Originally Posted by
Pere Casals
Let point a way I use with 3d printing (instead laser, that also I use), for the case it can be useful to manufacture some rigid parts that you may need to be very more rigid.
Rather than printing the 3D part I print a PE mold of the part, and I fill it with a technical resin mixed with cut fiberglass (1/4" or 1/2" length), it works like reinforced concrete. Also sometimes I place a metallic (alluminium, titanium) part inside the mold, usualy a (perhaps angled) plating with holes, or little pipe. I also add black dye to make it light tight.
This delivers very rigid parts, perhaps it can be useful to make a 5x7 or 8x10, where rigidity is more critical. The Polyethylene 3D printed mold can be reused some 50 times, just spraying the mold with Silicone Mold Release Spray before pousing the resin+Catalyst.
Also sometimes I use Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP). It can be cut it with water jet.
Regards
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