Lost PLA Pipe Bender Dies

thingiverse

Notice: Updated all die files. I spent some time on my PC at home smoothing out the tube radius and optimizing file settings for Cura. Upon seeing an estimated print time of over one day, I also created versions of all the files without sprues, which significantly cut down print time from 1d5h to just 17 hours for me. You can choose to use wax sprues or opt for longer prints with the sprued version if you prefer. Standing the investment mold vertically and adding a sprue and vents may make it easier to handle. I remade these files, taking into account that doubling the torus size due to radius limitations of 100 threw off some part sizes, making them over half or under half the tube radius. Additionally, I redesigned the sprue so that its interfaces with the part are vertical, which should make cutting it off easier. Print these parts horizontally as oriented, and you'll likely need supports underneath the step. Any roughness from the supports can be smoothed out using wax. I'm still unsure how aluminum will hold up to the larger sizes, but if you're already able to cast aluminum then there should be minimal investment required for a die. It might be worth trying if you only need a few bends of a size that you don't currently have a die for. Made followers for all sizes based on page 5 and 6 of the bender plans located at www.chopperhandbook.com, still sized for 2% shrinkage. Finishing castings should be assumed, with holes made 2% undersize to account for metal shrinkage as well. Everything may not turn out perfectly in the casting - holes will likely need reaming and radius might require sanding or machining. Uploaded followers without sprues.