Building a Hydraulic System With 3D Printed SLA Resin Parts
Hydraulics are known for their versatility but are often considered costly and challenging for DIY projects due to the high pressures they operate under. Despite these challenges, Indeterminate Design has demonstrated the potential for creating a partially 3D-printed hydraulic system in a recent video. While not entirely 3D-printed, this project showcases the capabilities of plastic-based additive manufacturing in producing functional hydraulic components.
A particularly notable aspect of the project is the integration of a gear pump, 4-way selector valve, and relief valve into a single structure. This assembly was printed using a resin printer, facilitated by the JLC3DP 3D print service. After attaching a 3D-printed clear reservoir and completing the structure with MR63 ball bearings, a relief spring valve, and pneumatic fittings, the system was ready for testing. The gear pump, when unloaded, was able to pump approximately 0.32 liters per minute, proving its basic operational functionality.
For the hydraulic cylinder, Indeterminate Design opted for mostly non-3D printed parts, with a brass cylinder serving as the main body. Initial tests were conducted using plain water, followed by CHF11 hydraulic oil, achieving a pressure of about 1.3 bar (19 PSI). This relatively low pressure was attributed to leaky seals, including a faulty shaft seal. However, as a proof of concept, the project successfully demonstrated the foundational principles and potential for further development and improvement.
Overall, this project by Indeterminate Design offers an intriguing glimpse into the possibilities of DIY hydraulics using 3D printing technology. While there are still hurdles to overcome, such as improving seal integrity and increasing operational pressure, the experiment lays a solid groundwork for future enhancements. The integration of multiple hydraulic components into a single 3D-printed structure is particularly promising, suggesting that with continued refinement, more advanced and higher-performing 3D-printed hydraulic systems could be feasible.
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