Cylinder Nozzle

Refabrication of a Linear Motor Nozzle for Vestibular Experiments

Project Overview

This project involved the restoration of a linear motor used in vestibular experiments. The motor had seized due to age, requiring the refabrication of its nozzle. The complexity of the nozzle's geometry presented challenges for traditional manufacturing methods.

Challenges

The nozzle's design included overhanging features that are difficult to produce using conventional 3D printing techniques. These features typically require extensive support structures, which can be time-consuming to remove and may compromise the final part's accuracy.

Solution

To overcome this challenge, a novel approach was employed. The nozzle was redesigned to be printed in two separate parts. This approach was inspired by a third-party add-on for the open-source 3D printer slicing software "Cura". The two parts were then joined together to form the complete nozzle.

Benefits of this Approach

• Reduced the need for support structures, saving time and material.
• Improved the accuracy and surface finish of the final part.
• Enabled the production of complex geometries that would be difficult or impossible to manufacture using traditional methods.

Conclusion

The successful refabrication of the linear motor nozzle demonstrates the potential of 3D printing for repairing and restoring complex equipment. The innovative approach used in this project highlights the versatility of 3D printing and its ability to overcome manufacturing challenges.