2014Brackets/Widgets forum
3D printing for manufacturing camera accessories with quality control considerations
12 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- 3D printing can be used for final production of accessories when design and manufacturing constraints are carefully considered during development.
- Using a personal 3D printer rather than outsourcing allows for precise control over mechanical tolerances and fit of components like bearings and pins that must be installed into the printed part.
- Mechanical tolerances vary significantly between different 3D printing technologies and between individual machines, requiring in-house production to maintain consistent quality across units.
- ABS material is suitable for precision camera and steadicam accessories due to its strength and lightweight properties.
- Products designed with 3D printing as the manufacturing method from the start can combine good functionality and design with this production approach.
Depends on
- 3D printing introduces greater tolerance variability than traditional CNC machining.
- Different 3D printing processes produce different results, making outsourced production unreliable for precision components.
- Some users reported space conflicts with other camera equipment on their rigs when mounting the accessory.
- The 3D printing culture and experience base is less established than traditional manufacturing methods, making quality assessment more difficult.
Gear in this thread
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