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Great work as usual Bob, love those metal 3D prints
Regards Jeff

These 3 d printed parts are the Future for the more intricate parts, so much time saved and accuracy, keep at it Bob, regards simon.

Yes looking very good those 3d parts.

Bob, what setup do you have for the metal 3d prints?

Thanks everyone for the feedback.

Adam, I use Shapeways printing services for the Steel parts. I don't have the printer to make them. The process for making steel parts is very involved. The green "as printed" parts must be sintered in an oven and then infused with Bronze. The final part is an alloy of stainless steel, bronze - a very tough strong corrosion resistant part.

It takes probably $1 Mil in equipment to do all that and handing very fine powder material is hazardous. Despite the equipment and process, the parts in steel are fairly reasonable in price. I make the CAD models and send it to them for printing. I also have a resin printer for making plastic prototype first.

Thanks all,
Bob

Ah, I see. I knew how expensive it was and I wondered if you worked for an engineering firm or something. I never looked into outsourcing locally, I think that’s now on my list. But first I need to get through learning Fusion 360!

Adam you may be surprised by the cost - its not bad for small parts. Some might say $20-25 USD for a small part is horrific but If I try to machine them in brass or metal by hand your looking at major hours involved. And try to make 10 if the same thing? For me its quite a bargain. And they are steel!

I am an Engineer by trade -so that helps!

Fusion 360 is an excellent tool for the price and a great place to start. You don't have to be an engineer to learn to use it.
Bob

Few photos of recent progress. Got the front hatches fitted and working. Took a bit of fiddling but both now work well. A few fender details and welds added. Thx for looking and for comments.

















till next time...
Bob

That looks GREAT BOB!!! You always do OUTSTANDING builds!!

Mike

Hi Bob
Lovely build as always I have one of these in the pile to build in the future.
Can you please explain what needs to be altered on those front hatches, and I was wondering
are those parts available to order if wanted .

Regards

Derek

Great build details Bob, always a pleasure to watch
Regards Jeff

Thanks for nice feedback guys!

Derek the mod is pretty simple:
a) file the hatch hinge lower arm as in image below so hatch can fully pivot
b) modify EU0155 / EU0155M to remove 0.5-0.6mm AND taper the top surface 6-7 degrees.
c) Drill out pivot hole in EU0155 using #21 drill (0.159") - I found the hole too tight for the 4mm pin

Do same for both sides. The thinner edge "A" points toward front of tank.



Best regards,
B

Hi Bob
Thanks very useful.

Regards

Derek

3D printed accessory for E8 forthcoming. Not quite finished with hatch interior details. Will be held on with magnets.







Best regards,
B

Great looking 3D model Bob.

Vince