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Thread: 3D reproduction

  1. #1
    SEC Member ChrisCar6's Avatar
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    3D reproduction

    Is there such a thing as a 3D 'photocopier'?
    Something that scans a part then prints a copy. I've been trying to get a small metal part to repair an expensive set of headphones, but the manufacturer hasn't released spares. It would lend itself to 3D printing, but do I have to draw the CAD file?

  2. #2
    SEC Member LPH_UK's Avatar
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    Re: 3D reproduction

    Yes. You need some form of 3D scanner that outputs to a CAD model that can then be used to generate a file for 3D printing, such as a STL file.

    How big is the part?

  3. #3
    SEC Member ChrisCar6's Avatar
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    Re: 3D reproduction

    Sounds expensive!
    Part's about 7 x 2.5 x <1cm.

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    Site Supporter NoCorseChris's Avatar
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    Re: 3D reproduction

    How complex is the part Chris? Post a picture. I have a 3D printer (plastic only though)....

  5. #5
    SEC Member LPH_UK's Avatar
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    Re: 3D reproduction

    Quote Originally Posted by ChrisCar6 View Post
    Sounds expensive!
    Part's about 7 x 2.5 x <1cm.
    Depends. I used to have a contact that could have done it for you for nowt (the scanning bit) but he's moved on to another company unfortunately. If it's only that size then maybe knocking up a model is a valid option.

  6. #6
    SEC Member Revs's Avatar
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    Re: 3D reproduction

    So far I have always just drawn the part in a CAD package. As a home user you can get a free licence for Fusion 360, and there are tons of tutorials on how to use it on You Tube.

    Part of my worry would be that you are unlikely to get exactly what you wanted first try, so as a CAD file you can tweak the measurements and print another stab at it.

    A photo of the part and we might be better able to advise.

  7. #7
    SEC Member ChrisCar6's Avatar
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    Re: 3D reproduction

    I don't think plastic would do it Chris - it's very narrow where it has snapped through.
    I have sourced one from America at great expense.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Img_6572.jpg  

  8. #8
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    Re: 3D reproduction

    … you might find someone to investment cast it if you have a plastic dummy.

    But could be expensive!

  9. #9
    Site Supporter NoCorseChris's Avatar
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    Re: 3D reproduction

    That doesn’t look like it would work in plastic.....particularly as it failed in metal!

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