3D printing an adapter for EAF and GSO Focuser

DaveO (David) · #1 20-11-2021, 04:57 PM

Hi all

I want to attach an EAF to a GSO Crayford focuser and have come across this adapter that can be 3D printed - https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4946220. Unfortunately, I don't have a 3D printer - I don't need any more toys!

I recall somebody offering a service to print astronomy parts here on IIS but can no longer find the post about it. Does anybody do that? Even better if they are in Brisbane.

Thanks for reading.

DaveO (David) · #2 21-11-2021, 12:24 PM

I found a local 3D printer. https://www.ntech3dprinting.com.au/ Was able to print the part for $12.

AstroJunk (Jonathan) · #3 21-11-2021, 12:37 PM

Wow, that's cheap. The bottle of wine I was going to charge was a lot more than that

DaveO (David) · #4 21-11-2021, 12:50 PM

ROFL. There was postage on top of that, but I think it is fair to say we are still not close to your idea of a good bottle of wine! :-)

Stefan Buda · #5 22-11-2021, 08:04 AM

Just remember not to leave it in direct sunlight or in a hot car, if it was printed in PLA.

DaveO (David) · #6 22-11-2021, 05:43 PM

Thanks for the tip, Stefan. I will try it out and may look at other materials once I know it works. I will keep this thread updated once I get all the bits.

pmrid (Peter) · #7 23-11-2021, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveO

I found a local 3D printer. https://www.ntech3dprinting.com.au/ Was able to print the part for $12.

Thanks for the link Dave. What did you have to download to them? How have you found the end product?

DaveO (David) · #8 23-11-2021, 10:28 AM

Hi Peter

I haven't got the product just yet - only ordered on Sunday. The original 3D design on THingiverse (see original post) included three files - a PDF (doco), a STL file and an STP file. NTech's website asked for STL file from memory - you load it up, specify the materials and it presents a quote immediately. Similar to some other sites I investigated (mainly in Melbourne).

I will post photos and a report once I get the unit and have tested it out.

AstroJunk (Jonathan) · #9 23-11-2021, 06:31 PM

It would be interesting to see the financials on such a business. My printer is very fine grade but slow, taking 2 hours to print this part even in fast settings. Great technology though - Autodesk Fusion 360 is free for non commercial use so with a bit of learning and a lot of imagination you can design any just about adaptor you need

DaveO (David) · #10 23-11-2021, 06:39 PM

I'm assuming their machines have faster output, but it is intriguing. Was amazed at the range of materials that could be used inclluding several options for metal apparenlty. Anybody for a gold adapter?

I'm unsurprised you have one JB - just way too many tools in the cupboard already for me to start thinking about any more!!

Stefan Buda · #11 23-11-2021, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AstroJunk

It would be interesting to see the financials on such a business. My printer is very fine grade but slow, taking 2 hours to print this part even in fast settings. Great technology though - Autodesk Fusion 360 is free for non commercial use so with a bit of learning and a lot of imagination you can design any just about adaptor you need

I sliced this STL file with my Flashforge slicer, using ABS and 0.2mm resolution, and it worked out to 1 hour and 45 minutes printing time.
3D printing businesses have printer farms where one operator can run several machines simultaneously printing different jobs, thus bringing down the cost for the customer.

RyanJones · #12 28-11-2021, 09:10 AM

Quite a neat looking idea.

DaveO (David) · #13 18-12-2021, 03:06 PM

Well, I said that when it arrived, I'd let you know the outcome.

The adapter arrived eventually - I think the fellow is a student and "printer farm" might be a bit of a stretch to describe the setup. I haven't played with 3D printed items much in the past, so can't really comment on the quality - it seemed okay.

Attached are a series of picture once everything was put together. Note that the focuser tension screw is the one black bolt that is taller than the rest - I couldn't find all the parts described in the instructions. But it all seems okay.

Will update once we get some weather that would allow it to be used properly.

DaveO (David) · #14 18-12-2021, 06:24 PM

Tested the system this afternoon attached to the new ASIAir Plus - worked nicely.

Clarified with the designer, and I now know how to get the final set screw/thumb not sorted. Should be able to take some more photos later this week of the full set up.

Cadeziner (Cadeziner) · #15 05-01-2022, 12:11 AM

3D Printings provides cost efficient high quality FFF 3D printers. We have helped several people set up their Online 3D Printing Brisbane
business.