The Ford Barn

Kevin in NJ · 12-01-2013, 09:11 PM

Think about it.

Place the printer on the block and tell it what diameter crank, thickness of shims and let it print.

When it is done the bearings are all ready to go.

Print the caps and bolt it back together.

No special tools required, well other then a special printer.

If you thought the ink jet cartridges were pricey imagine the babbitt cost. Well it would have to be a spool of wire. Then there is the whole keeping things hot enough to melt together right. Of course the rear main cap would be interesting to make.

The idea popped in my head and then burst.

The bearings stay together because they are a molten metal that forms certain type crystals. Soldering together dots of babbitt will not form the correct crystals. Pretty sure they bearings would fall apart pretty quick.

But
Imagine if it could be done.

12-01-2013, 09:11 PM	#1
Kevin in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South East NJ Posts: 3,398	Print the bearings in the block, We need a 3D babbitt printer! Think about it. Place the printer on the block and tell it what diameter crank, thickness of shims and let it print. When it is done the bearings are all ready to go. Print the caps and bolt it back together. No special tools required, well other then a special printer. If you thought the ink jet cartridges were pricey imagine the babbitt cost. Well it would have to be a spool of wire. Then there is the whole keeping things hot enough to melt together right. Of course the rear main cap would be interesting to make. The idea popped in my head and then burst. The bearings stay together because they are a molten metal that forms certain type crystals. Soldering together dots of babbitt will not form the correct crystals. Pretty sure they bearings would fall apart pretty quick. But Imagine if it could be done.