Shapeways

[witek]

Hi guys,

Wondering if anyone has used shapeways (A 3d printing service) to get any parts from? They offer parts made from 304SS using a laser sintering process for rather cheap. I know it takes the fun out of machining things, but would there be any reason for this not to work? Obviously wouldn't work so well for turbines or compressors, but for other stationary components it seems to be rather excellent.
I plugged in a diffuser model and it came out to $140 (Canadian) with shipping! A few touch ups would be needed of course, but for the price it's not bad.

[Richard OConnell]

Never used or heard of them, but the price is indeed good

[smithy1]

Depending on the size or engine type you can buy them a little cheaper than that from the manufacturers. Not a bad option for custom sized parts though.

If it's a diffuser you're after, it doesn't need to be stainless, most of them are aluminium.

Cheers,
Smithy.

[witek]

Jul 20, 2015 15:24:52 GMT -5 smithy1 said:

Depending on the size or engine type you can buy them a little cheaper than that from the manufacturers. Not a bad option for custom sized parts though.

If it's a diffuser you're after, it doesn't need to be stainless, most of them are aluminium.

Cheers,
Smithy.

Not really after a diffuser right now, was just using this as an example to introduce the idea to those who haven't heard of the service.

[Johansson]

Very interesting, I will check them out and search for an example of a "difficult" part in stainless they´ve made. That way I can find out if having an NGV made by them would be worth the cost.