I am looking into using 3D printing to make the trim rings for my ports that are no longer available. My son is attending the local university and has friends that are computer majors. They are checking to see if I give them one for a template if they can make it by 3D printers. I fear I will have to buy a lot of beer.
Please let us know how you make out. Our local library has a 3d printer and I've put it in the back of my mind for hard to find boat parts.
Jim
Go Glenn.
I've worked with 3D printing % it can produce some amazing finished parts made from a number of materials.
I have blown off the college kids as they were no help. I visited a 3d printing company today and they put me in contact with a company that can scan the frames and make a "cad" file. I then can take that file to the printing company and they can print the frame. I am taking the frame to the "file" company tomorrow to see how much that will cost,hopefully not too much. I am thinking that once I have the file I can donate to this site for anyone that needs it, they would merely have to take the file to their local printer.
A CAD file would be very helpful if someone wanted to make a mold to vacuum form (original method) these too. Good luck on your search for the Holy Grail (Lemar Old Standard trim rings). I gave up some years ago and bought new Lewmar replacement ports.
Well this is what I found, 200$ to scan and make file. The real deal breaker is that to print each frame would be about $150. Maybe in five years it will be cheaper. I did learn they can do a lot of cool things with these printers.
Same upfront $ story with vacuum forming however lots cheaper per unit (if you want to buy 50+ units). As I said, the "Holy Grail". Meanwhile, new-style replacement ports are approx. $200 ea. without any discounts one might have/find.
https://www.mauriprosailing.com/us/product/LEW393120200.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoI2qztKg3wIVF9VkCh0EkQNMEAQYASABEgKf4_D_BwE
The way you went makes the most sense, even the screen is included. Did you replace all six?
There is a gentleman in BC that used 3d printing to make me a set of gears for my autohelm. The gears are no longer available from Raymarine. I lost a couple of them when I disassembled the unit (long story). He also makes (via 3d printing) and sells other parts for the autohelm (like the actuating lever) on Ebay.
His name is Rick Wallace <r.wallace@i3dgear.com>
Drop him an email and see if he can help you out.
Roland Gendreau
Yep, new ports are a better way to go. However a caveat, which I have posted prior. Beware of the "false latch". The New Standard design ports have a different latching system that, if you are not diligent/paying attention to when latching, could appear to be secured, but are not, just closed—and will leak. This is particularliy a problem if reaching across the salon table to close. You must push on the portlight as you latch it, to make sure it is truly closed and the latch is engaged.
I do a fair amount of 3D printing and I've made a few parts for my C34 (like a cover for the autohelm). How large is your print? If it fits in my printer I wouldn't mind trying to print it and mail it to you.
Can you scan the frame too?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xlewmar+internal+frame+trims.TRS0&_nkw=lewmar+internal+frame+trims&_sacat=0
Found this on an old link from Stu. They are available in the UK.
Those are for size "0" not size "1"
Glenn- no I don't have a way to scan the frame unfortunately. If someone has object files I'd be happy to help with printing though.
Guys : I mentioned the 3D printer for the trim rings a few years back.
Here in Fredericksburg Va you can use the 3D printer at our local library; after you take a few hours of classes on how to operate it!! :thumb:
A thought
I believe it would take MANY hours to print 6 trim rings.
I checked with Rick Wallace, the gentlemen I recommended earlier, who has provided me 3d printed parts for my autohelm .
His reply is below:
Roland,
Sorry, none of my 3D printers are large enough for those. I have the same trim on my own Beneteau, so I know their size.
My largest printer does 12" x 12" x 18"H, not even large enough for the smallest of those trim rings. I could look at sending them out to be printed, but I imagine the cost may be prohibitive and also the colours are very limited in that event. Print costs for outsourced printing are usually based on the bounding dimensions of an object, not the volume of plastic used. And, I'm not even sure if any of my outsourcing companies can do parts that large.
Good idea though, but not possible at this time.
Merry Xmas,
Rick.
Thank you, although the outcome was not what we wanted, we did learn about 3d printing!
Hi Glen,
This is Mark from Endeavour.
What are you trying to fabricate?
I made replacement trim rings for my C25 out of cherry (interior) and PVC board (coaming pocket trim).
For exterior trim I used PVC board, which when painted, looked very good. I only painted them because the PVC has a granular texture when machined and I was concerned that this would trap dirt.
Here's a picture of an interior trim ring.
We could use HDPE but making a ring out of a single piece is very wasteful. We could make straight sections and separate "ends" which would be much more economical.
It is a much more complicataed "trim ring" than that. It is a hollowed-out cap/cover that snaps over the frame and the latches of an opening port and is secured by velcro on the back inside the hollow recess.
Saw this ad in the Jan/Feb issue of Good Old Boat pg 58
Jim