3D Printing Boat Bimini Parts

Mike W

Mike W

Infidel
Location
North Florida
Not sure where else to post this so if it belongs elsewhere please move.

So, I have a 2004 MasterCraft ProStar with a wakeboard tower. The bimini top is mounted on the tower and there are plastic isolators (don’t know what they’re called) between the mounts and tower. Apparently they have disintegrated over the years and can’t source them from MasterCraft or any dealer I called. Curious to see if anyone could 3D print 6 of these if I can remove the only one that is still intact?

Or if anyone knows where I can source these?
IMG_1309.jpegIMG_1310.jpegIMG_1311.jpeg
 
Vumad

Vumad

Super Hero, with a cape!
Location
St. Pete, FL
Yes you can make working bimini parts with 3D printing.

I do not believe a 3D printed part is the best choice for your application.

I agree with the rubber part.

Not sure you can cut rubber with a router, but one thing I use my 3D printer for a lot is making patterns. I print the pattern, glue the pattern to the part and then cut the part with a router with a Bosch 3-flute Trim bearing bit (have used this method for up to 1/4" aluminum).

Probably not best to use a router to cut rubber sheet, but 3D printed patterns work great.

Test part with old pieces
IMG_2844.jpg

Final working part.
IMG_2858.jpg

It held up just fine and for the price, it was great. You can also fill these with Resin or coat them in epoxy.
 
SXIPro

SXIPro

JM781 Big Bore
Location
Here on the 'X' mostly
I agree with @Quinc on a 3D printed part not being right for the application. I purchased some 3D printed door bushings for my Miata, the results were far from stellar: (Top one 3D printed result after 3 months of use, lower one is Delrin)3d print.png
The 3D printed one disintegrated down to about 1/64 inch thickness from an original thickness of 3/4" or so...
 
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beerdart

beerdart

4-Tec Jetmate
Location
CT
SXIPro said:
I agree with @Quinc on a 3D printed part not being right for the application. I purchased some 3D printed door bushings for my Miata, the results were far from stellar: (Top one 3D printed result after 3 months of use, lower one is Delrin)View attachment 436925
The 3D printed one disintegrated down to about 1/64 inch thickness from an original thickness of 3/4" or so...
Click to expand...
That a really bad print
 
W

waxhead

wannabe backflipper
Location
gold coast
The issue is 3d prints have air inside unless some one does a solid fill print Which hardly anyone does. Its never going to have the fatigue strength needed
 
Mike W

Mike W

Infidel
Location
North Florida
I think I’m going to call MasterCraft again. I think I just need to talk to the right person. It’s been like this for a few years already and it’s still holding ok. So I have a little time.
 
Vumad

Vumad

Super Hero, with a cape!
Location
St. Pete, FL
Ultimately 3D printed parts are not 3D. They are 2.5D. They are a bunch of 2D layers mounded on each other to make a 3D part. This causes the Delamination.

I use my 3D printer a lot for patterns. You can either 3D print a part and lift a mold off of the part or 3D print a mold and inject the mold with fiberglass resin and fillers. You can also print the part with a lower amount of infil and then fill it with resin. However, with any of these methods, be mindful of the resign causing heat warp.
 
JetManiac

JetManiac

Stoked
Site Supporter
Vendor Account
Location
orlando
Vumad said:
Ultimately 3D printed parts are not 3D. They are 2.5D. They are a bunch of 2D layers mounded on each other to make a 3D part. This causes the Delamination.
Click to expand...
Except that 'bunch of 2D layers' are actually made where each layer a 3D layer no?
 
Vumad

Vumad

Super Hero, with a cape!
Location
St. Pete, FL
JetManiac said:
Except that 'bunch of 2D layers' are actually made where each layer a 3D layer no?
Click to expand...

The 3D printer only works on the X and Y axis at a time. Then it moves up on the Z axis and repeats the process. The 3D part is made using a 2.5D process. Imagine if you laid up a jet ski hull one layer at a time, letting each layer cure before laying the next layer. A 3D movie gives you a headache because it's 2D and a mind trick. Understanding that the 3D printing process is not truly 3D can help understand the limitations of the process.

I'll give an example of this...

People print Airboxes and they fail. They delaminate because of the shortcomings of the 2.5D process. However, if you create an assembly, similar to a girlded head kit, that compresses the 3D print between a top and bottom plate (which, btw, can be cut using a 3D printed pattern and a trim bearing router bit), you end up with something very usable. Considering the orientation of the print in the 2.5D process and the final assembly is important for success.
 
W

WB800BLASTER

X
Location
Plymouth, MA
Mike W said:
I think I’m going to call MasterCraft again. I think I just need to talk to the right person. It’s been like this for a few years already and it’s still holding ok. So I have a little time.
Click to expand...
I believe those Bimini parts came from Taco Metals. There was also another company that copied that oval design but I don't recall who.

TACO Marine

A leader for innovative boating and sport fishing products since 1959 – manufacturing the finest in outrigger systems, rub rail, seating, shade and much more.
tacomarine.com tacomarine.com
 
Mike W

Mike W

Infidel
Location
North Florida
WB800BLASTER said:
I believe those Bimini parts came from Taco Metals. There was also another company that copied that oval design but I don't recall who.

TACO Marine

A leader for innovative boating and sport fishing products since 1959 – manufacturing the finest in outrigger systems, rub rail, seating, shade and much more.
tacomarine.com tacomarine.com
Click to expand...
This is the info I was needing. Much appreciated.
 
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