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Printable Skeletons for TPE dolls
Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2017 6:56 am
by esp
With all the printing technology that has come along in the past few years I'm surprised any of the Chinese companies haven't utilized printing skeletons or at least part of the skeletons to cut down on weight of the tpe doll.
Re: Printable Skeletons for TPE dolls
Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2017 1:10 pm
by da_putzler
This would be a great idea not only for saving on weight but adjustable joints which act more like the real thing
Re: Printable Skeletons for TPE dolls
Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2017 1:27 pm
by Pron
The melting temperature of printing materials is normally lower or equal to TPE which is a problem.
I'm printing a lot with 3D printers. The material would have to be so strong (thick and heavy material) that the skeleton would cost much more than the simple steel skeleton and with same stability I think it could even be heavier than the steel tubes.
Re: Printable Skeletons for TPE dolls
Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2017 1:45 pm
by dullahan
I 3D print stuff. It's not viable for TPE process. For silicone it might but the reduction of weight is so insignificant compared to the increased fragility that I don't see it being worth it.
Re: Printable Skeletons for TPE dolls
Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2017 1:58 pm
by LDF
IMHO:
There are different 3D printing technologies out there.
No, they all don't use hot extrusion heads.
So, perhaps one of the powder or lithography printers could do the job?
On the other hand, TPE/silicone can be 3D printed, so a dual head printer could conceivably print out a TPE/silicone doll with an internal (nylon?) skeleton.
Re: Printable Skeletons for TPE dolls
Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2017 2:18 pm
by da_putzler
That sounds like a good idea LDF, would it be able to adjust the texture/feel of the silicone/TPF as well ?
Re: Printable Skeletons for TPE dolls
Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2017 2:32 pm
by Pron
You could print all body parts with different hardness.
With current technology and prices you wouldn't find buyers.
In a few decades maybe.
Re: Printable Skeletons for TPE dolls
Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2017 2:44 pm
by rubherkitty
It would take too long to 3D print doll skeletons even if it did work.
Everyone seems to think 3D printing is for production work. It can be on small items, but generally it is for R&D or to make a model which is then molded then the production item is made via cast resin or injection molding.
Injection molding can fill a mold in 5 seconds where the same item may take 10 hrs to 3D print.
Re: Printable Skeletons for TPE dolls
Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2017 3:57 pm
by LDF
Naturally, cost, speed, and resolution of the print are an issue.
There are newer technologies however...
https://3dprint.com/53286/gizmo-3d-printers-fastest/
Personally, I think that while it doesn't make sense to 3D print a doll that can be injection molded more cost effectively, 3D printing a doll would make sense if you wanted to include
soft robotics applications (effectors, sensors).