How Good are Professional 3D Printed Metal Parts?

Summary

In this video, Mike explores the capabilities of PCBWay, a service that goes beyond PCBs to offer CNC machining and 3D printing in various materials. He designs complex parts, some nearly impossible to make at home, and has them manufactured to test their precision and functionality. After receiving the parts, Mike conducts a detailed review, checking fit, finish, and material suitability. He also shares lessons learned, such as allowing for material shrinkage and the importance of accurate design for metal parts. The video concludes with Mike successfully integrating the parts into his lathe, showcasing the potential of combining home prototyping with professional manufacturing for high-quality, durable components.

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Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to evaluate the quality and precision of custom parts made by a third-party service, PCB Way, by designing complex parts and having them manufactured to see if they can perform their intended functions.

What services does PCB Way offer according to the video?

PCB Way offers services including CNC machining, 3D printing in both plastics and metals, and they have access to the latest technology to produce parts quickly and at a reasonable price.

Why did Mike decide to use PCB Way for his custom parts?

Mike decided to use PCB Way to explore the possibility of having complex parts manufactured that would be time-consuming or nearly impossible to make in his home shop, and to see if using such a service could open up new possibilities for creating ideas that can be 3D printed at home and then professionally manufactured.

What materials did Mike choose for his custom parts?

Mike chose materials that were best suited for each job, including tool steel for a custom wrench, nylon for a lathe part to prevent wear on the lead screw, and aluminum for a dial face.

How long did it take for Mike to receive his custom parts from PCB Way?

It took approximately 3 weeks for Mike to receive his custom parts from the time of ordering.

What was the issue with the custom Callet Chuck Mike designed?

The custom Callet Chuck had an issue with the internal threads not fitting perfectly onto the spindle due to a slight miscalculation in the design phase, which required Mike to machine the part to provide more depth for the threads.

What improvements did Mike make to the lathe thread dial part after feedback from his viewers?

Mike made the gear of the lathe thread dial from nylon instead of glass fiber reinforced ABS to prevent wear on the lead screw and to address viewer concerns about the durability of the material in contact with steel.

What was the total cost for all the parts Mike ordered from PCB Way?

The total cost for all the parts, including shipping, would have been $426 if all parts were ordered at the same time. However, due to a last-minute request, the parts were shipped in two packages.

What lessons did Mike learn from the experience of ordering parts from PCB Way?

Mike learned about the importance of allowing for material shrinkage and deformation in 3D printed metal parts, the need to consider detail capture limits, and the value of taking more time to adjust clearances and threads in the design phase before manufacturing.

How does Mike feel about the results of the custom parts made by PCB Way?

Mike is generally very happy with the results of the custom parts made by PCB Way, appreciating the quality and the opportunity to prototype at home and then have a long-term solution made.