3d printing and rapid prototyping

here are a couple of pictures and short video of what I am up to with Perrys new crankcase, the auxiliary unit is more complicated than the engine error's at this stage are costly and printing your part first can save tears later

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Oct 25, 2026

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Replies (4)

· 1w

Very interesting! I know nothing about steam cars but I’m going to follow this now.

· 1w

Chris.. I'm guessing you now will tweak the design in the 3d printing software, reprint the plastic part, and do a compare again? Then whats next in the process to create the final crank case once you have verified that the plastic version is a perfect match? Also how do you take into account shrinkage?

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· 1w

I do not think I need to reprint after the mods , as long as I am happy that I have made them, its just much easier with a part in front of you to see than looking at a screen.
the next process from here is for the patternmakers and foundry to agree where the splits in the mould will be, then some taper ( draw) will be added so that the pattern can be extracted from the sand easily the pattern only gives the external shapes, all the internal shapes have to be moulded in core boxes and inserted into the sand mould.
the pattern makers will ask for the material spec and then based upon that information will make the pattern a certain percentage larger to allow for contraction when cooling.

· 1w

Wow.