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RE: Optimize a design for 3d printing
Very detailed and helpful, as I read and learn more about 3D printers, I am intrigued. How strong are the materials? Would a system of connectors like these, adapted to be sized for 2-4 wood be viable? Or perhaps for standard pvc piping? Such a system might prove useful for putting together quick cold frames for gardens, or perhaps even for making shelving?
there are quite a view designs out there that use printed connectors for wood or PVC piping. E.g. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1379456.
If it is viable depends on the forces needed and their environment where you want to use it. E.g. PLA is typically not used outside. There PETG or other stuff is better. Simplify has a new very good materials guide. The weak points in the CanBot are the cans itself.
There are some new PLA-derivatives (like Makergeeks' Crystal Raptor HTPLA) which, after a little bit of annealing treatment, look pretty good for long-term outdoor use. With an after-treatment glass temperature of over 200°F, they appear to be up to the task of outdoor weathering.
Which reminds me, I need to make that particular experiment and see what happens when we are a little closer to summer. I have the stuff, I might as well give it a good going over!
The other thing to be careful of with 3D printing and actual structural supports is keeping in mind how much infill versus how thick the external shell is. A solid piece of extruded plastic is going to be expensive to print and take forever, but it's going to be ridiculously rugged in every direction except across the layers. Even PLA, as long as it doesn't get hot. As you decrease the amount of total plastic in the piece, strength goes down.
But you would be amazed at how little plastic you can get away with and still have a piece that serves its structural purpose.
Again, as long as you're not applying force across the layers.
yea would be interesting to see how HTPLA is doing outdoors
Thank you! My daily digest of posts like continues to inspire, now I just need to get my hands on or access to a 3D printer? I think I saw a post or heard one can make a 3D printer, is that possible?
Well, they are not really expensive anymore. Take a look at Prusa MK2 or MK3 they are between 700-1000$. If you have some more money also Ultimaker 2+ or 3 are very good ones I could recommend.