3D Printing Impellers and other bits

[Leeench]

Hello!

I’m curious if anyone has had any experience with 3D printing impellers or other items for boat usage. I’m considering giving it a shot as routine replacement items in my part of the Caribbean are hard to come by at times and I thought it could be a good way to DIY some vital components. Yes, I know these are delicate pieces and should be replaced by OEM etc etc, not really looking for the general “I wouldn’t do that” advice without some technical reasons as to why not, so I’m curious if anyone has had any experience with that or has seen/heard of it being done? Thanks!

[goboatingnow]

TPU the most common semi flexible filament won’t sustain the abuse needed in my view

[mdhanlon]

I'm planning to have a 3D printer on board once I move offshore in 2024. I'm planning mostly to use it for parts that break and I have to jury rig a solution. I don't plan on making flexible parts as they're not really "flexible". Good luck with your plan.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by mdhanlon

I'm planning to have a 3D printer on board once I move offshore in 2024. I'm planning mostly to use it for parts that break and I have to jury rig a solution. I don't plan on making flexible parts as they're not really "flexible". Good luck with your plan.

I have a Creality Ender 3 on board which while good isn’t great for flexible as it’s not a “ direct drive “ head

But agree a 3D printer on board is a great great thing to have. Mine is used all the time.

An impeller would be a hard call on the boat I mostly use PETG filament which is robust but has a degree of “ give “ unlike PLA which is very rigid. .

[Leeench]

Thank you, this is great feedback! The Creality Ender 3 is top of my list for units so it’s great to hear others are using it. Thanks , any more responses are appreciated and if I have some groundbreaking experience with mine I’ll share!

[mdhanlon]

I currently have a FlashForge Adventurer 3 but signed up for a Prusa XL a year ago. Looking forward to having a large build volume and 2 heads for multi material printing.