To our knowledge, Razor Hobbies LLC has manufactured the first fully 3D printed spinner for an aircraft. This astounding achievement proves the high stress endurance of 3D printed objects and takes the production standard to a new level. With such capabilities offered with the help of Shapeways, Razor Hobbies reveals the heights to which 3D printing may soar.
The test flight occurred on April 1st at 12pm in Baytown Municipal Airport. Previous to the test flight, the spinner endured extensive testing and a run up test and Flight Safety Test. Needless to say, it passed and continues to fly. Under such tests, the spinner becomes the first such 3DP airplane part to withstand high stress during flight and prove durable. Razor Hobbies responded to questions regarding its intention and purpose of a 3DP spinner.
“The backplate was printed at nearly 100% infill. We would have not allowed it to be flown if we were not sure that it was safe. It was tested extensively to make sure the safety of those involved would not be jeopardized. This test was not the intention to start manufacturing 3D printed spinners but to show what we can achieve with 3d printing.”
Operating out of Baytown, TX, Razor Hobbies successfully tested the world’s first 3DP Full Aircraft Spinner. The files are posted on Thingiverse. 3DP continues to prove its durability and application in real world environments under high stress and wear and tear. While Razor Hobbies admits it does not aim to replace traditionally manufactured spinners, it does raise the question: Why not?
But then, quite a few people have some answers to that, including Matt Molnor in the comment section of the source below, and Graham Tromans here.
Source: Razor Hobbies
The aircraft spinner was not produced by Shapeways but actually printed with a Gigabot, the largest affordable 3D printer available on the market. You can find more info here: re3D.org
While I applaud the initiative, it needs to be pointed out that flying a thousand pound, fueled, open cockpit metal plane, with an un-certified ABS spinner and bulkhead near homes, schools and playgrounds is a bit reckless. Hobby printers don’t produce high stress endurance parts. If anything they lower the production standard in aviation and could have resulted in injury. FAA-PMA certification processes protect the public from potential accidents resulting from parts manufacturing failures.. In the future Razor Hobbies should work with an FAA-PMA manufacturer and limit hobby printing to the RC market. http://members.eaa.org/home/homebuilders/building/propellors/6Spinner%20Safety.html
Actually Mr. Chavez, quite the contrary. Hobby printers don’t produce high stress endurance parts as anyone using them knows. If anything they lower the production standard in aviation and could have resulted in injury. FAA-PMA certification processes protect the public from potential accidents resulting from parts manufacturing failures, as my original post pointed out…which you removed. So much for integrity in the press.