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  #1  
Old 03-06-2018, 12:01 PM
Mark Dickens's Avatar
Mark Dickens Mark Dickens is offline
 
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Default 3D Print a Stick Grip?

A question for the experts in 3D printing...would it be possible to design and print a custom control stick grip in two halves that would include an offset such that instead of bending the stick, the grip would have the offset built into it? I don't know about the strengths of the various plastics available for use and whether they would be strong enough to do the job. I've been looking for a practical reason to dip my toe into these waters, and if this is practical, I might just decide to try it out.
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  #2  
Old 03-06-2018, 01:22 PM
rv7charlie rv7charlie is offline
 
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Markforged carbon printer at your local maker shop or college?
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  #3  
Old 03-06-2018, 03:14 PM
ZachMiller ZachMiller is offline
 
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Default Shouldn't be an issue

I wouldn't call myself an 'expert in 3D printing' just someone who dabbles in 3D printing, but I see no reason this wouldn't work with something like ABS. Even PLA would probably hold up for many years. There are even Nylon filaments if you're feeling adventurous. A stick grip is going to be loaded primarily in compression and I'd like to see someone crush a properly done 3D printed part with their hand strength. Even with minimal infill. That carbon impregnated filament is pricey and I doubt necessary.

The hardest part would be modeling the stick grip.

If you want a 3D printer I'd say go for it. Too cheap not to these days.
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  #4  
Old 03-06-2018, 03:15 PM
12vaitor 12vaitor is offline
 
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I have designed and printed several 3D parts for my RV-12 using Nylon-X, which is a carbon fiber infused nylon material. Has great temperature characteristics for the temps you are likely to see in your cockpit and prints better than ABS. I usually use Fusion 360 to create the parts, I tried EAA Solidworks and found Fusion 360 was simpler for what I was doing. It usually takes me three iterations before I end up with the final design, so use lower cost PLA material until your are happy with the fit and finished design.

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  #5  
Old 03-06-2018, 03:19 PM
rv7charlie rv7charlie is offline
 
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Zach, I think he was talking about printing an offset tube attached to the bottom of the grip. Actual bending loads.
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  #6  
Old 03-06-2018, 04:08 PM
ZachMiller ZachMiller is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rv7charlie View Post
Zach, I think he was talking about printing an offset tube attached to the bottom of the grip. Actual bending loads.
Ah, I guess we should clarify that. If that's the case I'd be a pretty hard no on 3D printing it. It could be disastrous if that failed at the wrong time. I'd need to see or create data showing it good, and as far as I know there aren't reliable material properties for 3D printed parts readily available (real, statistically proven material allowables). Especially for home 3D printers where the process is not controlled.

For anything related to safety of flight I would say that home 3D printing is not the process to use.
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  #7  
Old 03-07-2018, 04:44 AM
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Mark Dickens Mark Dickens is offline
 
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Thanks guys...I wasn't talking about printing on a tube per se. I was talking incorporating the offset into the plastic part. But, I may have figured out how to accomplish what I want to do without going that direction any way. More later on that. But I still want to get into this, and I have 3D modelers who actually work for me in my business, so I'm just looking for a good excuse!
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  #8  
Old 03-07-2018, 06:23 AM
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Saville Saville is offline
 
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Default production bent stick

What we really need is a production-made steel curved stick that has the 2" or so set back built into it.
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  #9  
Old 03-07-2018, 07:22 AM
rv7charlie rv7charlie is offline
 
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Mark,

The issue in the mod you're describing is that you're no longer squeezing the grip around the tube; you're now depending on the grip itself to handle the bending loads at the top of the stick.
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  #10  
Old 03-07-2018, 02:01 PM
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Mark Dickens Mark Dickens is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rv7charlie View Post
Mark,

The issue in the mod you're describing is that you're no longer squeezing the grip around the tube; you're now depending on the grip itself to handle the bending loads at the top of the stick.
Yep, that makes sense!
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