Test of 3D printed spare part: will it pass the endurance test?
Only one parameter in the CAD model had to be changed, after which the second version was quickly sent for printing. The second specimen also ran quite well and passed a short endurance test. As it started to exhibit slight malfunctioning at low revs, however, a third version with an adapted toothed gear module and helix angle had to be made. The third specimen functioned perfectly and engaged correctly.
A big advantage of additive manufacturing is that changes can be implemented quickly and with little effort. The adaptation of the digital model and also the convenient online ordering process and speedy manufacture make it possible to implement adaptations of prototypes and spare parts quickly and cost-effectively.
The difficulty with the manufacture of spare parts by means of 3D printing is often the creation of a suitable 3D model. On the Internet, there are numerous tutorials and free online tools for the creation of CAD models. On the igus website as well, there are several free CAD configurators that inexperienced users can utilise for gears, bearings and trapezoidal lead screw nuts, among other things. People who do not want to do this work themselves can find
help for the design of 3D printed spare parts on the websites of online workshops for amateurs and other repair initiatives.