Morris Minor Owners Club

Seems the latest Airbus has over 1,000 3D printed parts. I wonder how long it will be before many classic car parts will be manufactured like this.

Funny you say mention this...

Currently working on a few 3D projects for the Minor market. However they'd be components that have been unavailable to buy, cost implications may put of the scrimping Minor owner

I suppose the problem is that the Minor is an affordable classic and many owners will be running them on a very tight budget. Our local garage chap runs classic Fords and has serious problems finding trim. He'd pay sensible money for the bits that he needs.

SteveClem wrote: Our local garage chap runs classic Fords and has serious problems finding trim. He'd pay sensible money for the bits that he needs.

Aha I've been in touch with a few Ford based restorers

I do see what you mean though, about the budget classic. It is just a shame that people complain about their 'cheap' parts hehe

He'd pay sensible money for the bits that he needs.

In defense of the average Minor owner, it depends on your definition of sensible.
Why should all classics command sky high prices that are only within the reach of those with plenty of disposable income???
I suppose it comes back to the speculators and investors argument again but to me those who are only in it for the money will never be true enthusiasts!
They only serve to put the price of classic cars beyond the average man in the street.

I agree completely,but we have to mindful of the fact that the manufacturers and retailers of these parts all have to feed their families and if we resist their prices too much they will respond by producing sub standard items. Then we get into the usual vicious circle... Rubbish quality at low prices. We can't have it both ways. What annoys me is paying good money for a 'premium 'part and then finding that it's no better than a budget item.

This be dark sorcery and no good will come of it!!!

I think ive just about scraped through regarding getting hold of decent parts, as there will be no more Minor restorations for me, too much hassle finding quality. Hope those still struggling with rebuilds find new old stock!

This might just be me, probably got my thicko head on tonite...but.
As far as I understand 3d printing is done by layering a substance that melts then sets when laid down, the carriage just keeps adding this malleable material on every pass until hours or even days later a replica of the origonal is formed. BUT it's not formed from the original material EG a steel crankshaft would be reproduced but in a sort of wax. So how would that crankshaft work in an actuall engine.
Shurley the 3d printer is a way of sending an exact replica to another place IE to Mars from earth. It won't send actual concrete but a wax replica. The concrete sections would have to be cast on Mars in concrete! Just like the Moggie crankshaft needs to be cast in steel. So if an original part was available then why not just make the new one from a pattern of the origonal.
3d printer just gets a 3 dimensional blue print over a long distance. doesn't it?

Regarding 3D printing, lots of potential there.
This may be of interest as to what can be done with 3D printing.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/small-b ... ket-engine

they do 3D metal printing now for turbine blades and formula 1 suspension and steering components. They do it by spraying layers of resin binders onto powdered metal and then heat treat with a filler metal that runs in and replaces the resin.

The possibilities and strength of these components are amazing as they are completely free of stresses.

Taupe