Any Engineering stories? Milling, 3D printing scales etc.

Hello,

As an engineering student I've been using a few modern design and manufacture processes and was just wondering if anyone has any stories on custom made razors that have used some?
From what I've seen of custom builds people cut and sand down scales from thin pieces of plastic/horn etc.
I've just been thinking about designing my own scales with CAD and then 3D printing them, milling them or even direct metal laser sintering (which is basically 3D printing but in various metals).
thoughts? :)

-Townsey

This may give you some inspiration. I did these with a CO2 laser.


http://straightrazorpalace.com/custo...one-befor.html

V/R
Tim

Wow thats a great bit of craftsmanship! Well done! Thanks for sharing! How long have you worked on it?

Thats another thought I was having, whether or not to design a more traditional style scales or modern. I've also thought about working with carbon fibre but I wouldn't be able to do as much detail with it.

I would think 3D printing would be ideal for something of this sort - and now you've got me thinking about using this printer at work for something useful!
Some metals may get a bit heavy as far as balance for scales, but obviously they're out there and people use them. Be sure to post some pics if you tackle it.
Good luck on your upcoming engineering career.

It's a very interesting idea, especially the direct metal laser cintering but the whole concept of 3-D printing is fascinating because it transforms what where until now basically subtractive (material removing) processes and makes it additive. I can see this working in the short term for synthetic scales but (apart from the complexity of the creation of the CAD-file for complex shapes) would it be economically viable now for metals? Cost of the machinery must be absolutely prohibitive except for niche applications. But of course, sooner or later a service will be offered where you send in a file + specifications about the alloy to be used etc and it's handled for you.

Going to subscribe to this thread...success!

I'm about 90% done converting one of my mills to CNC. I will definitely be making some scales with it.

Next on the list is a CNC lathe. I will definitely be making some brushes with it.

After that on the list is a 3D printer. I will definitely be making all kinds of stuff with that.



IIRC, awhile back, someone posted about using a cnc grinder to make a blade. I think they said it wasn't worth the headache.
I may have hallucinated that post though. :shrug:

Everything CNC will be a Dinosaur in short order,3 D rules

I think there will still be plenty of applications for CNC.
For high production of simple parts I don't see it being replaced any time soon.

Well said xenophon!
I believe that currently the polymers used with 3D printing are not as useful as they could potentially be property wise. Over time better polymers will be used meaning the parts created will be more practical.
There are so many 'mini' 3D printers coming out that are aimed for 'home use' but I don't feel the quality is there yet for the price you pay (around £1000).
Direct metal laser sintering is where its at! This is where a bed of a chosen metal powder is sintered layer by layer by a programmable laser, thus building the part. The only disadvantage to this method is the cost. There are currently companies that will receive CAD files, print them for a cost and post them to you.
However, I do agree with HNSB! So many companies use CNC due to the expense in more modern processes and it can be a risky move to completely change a manufacturing process within a company. I'm a major fan of CNC milling myself!

Sorry for the essay! But this is what I've been doing for the past couples years haha!

Anyway, I'm starting my CAD design of my scales soon, I'll keep you guys updated with screenshots if you like!

I did not keep track of the time on that project.
I like you have been watching the 3D printers.

Tim

I know nothing about engineering and CAD, however I have access to a 3D printer, so I'd be really curious to hear more about what you do and how well it works! I hope you keep us informed, and good luck!