Printing a prototype propeller for my Lightnin lab mixer

Friday 8th September 2017

An example of how handy the ability to print in insight-live.com/material/2158">3D can be. The worn-out stainless propeller costs $300 to replace. But the size and pitch of the blades is not right anyway. So I draw them using Fusion 360 and print them in PLA plastic, enabling experimenting with different sizes and pitches. While I could have one printed in stainless at shapeways.com I do not need to because these plastic ones are surprisingly durable. How about getting a tight fit on the shaft? No problem. I measured this shaft with callipers and printed that size. It was a little tight so I printed it slightly larger and it fits very tightly. One issue: If you mix slurries with hot water the blades will bend and the collar will loosen. If you would like this STL format file (for 3D printing in your slicer software), it is available in the Files manager in your Insight-live.com account.

Pages that reference this post in the Digitalfire Reference Library:

A must-have: Laboratory variable speed propeller mixer, 3D-Printing, Propeller Mixer

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