is PETG and in the housings on either side, a ball bearing is fitted.
What would be the best method (position and supports ) to use, by printig verticaly (as on the image), the supports leave an ugly surface underneath and by printing horizontaly, the face is not good on the table side (both surfaces are similar).
Thanks for help
Where did you get the file? At first glance this is not well designed for 3D printing - the apparently decorative radial ribs prevent flush printing when flat.
How much stress do you anticipate this will experience?
You might get better strength results by printing it tilted 45 degrees but simply slicing a couple of millimetres from the lower side when printing flat will be cosmetically better.
Cheerio,
RE: printing a pulley
Hello Diem,
Thanks for answer. I have made the form with freecad, and I am not sure that I car suppress the radials on the surface, it is to replace a broken pulley. I have to ask to the guy who asks me to do this piece.
But you are right, If it is possible to print flat, it cou lkd be much more easy
RE: printing a pulley
I would print this horizontally with soluble supports, but I don't know if you have the equipment to do that.
It can be difficult replacing a part designed for a different manufacturing technology but if you examine the original and are shown how it is used then it's usually possible to distil a functional shape.
Another possibility, but only if it used for smaller diameter cordage, is to cut it in two at he narrow point, print two and join. This assumes there is some sort of axle compression to counter bursting forces.
Cheerio,
RE: printing a pulley
No, I'm not equipped for
RE: printing a pulley
Good idea, it should be possible to assemble with 4 screws, I'll lookk for this way if the radius are compulsory
RE: printing a pulley
It also might be possible to cut in two and fashion some mating fittings that would help hold the two sides together. This would most likely require some supports, but they could most likely be break-away supports that are do-able on a single filament printer.
It can be difficult replacing a part designed for a different manufacturing technology but if you examine the original and are shown how it is used then it's usually possible to distil a functional shape.
Another possibility, but only if it used for smaller diameter cordage, is to cut it in two at he narrow point, print two and join. This assumes there is some sort of axle compression to counter bursting forces.
Cheerio,
RE: printing a pulley
Another possibility, but only if it used for smaller diameter cordage, is to cut it in two at he narrow point, print two and join. This assumes there is some sort of axle compression to counter bursting forces.
This was my first thought as well, just gluing them together. Maybe add a little rim or something to make them align or snap together.
RE: printing a pulley
try the 'add connectors' option when you split the model, it will automatically add connector parts for you
If you insert the 'connectors' in a random fashion, they will automatically align the parts too
regards Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK
RE: printing a pulley
Just to reiterate what the other guy said, I would find out if you can modify your model so the sides are just flat and have it still fit/work as you need. If so, that is by far the easiest option.
Hello Diem,
Thanks for answer. I have made the form with freecad, and I am not sure that I car suppress the radials on the surface, it is to replace a broken pulley. I have to ask to the guy who asks me to do this piece.
But you are right, If it is possible to print flat, it cou lkd be much more easy
Brand new to 3D printing and my 5-tool XL is my first 3D Printer! I have done massive amounts of research though, so I'm not starting completely from square one....