3D printing of parts- Makers plates

[Darrin Wright]

Several weeks ago there was discussion in my restoration thread about printing of parts using a 3D printer.

Well talk has progressed into an actual part, see pics, it has been 2-3 weeks due to the Christmas break period.
But we have a draft printed 1941 makers plate. This is for draft/proof purposes only and is 50/50 plastic and air. This has been used to further tidy up the 'image' for the next printed part.

The finished part will be made from a UV stable plastic and made .3mm thicker so as to allow for some light sanding & polishing of outer frame and lettering. When painted and in position will look the part. The stamped sections have been left blank so they can be engraved with the correct details.

From the 'image' we will be able to also modify it to replicate a later 1942, LP2A plate. I have supplied an image of a LP2A rectangular makers plate for this purpose.

Expecting the finished plates to be completed in 3-4 weeks. They will be made in a silver plastic.

[The Bedford Boys]

These could be used as patterns for casting if they were made slightly larger to allow for shrinkage.

What would it cost roughly to get a pattern printed exactly as you have there, except with 1942 instead of 1941?

[Darrin Wright]

attached pic of the 1942 SAR makers plate that will be used to modify the 'image' of the 1941 plate.
there is a cost of labour to modify the plates or 'image'. But this is minimal.

I won't go into costs just yet, as the process is not complete and we don't have a finished product yet for final costing.

Just how many different makers plates are there?

[Darrin Wright]

and now for the pic...

[Robin Craig]

We are only on the edge of what the new technology can do for us all.

Very exciting to see it being used in our hobby

R

[Ben]

I use 3D printing at work. It helped a lot in making the patterns for the cast parts I made. You can dail in the % increase to allow for shrinkage. I would be cautious using resins for the finished product as their life span isn't always very long.

[Darrin Wright]

Just an update on the plastic medium, it is ABS plastic, UV stable, heat resistant to 88deg C and is also impact resistant.

Will post some pics in a couple of weeks of the plates

[jack neville]

Darrin

Why not just use it to make a blank and cast in brass as suggested? If you are going to this much trouble why not make them more authentic?

[jeff davis]

Good work looks great
Mk1 plates would be more to my liking
Jeff

[Darrin Wright]

Collected the makers plates over the weekend.
2 types printed in a gray ABS plastic.
My plate is at the engravers getting the hull number and maker cut into it, should be ready be the end of the week for paint and installation.

They are very light, so will not increase the fuel consumption of the BGC

See the pics

If your interested, PM me, they are AU$50ea plus postage ($7.50ish)