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Right now I'm working on a new robotics project and basically the problem is that the parts I need aren't available in wild in the size I need, (basically it's the components of a helicopter's rotor joint, like the seesaw bracket and all the other goodies used to give a broad range of motion). Before anyone mentions about using an actual RC copter to accomplish this, the issue is that I've yet to find one in the size I require. roughly 3x3 in. for the seesaw. So at this point I'm thinking about using CAD and just modeling the components and getting them injection molded. I'm wondering if anyone here has had any experience with low yield injection molding and if anyone has any particular company they prefer or recommend for this sort of service. Also if someone knows of a place that sells the components and they are RC and at that large of a size, please let me know lol. Also The best part about this project is that it doesn't require the precision of the helicopter nor does it even need to be metal as the weight will be less.
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Re: Injection Molding
You need to beg borrow or steal a reprap, makerbot or some other such rapid prototyping machine. If you can do cad drawings and you ask nicely, some folk around here might make parts for you by mail orderNever drink anything larger than your head!
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Re: Injection Molding
The current issue of MAKE has the CupCake rapid prototype 3D printer that Bre Prettis and some partners are marketing for $750 USD. It looks like 4"x4"x6" is the maximum for it, so it fits your requirements, Calypso. www.makerbot.comThorn
"If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning." - Catherine AirdComment
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Re: Injection Molding
The hackerspace in my area has a makerbot and another CNC router of some kind. If your interested I could ask them what they would want to make your parts. Just send me a PM if you are interested.Not every problem, nor every thesis, should be examined, but only one which might puzzle one of those who needs argumentComment
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Re: Injection Molding
Oh sweet that's awesome. Basically there is the primary movement mechanism and some of the cogs and gears, but I think I can find those without an issue. It was just the primary components. Thank you again for helping me out with this. I was hoping to make it out of metal so it would last longer but I'm not looking to spend a lot on a prototype. So yea I'll get to work transferring what I have on paper into working CAD drawings. Thanks again.<Insert witty comment here>Comment
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Re: Injection Molding
Yea, I want one of those so bad, but I like the reprap a little better, bigger stuff can be made with it. Would make my life much easier with the laptop antenna mods and whatnot. Freaking money gets in the way of all the fun stuff....Originally posted by Thorn View Post
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