The real-life saga of attaching the 3D printed Fuel door latch...with pics.
#1
The real-life saga of attaching the 3D printed Fuel door latch...with pics.
Hi All,
The epoxy is still curing so I'll update post in the next few days.

I using the 3D print V2 Fuel door latch from CZ7ASM here: https://github.com/flexion-unity/SGI-3DP...door-latch

A friend with a 3D printer did a PLA print in whatever red PLA he had and I do have four extra prints, should this all work I'll be offering them for cheap here on the forums.

Okay I apologize for the blurry pics, I got a new iPhone 13 Pro and it does wonderful macro shots...but getting it to do them requires an evenly short distance to the object in the entire scene, a small point in its face doesn't engage the macro mode well.  So sorry about that.


I started by using a small file to rough-up the mating surfaces of both parts as they are smooth and that smooth surface likely won't help me get a strong bond.  So do a little sanding only on the two attachment points. I've been using a 5min Araldite epoxy that is a dual-syringe system that you mix with great results for my projects. The trick is to mix it up and then apply to both ends (after sanding) and then wait a few mins and THEN place them together.  Only apply a THIN film on both parts then use a pointed stick to apply a small amount on the bottom joint and one of the gaps in the sides.


Overall fitment was very good!  I have the exact amount of old tab on one side that makes it fit perfectly.  I'm of course worried about the tension and movement during locking.  I MAY still drill a very small hole through the glued assembly and re-apply adhesive into the hole to between attach the two...we'll see how it fairs in tests.

Stay tuned for the first-latching in a day or so...edge of your seat stuff here!


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weblacky
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12-28-2021, 10:33 PM
#2
Small issues...
Okay, update.  Everything is dried/bonded so I went to do a test close...problems.

   

When everything is lined up and flat...it points DOWNWARDS and misses the slot...ughhhh.  I asked my friend that did the printing what the temps should be used slightly bend this piece without it melting on me.  He suggested 150F, I set a heat gun to 140F and gently went around it, stopping every 20 seconds or so to touch it with a metal implement to test of bending.  Within about 2 minutes it was able to bend it at the thin part.  

I removed heat and pushed th 3D printed latch up several times (small amounts) for about 15 seconds (no heat remember), testing the latch by almost closing the door and seeing where it was going to hit then after 30 seconds I shut the door (closed), waited for another 10 seconds and then opened the door.

Before I had to "lift" the door to get it into the slot and work, now the latch hits the very bottom of the slot and rides up (door moves up slightly) correctly and latches everytime!


So success!  However after gluing I had to soften the 3D print to "angle it" by bending the joint upwards slightly..I'd say around 1/8 of an inch or less (slight). 


But it had to be done or I couldn't push the door closed! Now you can push and it all latches (tightly) without wiggle.

So be prepared to use a temp-controlled hot air device to "rework" the part's alignment, once glued down.
weblacky
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12-29-2021, 11:54 PM
#3
RE: The real-life saga of attaching the 3D printed Fuel door latch...with pics.
I have posted the extra latches for sale on the Marketplace here for $11 via Paypal shipped within the Domestic USA: https://forums.irixnet.org/thread-3316.html
weblacky
I play an SGI Doctor, on daytime TV.

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12-30-2021, 08:21 AM


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