As I often see on sites etc, many consumers who have old racquets struggle to find grommets, was wondering whether the advent of 3d printing means that grommets can be made, low cost, to order, for older racquets, these machines cost less than a decent stringer- if the raacquet companies released designs for the grommets, then this could change a lot maybe? Or have I overlooked something?- No sure if this is the right forum, thanks
Grommets and 3D printing
- Thread starter domosborn
- Start date
esgee48
G.O.A.T.
Most CAD software will interface with these devices so that won't be an issue if the designs are already in CAD. Only problem I see may be in the grommet tubes as the prototype is created. Simple 3D structures with no internal hollows was a restriction when these machines first came out. Doing right half, then left half would take care of that problem easily enough cuz you can glue the halves together as a last step. Another issue is trademarking/copyright. Frames are patented and I assume that their molds, etc are also covered. Don't know if there are legal impediments. And finally, there is the prototypical material. It has to be flexible and yet hard. IT IS A GOOD IDEA THOUGH. :???:
I have a 3D printer sitting right next to me now. No way will it be sutable to print grommets. Something to hold and look at ok, but to use for real no way. The material will simply break with the thin sections of the grommet. I would say in the near future we will have the capability, but at the moment no. Yes good idea.......
Hmm yeah, good point about the materials, from the article i read on bbc news I got the impression that the technology had reached the point where it was more than a prototype, however if you are in possesion of one you almost certainly know a lot more than me, thanks ever so much for the feedback though, if you have any other comments or things to add I would really appreciate it, cheers
Donquixote2u
New User
I am starting to collect classic racquets, and have already struck the obsolete grommet issue, so wondered exactly the same thing.
I'm pretty sure you should be able to find someone who can do it right now;
the low-end home 3d printer might not be able to, but the high-end ones can - see here -> http://i.materialise.com/3dprinting
Laser scanners can scan the part (beam must be able to see the whole contour, which it almost certainly could with a grommet strip) so you wouldn't even need a pattern - even an old broken grommet could be patched and then scanned.
heck even the DIY guys are starting to work with nylon, etc - http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/3d-printing-nylon-extrusion/
cottage industry, anyone?
I'm pretty sure you should be able to find someone who can do it right now;
the low-end home 3d printer might not be able to, but the high-end ones can - see here -> http://i.materialise.com/3dprinting
Laser scanners can scan the part (beam must be able to see the whole contour, which it almost certainly could with a grommet strip) so you wouldn't even need a pattern - even an old broken grommet could be patched and then scanned.
heck even the DIY guys are starting to work with nylon, etc - http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/3d-printing-nylon-extrusion/
cottage industry, anyone?
CopolyX
Hall of Fame
would need the right raw materials, the software ..
thou for home use most likely not an issue.
If you wanted to sell them, might have some legal, trade mark, patient issues..
But certain need some on it to investigate, with the right experience....less painful and pretty interesting ..
Especially from legacy , rare, hard to find puppies....
You still need a master to scan thou...
thou for home use most likely not an issue.
If you wanted to sell them, might have some legal, trade mark, patient issues..
But certain need some on it to investigate, with the right experience....less painful and pretty interesting ..
Especially from legacy , rare, hard to find puppies....
You still need a master to scan thou...
Maximus XXIV
Rookie
Wouldn't the patent be good for just 20 years so many old racquets would not be expired? I would imagine trade mark issues would be moot if you just did not use them.
I was thinking of posting this same thing since I use early 90s racquets. I have to buy racquets to get grommets.
I was thinking of posting this same thing since I use early 90s racquets. I have to buy racquets to get grommets.
darklore009
Hall of Fame
while its good to see people can 3D print their stuff, but what we have now isnt sufficient to pull of such a thing. You will need to get the exact measurement, right amount of plastics to be formed (you need a lot more than you think to create the bumper guard), and then the durability to endure everyday hitting and the stringing process.
Maximus XXIV
Rookie
Exact measurements can be done with 3D scanning we have today. Just need a sample.
Wouldn't the amount then be a simple calculation and then a purchase?
Durability is probably the main issue today. Is it because the right plastic does not exist or no one is trying to use the existing plastics for this function>
Rather than say "It cant be done", lets get it done!
Wouldn't the amount then be a simple calculation and then a purchase?
Durability is probably the main issue today. Is it because the right plastic does not exist or no one is trying to use the existing plastics for this function>
Rather than say "It cant be done", lets get it done!
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