Successful Startup and 3D Printing Tools
Two weekends ago we got the bike running! Here’s a little sumthin sumthin of what went down.
One of the many things I didn’t get when I purchased this bike was the original tool kit, which isn’t a big deal really, because from what I’ve heard most of the tools were crap anyway. But, it also contained a fluid level dipstick for the middle gear and final drive.
So, a buddy of mine at my day job recently starting using a 3D printer for prototyping parts, and informed me we could use for personal projects as well. Hunting around the yamaha-triples.org forum I found a detailed schematic of one and my friend recreated it in SolidWorks.
And then we ran it through the 3D printer –
All measurements turned out to spec except for the minimum level for the final drive. That was off about .030″ . I don’t know how oils will affect the plastic, but it should only come into contact with them briefly.
Did it print a plastic part? FDM? We have 2 FDM machines at work and can have parts the next day.
I’ve used SW from 99-2006, and ProE ever since. I prefer SW.
Keep up the good work. I want to see some test ride vids!
Hey Mat,
A plastic part was created. I can’t find the MSDS for the filament material; the only reference is that it’s PLA. Thanks for the kind words, I’ll definitely have some test ride vids!
I have the same M2 printer. PLA is great for rigid parts that won’t come into contact with liquids or heat. Because it is a biodegradable plastic, it tends to break down when it gets wet. I use PLA sutures and implants in surgery, which dissolve in the body after 3-6 months (medical grade PLA). I only say all this to indicate you may want to print a few if you plan to use them multiple times so you can compare a control piece to the one you are using which is exposed to oil or gas. It may change shape.
Hey Mat,
Thanks for the heads up on PLA and its reaction to liquids. I’ll definitely make a couple for future reference.