There's a relatively recent technology that might be useful for making
replacement caps at a reasonable cost. A computer controlled laser is used to
generate a positive image of the desired part in some kind of gel, which hardens
and is then used in a lost-wax type casting process. The effort required to make
an image and a mold for each part is offset by the fact that it's done
automagically. What's needed is a 3D computer model of the part. We've used this
method to create low-volume cast aluminum endcaps (about 2" x 3" x 4") for our
receiver cases.
Theo Smit
tsmit@novatel.ca
B382002705
> d) The tale of the cut-up LAT 9 wheels makes us all think about
> irreversible changes we make to our cars, new-old-whatever, eh? I'd be
> tempted to pull a clay mold off a good wheel center, and fill it with
> that "liquid metal" they sell in tubes at the hardware stores. One in
> ten chance it would work, but perhaps a cheap _temporary_ fix.
>
> Lawrence R. Wright
> Purchasing Analyst
> Andrews Office Products Div. of USOP
> lrw@aop.com
> Ph. 301.386.7923 Fx. 301.386.5333
|