Are obsolete vehicle parts a thing of the past? (1 Viewer)

[Rob and Val]

Is it right that the new 3D printers can make objects in plastics, ceramics or metals? If that is the case, does this mean that we will be able to keep our motorhomes on the road forever?

 

[hilldweller]

Yes you can make many parts but no-one is saying cheap !

 

[TheBig1]

not all metals yet and the thermoform plastic is not likely to last long in hot sunshine. 3d printing is still in its early stages of development but at least its a start

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[WynandJean]

I think the possibilities of this technology are very exciting. Have you seen the chocolates and sweets that they are printing now? What will they be able to dream up next?

Wyn

 

[jonandshell]

Can 3-D printers drop forge, harden and heat treat then?

 

[Tootles]

not all metals yet and the thermoform plastic is not likely to last long in hot sunshine. 3d printing is still in its early stages of development but at least its a start

Well, should last YEARS in Scotland then......

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[cmcardle75]

Is it right that the new 3D printers can make objects in plastics, ceramics or metals? If that is the case, does this mean that we will be able to keep our motorhomes on the road forever?

I believe the RAF are experimenting with using 3D printers to reduce their need to stock non-engineering parts throughout the world. I can't see anyone printing ball joints and shock absorbers for a while.

If you want to keep an old vehicle going for now without costing the earth just choose a really ubiquitous platform like a Chevrolet P30 and you'll have no trouble for parts for years to come.

Some examples:
Ball joint = £3.20
Steering tie rod end = £2.63
Lower front wishbone = £9.82.
Front shock absorber (gas) = £14.29

That is for a 1978, with good availability from multiple manufacturers. I'm not scared of MOTs yet!

Last year the engine gave in (it was 35 years old...) A brand new one, not reconditioned, from a General Motors factory cost less than £2000, including duty, VAT and delivery.

 

[Tootles]

I believe the RAF are experimenting with using 3D printers to reduce their need to stock non-engineering parts throughout the world. I can't see anyone printing ball joints and shock absorbers for a while.

If you want to keep an old vehicle going for now without costing the earth just choose a really ubiquitous platform like a Chevrolet P30 and you'll have no trouble for parts for years to come.

Some examples:
Ball joint = £3.20
Steering tie rod end = £2.63
Lower front wishbone = £9.82.
Front shock absorber (gas) = £14.29

That is for a 1978, with good availability from multiple manufacturers. I'm not scared of MOTs yet!

Last year the engine gave in (it was 35 years old...) A brand new one, not reconditioned, from a General Motors factory cost less than £2000, including duty, VAT and delivery.

Well, considering you have a V8 210HP motor there, I would think the fuel costs make up for the cheaper spares???

 

[cmcardle75]

Well, considering you have a V8 210HP motor there, I would think the fuel costs make up for the cheaper spares???

It runs on LPG, which helps. Also, large engines don't hit the fuel economy as much as the bureacrats would have you believe. The economy tests are stacked against them.

But even then the economy isn't brilliant, due as much to the 5 tonnes and ancient and heavy (but indestructible) 3 speed automatic. I get about 35p per mile.

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