Prototyping
Prototype - a first full-scale and usually functional form of a new type or design of a construction.
Updating a press from the 1800s with modern designs was always going to be a big task, but it’s only possible because of today’s 3D design software and fast prototyping websites like PCBWay. Early 2025 I sent away my first designs to have the flange nut and bushing printed in acetal resin. I needed to make sure that my measurements were accurate and that the nut would thread onto a standard 1”-5 ACME thread, and luckily I was spot on. The flange nut threads on and off easily with only a hair’s breadth of play, and despite being 3d printed are incredibly tough.
The first flange nut and bushing.
There are 15 separate custom parts that need to be manufactured accurately to assemble one Combination Finishing Press and Plough. The essential pieces of hardware are the flange nut, bushing, and lead screw, and must be made of (metal preferably a corrosion resistant steel). All the other pieces don’t rely on strength and can be 3D printed or milled from machining plastics like Delrin (a brand-name acetal resin).
PCBWay has a great deal of makers services and can both 3D print and CNC mill or turn all of my prototype parts. They were even kind enough to offer a small voucher ($30) for printing service, but it’ll only cover about 10% of the total cost.
The parts list is as follows:
2 x Press Flange Nut - Alloy Steel @ $65 = $130
1 x Plough Flange Nut - Alloy Steel @ $65 = $65
2 x Press Bushing - Resin @ $10 = $20
1 x Plough Bushing - Resin @ $7 = $7
2 x Press Capture Plate - Resin @ $3 = $6
1 x Plough Capture Plate - Resin @ $5 = $5
1 x Plough Blade Holder - Resin @ $7 = $7
1 x Plough Vice Screw Fitting @ Resin - $5 = $5
1 x Plough Vice Screw Cap - Resin @ $5 = $5
2 x Press Vice Head Fitting - Resin @ $5 = $10
2 x Press Vice Head Cap - Resin @ $5 = $10
1 x Plough Rail - Resin @ $7 = $7
2 x Plough Guides - Resin - $11 = $22
1 x Basin Stop - Resin @ $5 = $5
For a total of just over $300 in parts. If it were only $300 it might possible, but coming from China incurs some pretty hefty tariffs these days. The Shipping fees are another $50, but the tariffs add an additional $200 on top. As a small-time maker, these parts are out of my reach right now without your help.
If you want to join the effort, any donation you make will go directly towards funding the purchase of these prototypes. A BIG thanks to PCBWay for sponsoring my project.