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I need to print a handle for a sword that is 23 cm long (see file attached), but the hubs I have contacted so far can’t handle (excuse the pun) that length. I don’t want to print the object in 2 pieces and glue them as the resulting object would present a line of weakness especially when exposed to substantial amount of shock.
My question is: is there a way to sort 3D hubs by the max dimensions they can print?
Second question: Would anybody be able to recommend a hub in Europe that can print my object in one piece with ABS material? (100 - 150 microns).

Thanks in advance for your input.
Grip.stl (125 KB)

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Hello @Framais!

I googled Tallinn and it looks amazing! So lucky that you’re from there. You mentioned that it might have substantial amount of shock. Will it be used for some lightweight sword fighting?

The many reason why most of the hubs cannot handle it is because:

  1. You want it in ABS and for long parts like yours, if the printer is not completely insulated, you part will warp and become distorted and the hub gets a bad review
  2. The length of it exceeds most standard desktop printers of 20 x 20 x 20 cm
  3. You do not want to split it as you’re worried there will be weakness at the seam
  4. It is hollow so if you print it lying down, the support structure in the sword cannot be removed

All in all that is one challenging print.

Here are the solutions:

  1. Keep searching for someone who has a tall printer who can print your sword standing up. Keep in mind this orientation is actually also the weakest because the tensile properties between layers is around 50%. So if you use it for sword fighting there is a chance it will break between the layers. Standard infill is around 20%.
  2. I’d suggest splitting the part in the middle like in the picture attached. This kind of print is very risky as through my experience, long parts like these always warp. BUT if they don’t warp plus you don’t mind sanding and glueing them together this will actually give you the strongest build for sword fighting.

I have a Zortrax M200 and I have quite some experience in printing large ABS objects like these that usually warp. It’s one of the best machines out there for such cases but I must advise you it doesn’t always print warp free. It strictly depends on the geometry. If you’re interested we can talk about it more at @3DMuse. I am stationed in Germany.

Regards,

James

Screenshot 2016-09-15 23.08.32.png
Screenshot 2016-09-15 23.08.32.png1286×832 34.9 KB

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Have you considered making the part in several pieces glued together, then making a cast out of plaster/clay, and smelting some aluminum? Would look better and be stronger than plastic…and aluminum is cheap and easy to work with. This would also get rid of the seam, as once it is cast in aluminum it will be one continuous part made of sturdy and beautiful material.

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When you do the search for a hub to print, select more filters, then search for printers by name. I know the Ultimaker extended can do that height. So search for ultimaker extended. A lulzbot Taz can also do that height

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Thanks for the tip!

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Thanks for the suggestion, but aluminum is too rigid for what I ahave to do with this piece - which is going to be the handle of a medieval sword. Also the process sounds complicated or at least time consuming, at that point I would rather carve it in wood, which is the material that medieval swords handles are historically made of.

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Hi James, thanks for your detailed reply. Yes Tallinn is a beautiful city and yes this object is going to be used as the handle of a medieval sword, which in turn will be used for some fencing and backyard cutting.

Solution 2 sounds like a good solution, as a matter of fact real sword handles are made of at least 2 parts (of wood) glued together along the line of their LENGHT, like in the picture you attached, and then wrapped in cord and leather (see this video, for example: Euro Sword Grip Making: Part 1 - Wood Core - YouTube )

I eventually placed an order with a Finnish company last night and I am awaiting their reply on the feasibility. But if they cannot do it I will definitely consider your hub.

P.S.
By the way, and just out of curiosity, do you know if there is any way to cancel an order once it’s placed?

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Check out our hub, we can print it in one piece!

https://www.3dhubs.com/norrköping/hubs/kaproco

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Hello @Framais,

Yes wood is also anisotropic as the fibers are growing in one direction so one needs to take that into account. Yes you can cancel an order. The hub will usually only print after you have paid anyways so you are not tied to anything before payment. If they cannot do it I could do a test print for the first half and if it works then we can move forward. Anyways good luck!

Regards,

James

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