Laser cut alternative to elastic

[drakard]

I have made some prototype laser cut adjustable bands to fit Prusa compatible visor frames. These are a laser cut (cleanable) replacement for elastic straps which therefore make a Prusa visor as a whole cleanable. These can be used with 3D printed or injection moulded frames.

Please try out the prototype I have made (shown in the images) and let me know your opinion. It is currently on a desk in the large back room of the space. Though these are potentially an upgrade to currently manufactured Prusa visors they of course subtract from our laser cutting capacity which is used to make complete visors. At this stage I would like to know whether it is desirable to use our laser time to cut a batch (could be 50 or so) of a similar design to supply with our injection moulded frames, which would give real use feedback.

They are reasonably small in material area used (smaller than our full visor frames) and comparatively fast to cut.

[drakard]

Some aspects of of this design which being possibly faster to cut with less required postproduction may be useful if considering improvements to the laser cut full frame design

[drakard]

I have created new versions of this design. The samples are marked with their version number. The latest are 2 (female) and 3 (male). These are in the large room at the back of the workspace. Please feel free to try the latest version and give feedback.

I believe the design may be good enough to provide to customers. I suggest making 50 or so sets to be attached to the injection moulded Prusa frames we currently have waiting. The pieces are small enough to fit into the material wastage area of our existing laser cut parts. Therefore I suggest I can add them to our current manufacturing process using the wastage area and collect them as a secondary product rather than interrupting main production (this would still reduce main production throughput somewhat).

[drakard]

I will insert this part into the DoES production process tomorrow unless I receive a comment suggesting this is not a good idea.

[drakard]

The elastic alternative parts are now in process as a secondary product. 3 sets are made with each 20 set visor frame sheet. Additional cutting time is minimal. The job is in a new file on the laser cutter computer desktop: hybridV1_20_with_elastic_replacement.ecp . If this setup gets reverted that is fine it is a secondary operation.

[drakard]

I spoke to Mick about the possibility of buying or being donated 100 or so prusa compatible visor shields from 3D crowd.

[drakard]

These bands are attached to the injection moulded visors #92 , ready for trial use

[drakard]

The bands work well enough and are quick to cut. If anyone wants any info on these or help making them I will be happy to provide. There does not seem to be demand for them through the DoES community so I am closing this.