ZigaK, The problem with most online printing services (like Shapeways) is that the materials they use lack structural strength.
The steel is not any good (sintered, then bronze is added to increase strength) .
The Aluminum is okay, but they only have one alloy option and I doubt it's strength. The Aluminum uses SLM (Selective Laser Melting) and it's pretty expensive. It'd be interesting to design a cassette and see how much it'd cost in aluminum.
And for the luddite dentists in the house, we could always order you a 9 speed cassette made of PLATINUM!
Nov. 5, 2018, 4:48 p.m. - ExtraSpecialandBitter
ZigaK, The problem with most online printing services (like Shapeways) is that the materials they use lack structural strength. The steel is not any good (sintered, then bronze is added to increase strength) . The Aluminum is okay, but they only have one alloy option and I doubt it's strength. The Aluminum uses SLM (Selective Laser Melting) and it's pretty expensive. It'd be interesting to design a cassette and see how much it'd cost in aluminum. And for the luddite dentists in the house, we could always order you a 9 speed cassette made of PLATINUM!