So, you’ve heard about 3D printing every part from footwear to automotive elements, and now somebody’s suggesting 3D printing skateboard elements? 🤔Truthfully, once I first heard about this, I couldn’t assist however smirk. I imply, can a printed piece of plastic actually stand as much as the beating we give our boards?
On this put up, we’re gonna dissect this concept from deck to wheels. We’ll take a look at what’s potential, what’s laughable, and whether or not 3D printing has any actual place in skateboarding.
Key takeaways
- 3D printing skateboard elements is feasible, however energy and sturdiness usually fall brief in comparison with conventional supplies.
- Even with carbon fiber–strengthened filaments, important parts like vehicles battle to deal with real-world impacts.
- Wheels and bearings demand exact tolerances and specialised supplies that residence 3D printing can’t replicate effectively.
- For now, 3D printing is greatest for non-critical equipment, whereas steel and wooden stay the most secure bets for severe skating.
The feasibility of 3D printing skateboard elements
Alright, let’s get into it. 3D printing has come a good distance, little doubt about it. Individuals are printing prosthetic limbs, artwork items, even parts for rockets. However in terms of skateboarding, we’re speaking about a completely totally different beast. The abuse we put our gear by is not any joke.
Decks: Can a printed deck maintain up?
First off, the deck—the coronary heart and soul of your board. Conventional decks are fabricated from a number of layers of maple wooden, providing that excellent mix of flexibility and energy [6]. Now, think about changing that with layers of plastic filament. Sounds sketchy, proper?
However isn’t there high-strength supplies we will use? Certain, supplies like NylonX or Onyx strengthened with carbon fiber exist, they usually’re touted for his or her energy. But, even the strongest printed plastics can’t replicate the really feel and sturdiness of a picket deck.
Would you belief a plastic deck when dropping in on a half-pipe? I actually wouldn’t.
Vans: the spine or a breakdown ready to occur?
Subsequent up, the vehicles. These unhealthy boys bear the brunt of your weight and the affect of each ollie, grind, and occasional bail. Some folks have 3D printed vehicles utilizing supplies like Onyx strengthened with carbon fiber, even including metal axle inserts for energy [5]. Sounds spectacular on paper, however in the true world? I gotta say, I’m skeptical.
Steel vehicles have a confirmed observe file—they’re sturdy, dependable, and may take a beating [7].
A printed truck would possibly maintain up for an informal cruise, however the second you hit the park and begin shredding, I guess they’d crumble sooner than a cookie dunked in sizzling espresso.
Wheels and bearings: roll with warning
As for wheels and bearings, 3D printing appears even much less sensible. Wheels should be completely spherical, balanced, and fabricated from high-quality urethane to deal with slides and put on. Printing wheels? Good luck reaching the required hardness and rebound.
Bearings are precision steel parts with tiny tolerances. There’s no approach a 3D printer’s gonna replicate that, except you’ve bought entry to some futuristic tech Tony Stark’s been hiding [8].
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The fabric dilemma
Let’s discuss supplies. The selection of fabric is essential in terms of 3D printing practical elements. Skateboarding isn’t type to supplies—decks snap, vehicles grind down, and wheels put on out.
Most 3D printers use thermoplastic filaments like PLA or ABS. They’re nice for prototypes or fashions, however they’re too brittle for skating. Even superior filaments like NylonX have limitations.
However can’t we use stronger supplies? Even the hardest 3D printed plastics don’t match steel’s energy and sturdiness.
Supplies like Onyx strengthened with carbon fiber supply improved energy [5]. However once more, they’re nonetheless plastics on the finish of the day. They may survive a number of classes, however long-term reliability? I wouldn’t rely on it.
Accuracy, precision, and actuality checks
Skateboard elements want tight tolerances. Free vehicles are one factor, however misaligned parts will be downright harmful.
Tolerances matter
Excessive-end printers can obtain tolerances of ± 100 µm (0.1 mm) [4]. Sounds good, however in follow, small errors can result in huge issues. Think about a truck that’s barely off—you’re setting your self up for a nasty fall.
So, is any half value printing?
Now, to be truthful, there are some parts the place 3D printing would possibly make sense, like customized grip tape stencils [9], riser pads, and even bushings for those who’re feeling adventurous [3]. For electrical skateboards, printing motor mounts and gears has proven some promise [1]. However for the core elements that take severe stress? I’m not shopping for it.
Ultimate ideas
3D printing skateboarding elements is extra of a novelty than a viable possibility. Whereas it’s a cool thought and has potential for sure functions, it’s not prepared to switch conventional manufacturing for the core parts we depend on. So simply cough up the money and get some confirmed elements.
So, are you able to 3D print skateboarding elements? Technically, sure. However do you have to? That’s an entire different story.