Hi, I am totally new to 3D printing and have yet to be inducted on the printers. In tbe meantime, wondering if someone can point me in the right direction: I want to design and print some replacement rollers for a shower screen, see pic for where the current ones have broken. It doesn’t look like a complicated project on the face of it… Many thanks! Bruno
Hi there!
You are not wrong, I think this would be a good project to start with 3d modeling and 3d printing.
i think the first step for you would be to sign up on the induction for 3d printing, as it may take a bit of time to go through the queue.
While you wait for that i suggest you download Autodesk Fusion 360.
you get a trial of the full version for a while and then you can carry on with the free version.
The free version is still incredibly powerful and useful and has way more functions active that you will ever need in a life time as a hobbyist.
Once you have the software you can start playing with it, remember a lot of members are somewhat proficient in it, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.
I reckon the starting point for your design is the bearing in the old roller.
You can see the code on your picture
with that you can find the exact diameter of it, and start designing your roller from there.
There are a few bits to consider for a successful print (layering, materials, tolerances…) but someone will definitely be able to help with all of that when it comes to it.
Thanks, will get onto this!
yes good project to start out. Keep an eye on the inductions this weekend as some spare places might peon up, i think there might be one going at the moment.
The only other thing to consider will be the type of plastic you need to print, but we should have the right sort of filaments in the space for the task.
Hi @FrankBruno It looks like the roller is made of 3 components: A press fit ball bearing, a plastic cover with the groove, and a threaded internal insert which attaches the assembly onto the shower screen.
I would start by taking it apart. If you can reuse the bearing and threaded insert, it should make life really easy, as the wheel is a simple model, and will be quick to print.
If you cannot, I would not bother printing the bearing, they are cheap and will roll much smoother with a stock part, but its definitively possible if you want a little challenge to start your 3D printing journey!
When you do get to printing it, I recommend PETg if possible, as its a good balance of low hygroscopic and good strength. PLA would probably be just fine too.
In terms of setting, I would use a strength & quality focused preset, something along the lines of .12mm layer height, gyroid infill, maybe 20% infill. Potentially 3 wall loops to be on the safe side.
I am not a tech at the space and am using my own printer as a reference, so 100% check with the experts at the space!
Hope it helps,
Fran
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