Hi All,
I've been designing and 3d printing low-power model rockets from ABS plastic for a while now. I really like this approach because I can print the fins and body tube as one single structure. Everything comes out nicely aligned, and generally I only need to lightly reinforce the frame.
Recently I've been wanting to print larger models that can accommodate E and F engines. I figure that I'll need to reinforce the structure with something substantial, such as a few layers of fiberglass. (Otherwise the printed ABS layers will delaminate). In my limited experience, epoxy doesn't bond to ABS as well as to fiberglass or wood. So, this got me thinking....
If I brush a thin layer of acetone onto my 3d-printed parts, the solvent will melt the top layer. Then if I push a layer of fiberglass onto the melted top layer, the plastic will partially impregnate the glass. This hybrid abs-glass layer might be a better substrate for bonding subsequent layers of glass. Has anyone ever tried this with any success?
I've got a gallon of West-system from my days working in a boat house, and so I'd probably be using that with some 3 oz or 6 oz e-glass.
Thanks so much.
~Paolo
I've been designing and 3d printing low-power model rockets from ABS plastic for a while now. I really like this approach because I can print the fins and body tube as one single structure. Everything comes out nicely aligned, and generally I only need to lightly reinforce the frame.
Recently I've been wanting to print larger models that can accommodate E and F engines. I figure that I'll need to reinforce the structure with something substantial, such as a few layers of fiberglass. (Otherwise the printed ABS layers will delaminate). In my limited experience, epoxy doesn't bond to ABS as well as to fiberglass or wood. So, this got me thinking....
If I brush a thin layer of acetone onto my 3d-printed parts, the solvent will melt the top layer. Then if I push a layer of fiberglass onto the melted top layer, the plastic will partially impregnate the glass. This hybrid abs-glass layer might be a better substrate for bonding subsequent layers of glass. Has anyone ever tried this with any success?
I've got a gallon of West-system from my days working in a boat house, and so I'd probably be using that with some 3 oz or 6 oz e-glass.
Thanks so much.
~Paolo