"benjrblant" (benjblant) 05/23/2019 at 15:45 • Filed to: None

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Went to an additive manufacturing expo this week. Saw some cool stuff.

Lots of topology-optimized stuff, lots of lattice structures, metal definitely swept the show. A number of really cool flexible polymers too.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > benjrblant 05/23/2019 at 15:56

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Love the “organic”, AI-designed structural elements that are starting to be produced. Very cool.

https://www.autodesk.com/solutions/generative-design

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > benjrblant 05/23/2019 at 15:57

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Those wheels look like a joy to clean.

benjrblant > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 05/23/2019 at 15:59

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It’s an excellent application of the technology. Now that we’re not limited to what can be subtracted via CNC, we can produce parts in an additive manner with fewer geometric restrictions. Parts can be designed to have material only where and how it’s needed, which is pretty nuts once you really think about what this means. Less material, less weight, equal or comparable performance. It’s a pretty cool time to be working in the industry.

benjrblant > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 05/23/2019 at 15:59

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if you can afford these wheels, you can definitely afford to have someone clean them.

RPM esq. > benjrblant 05/23/2019 at 16:00

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My detail guy already bitches about my wheels occasionally (because they’re matte black, brake dust adheres to them, and they therefore get dirty three seconds after they are cleaned). I should get those HREs  just to spite him.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 05/23/2019 at 16:02

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Additive manufacturing is going to completely change design since you no longer will be limited by current manufacturing constraints.

In college I got to use some AI design software where you set the constraints then let the program design the part. I remember the professor using a bridge as an example the AI generated model had some interesting features the man made one did not.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > benjrblant 05/23/2019 at 16:05

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I’m so ex cited for additive manufacturing. All the organic looking design is going to be awesome (like that swing arm)

Imagine having a 3D printer that can print metal at home...the possibilities are en dless

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > benjrblant 05/23/2019 at 16:06

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It’s awesome. Can’t wait to see this stuff become commonplace in the industry. These weight-savings add up! 

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s 05/23/2019 at 16:08

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It’s very exciting to watch. 

TheRealBicycleBuck > benjrblant 05/23/2019 at 16:26

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Is anyone doing the time/cost comparison of additive construction methods versus traditional machining or forging? The only fast  method I’ve seen is laser-based, either sintering or polymerization. All the other additive printing methods seem mighty slow by comparison.

benjrblant > TheRealBicycleBuck 05/23/2019 at 16:29

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You’re correct in that most additive manufacturing takes more time AND money, which is mostly why the current industries that favor this process are the ones with very specific requirements for part performance and the money to achieve this. Think aerospace, racing, high performance mechanical requirements where subtractive manufacturing just won’t cut it.

These wheels are an exception in that they’re ‘high fashion.’

vondon302 > benjrblant 05/23/2019 at 16:38

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And I can remember when wire EDMs were hi tech. Some crazy stuff here.

benjrblant > vondon302 05/23/2019 at 16:50

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hah! do you also remember punch cards? and carrier pigeons ?

q=

Tapas > benjrblant 05/23/2019 at 18:02

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That’s bad ass!

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > benjrblant 05/23/2019 at 20:02

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I can't say I'm up to date on current additive manufacturing tech but wouldn't those wheels be incredibly brittle?

vondon302 > benjrblant 05/23/2019 at 21:12

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Ha older sister was a main frame programmer in the late 70s and 80s and we both used to raise fancy pigeons mostly fantails tho.

wafflesnfalafel > benjrblant 05/23/2019 at 22:13

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I know those wheels have got to be like $ 100k, but they are so cool....