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Mar 2015
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Mar 2015
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Joah
Mar '15

I’m just wondering if it is possible to print a transmission bellhousing from two existing bellhousings. They are approx 15 inches in diameter and 10 inches tall.

  • created

    Mar '15

  • last reply

    Mar '15
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typo
Mar '15

Most of our printers only work in plastic. You might be able to print a mold then cast a part from the mold.

Joah
Mar '15

Thanks for your reply, plastic should be strong enough to be used as a bellhousing.

magnumr
Mar '15

Depend on your build plate. You may have to print two halves and then epoxy them together

Pot8oSH3D
Mar '15

Wouldn’t want to start an argument, @Joah but have you ever seen a plastic bellhousing?

For a start, gearboxes, and clutches get hot. That’s one reason bell housings have cooling fins. Also, they support the engine and transmission, which is another reason for the fins - Strengthening. I know it’s an extreme example but competition bellhousings are made from 3/8" welded aluminium. Partly to protect the car occupants from flying remnants of clutch/flywheel/torque converter if they explode. I have a feeling that ABS wouldn’t do quite the same job of supporting the drive train, cooling or protection, unless it was at least 2 inches thick.

Just my ten cents.

Cheers,

AndyL

Pot8oSh3D

Joah
Mar '15

Please don’t bother responding Andy unless you have valid information. Torque converters do not explode in passenger vehicles, and clutches explode when engines are revved to 8500+ rpm stall to get a jump off the line, and an aluminum 3/8 bellhousing will not suffice to protect the driver, a shield must be used. A bellhousing is not used to house a gear box. This type of response infuriates me to no end as it is so negative: it can’t be done, it’s impossible blah blah. Anything is possible if someone wants it. We could probably go 3/4" thick and we could build a vein structure around it to make some air flow.

Pot8oSH3D
Mar '15

So sorry to have infuriated you with my contribution, Joah. I didn’t say not to do it. Of course, you’re perfectly at liberty to do as you wish. If you wish to use a completely unsuitable material for any purpose you like, who am I to tell you what to do? I’ll be the first to congratulate you on the unveiling of your ice-cream pistons. :slight_smile:

Joah
Mar '15

All right Andy, try to have a nice day, it’s nice out,

Cheers,