3D printed suspension parts

[Declan_Burns]

Just as an experiment I got the 3D printing service that I use to print off a kingpin dust cap and a shackle bush. The material is flexible TPE and is 72° shore A. Obviously the surface is not as smooth as my rubber dust caps but they fit so well that they don't want to come off again. The shackle bush (MG TD/TF) also feels about just right. It is not the cheapest way to go but it is interesting for say parts that are no longer available or where making up special casting tooling would be too expensive.
I am toying with the idea of trying to make a dust cap that can be installed without pulling the suspension apart.
Declan

[geoberni]

Nice work. I've got no idea what "flexible TPE and is 72° shore A" means, but it certainly sounds impressive...

[Des911]

Pleased to hear that Geoberni neither have I but didn't like to say

[philthehill]

Well done Declan.

Here is a description of flexible PTE.

https://torwell3d.en.alibaba.com/produc ... roved.html

Shore hardness is the scale relating to the hardness of a material especially material ranging from very soft to very hard.

For example - 70 Shore is the average hardness of most poly bushes fitted to Minor suspension bushing components.

https://www.barnwell.co.uk/shore-a-hardness/

There has been quite a lot of discussion on this web site over the years regarding the Shore Hardness of components fitted to the Minor. Use the search facility to find the various threads.

[geoberni]

Thanks Phil.

[kevin s]

I wonder how durrable pte would be for bushes?

Another option is to print moulds to pour polyuerathane into

I've been 3D printing hard plastic trim parts for myTR7 V8 and my wifes mx5, being able to print durrable elastomers would be a great option.

My son did this for his minor.

6fcee19c3fbc_m.jpg (98.65 KiB) Viewed 2172 times

It sits beween the seats to give him a couple of cup holders and a power supply.

[Declan_Burns]

Kevin,
That is a very good question. I can have Moggy shackle bushes printed. Does anybody want to test them? I would provide them free of cost.
Regards
Declan

[Declan_Burns]

This is what it could look like. I drew it in two halves as it is easier to print. I have to find the correct glue for TPE. The pins are only to centre the two halves for gluing. They alone would not withstand the pressure of a grease gun. Maybe cable ties would be another option.
I should have it back from the printer early next week.
Regards
Declan

[Chipper]

Kevin,
That is a very good question. I can have Moggy shackle bushes printed. Does anybody want to test them? I would provide them free of cost.
Regards
Declan

I'd be interested to test a set - my 1970 Traveller's standard rubber bushes are probably well past their best, having been replaced (by myself) yonks ago...

[Declan_Burns]

Chipper,
Can you contact me offline?
declan_burns@web.de

Regards
Declan

[Chipper]

Hi Declan,
Sorry for the delayed response. E-mail sent.

[Declan_Burns]

I have ordered a pair of tie bar bushes and eyebolt bushes in black.
Regards
Declan

[mobylette]

I would definitely be interested in a set of the split dust covers if and when they are available. Mine are on their last legs.

[Declan_Burns]

Mobylette,
They should be here on Wednesday. My mate and I are checking out industrial glues at the moment. If we can get these working we can save a lot of people a lot of work. I am very pleased with the first sample bushes that I got. It looks promising.
I have also ordered a gaiter that I use on my MG clutch rod kits to keep the road dirt out of the pedal box. If it is flexible enough I could do steering rack gaiters.
Regards
Declan

[dp]

Just in case anyone is reading this and thinking that 3d printing (still) costs thousands and thousands and only happens in specialist labs, you can get something that does this for less than £200. It's not a complicated scientific instrument, more like something knocked up in Meccano.

With the hobby printers like Creality Ender, where there are weaknesses in the design, others have created improvement parts that can be swapped over with a screwdriver and Allen key. If you can change your brake pads you probably have the ability to 3d print.

Really good software is available free.

[dp]

This is what it could look like. I drew it in two halves as it is easier to print. I have to find the correct glue for TPE. The pins are only to centre the two halves for gluing. They alone would not withstand the pressure of a grease gun. Maybe cable ties would be another option.
I should have it back from the printer early next week.
Regards
Declan

What about snap fit joins something like this?

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/542050505136768824/

[Declan_Burns]

I got some suspension parts from the printing service today. Mixed feelings!
The TPU, although highly durable, is a bit too hard for my liking but the parts may be useable. The actual fit is very good. The two part kingpin seal will not work as it is so it is back to the drawing board on that issue. The gaiter (not shown) is also too hard.

Regards
Declan

[philthehill]

It was worth a try Declan.
I would suggest that bushes for the Minor should not exceed 70 Shore.
Phil

[mobylette]

That is a pity, but thank you for your efforts. Hopefully the new year will bring better news all round

Happy Xmas to all.

[Declan_Burns]

Maybe this version might be better. I will order a test piece. It would take two cable ties or two M2 screws and nylocs.
Regards
Declan