4 Hour Bruder Dozer

[Ben1272]

Reg, do you think plastic sprockets could hold up for use with the #35 roller chain based tracks? I can design and print them on my 3D printer in ABS plastic or PLA plastic, which is a bit harder than the ABS. Will sand, etc., just wear them away prematurely?

I think I am going to give it a shot and see. Can always convert to aluminum if it is a no go.

My aluminum extrusion is due here any day.

Thanks for your help,

Ben

bruder sprocket concept.JPG

[RCP57]

I guess it depends on how much sand you are running in but I'm sure they will last a while. It's not like it's a really heavy model. You can always print more anyway right! I like the design! They look good. I need to get myself a printer that's for sure. What type do you have?

[Ben1272]

I have a solidoodle4. It is not bad for the $599 price tag! I have mine adjusted pretty nice right now and get pretty decent prints now. It definitely takes a little bit to learn about the machine and what it can do and how to design parts given its limitations. The parts being ABS allow solvent bonding so larger more complex parts can be broken down into smaller more manageable parts and then bonded together. The sprocket I showed was printed from two parts, designed to be keyed together, and then solvent bonded.

I am going to make the entire drivetrain with this approach and will post pictures as I get further along.

I think I am also goinf to use the printer to make a fixture to hold the extrusion while I mill the sides clean and drill holes and mill slot.....we'll see how that idea pans out!

[Mikem]

Today I was a the home despot to find the track pad material and the lady who looked for it for me found out it is a discountinued product . So I bought the remaining stock 3 pieces . Mike

[Ben1272]

Here is a shot of the printer making the sprocket I showed a couple of posts ago.

SD4 making bruder sprocket.JPG

[RCP57]

Sounds like I need to try and buy some more of that trim! and a printer.....

[RCP57]

Plastic pushing leaves and crawling around...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_Uo...tJ-DusnO8Onw7A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EykE...tJ-DusnO8Onw7A