Designing & 3D-Printing Magnetic Couplers for G-Scale Trains – A Satisfying Click!

[GAP]

I am using PETG but may explore ASA too. PETG is weather resistant and far less brittle than PLA. i am currently waiting for magnets to build non-polarised version - will update once i have one developed.

Are the ones that have the poles on the side instead on the faces?
I have just moved to PETG but have shied away from ASA because of the fumes (inside the house) and the need for an enclosure

 

[peterpavuk]

so i sourced some 5x5x3mm N52 magnets and re-designed couplers






These are non-polarised, and i will test them on the track. They do look ok-ish, and much stronger than version 1 too.

 

[peterpavuk]

Are the ones that have the poles on the side instead on the faces?
I have just moved to PETG but have shied away from ASA because of the fumes (inside the house) and the need for an enclosure

I tried to print in ASA - but not big success, wrapping for small parts is too noticeable. so i'll stick with petg hf for now. the new design in the post above

 

[GAP]

I tried to print in ASA - but not big success, wrapping for small parts is too noticeable. so i'll stick with petg hf for now. the new design in the post above

I. thinking about PETG CF (Carbon Fibre) for hard wearing parts like my points and wheels
What CAD are you using?

 

[peterpavuk]

I. thinking about PETG CF (Carbon Fibre) for hard wearing parts like my points and wheels
What CAD are you using?

I use free version of Autodesk Fusion. Speaking of CF filaments - they don't really add much to strength especially for small objects. PETG is plenty strong enough i think, however CF filaments cause premature nozzle wear.

 

[PhilP]

......

premature nozzle wear.

PhilP.

 

[peterpavuk]

......




PhilP.

well, English is my third language, so i may sound funny, lol

 

[peterpavuk]

I. thinking about PETG CF (Carbon Fibre) for hard wearing parts like my points and wheels
What CAD are you using?

Figured out ASA, 1. Textured plate, 2. Brim. 3. Slow cooling in chamber till room temperature. No wrapping whatsoever and very strong parts

 

[GAP]

I use free version of Autodesk Fusion. Speaking of CF filaments - they don't really add much to strength especially for small objects. PETG is plenty strong enough i think, however CF filaments cause premature nozzle wear.

I'm considering it because "PETG Carbon Fiber (PETG-CF) offers significantly better warping resistance and dimensional stability compared to standard PETG." and "Extremely low warp rate, excellent for rigid, large, or high-detail parts. The fibers add rigidity, preventing the material from bowing or lifting off the build plate." I am having a bit of trouble with my point blades warping in the full sun at the very end where they fit into the rails because they are so thin.
It requires a hardened nozzle and as I have a micro swiss all metal hot end I can fit one easily.

I would love Autodesl but my laptop doesn't have the RAM or processor speed for it.

 

[peterpavuk]

I'm considering it because "PETG Carbon Fiber (PETG-CF) offers significantly better warping resistance and dimensional stability compared to standard PETG." and "Extremely low warp rate, excellent for rigid, large, or high-detail parts. The fibers add rigidity, preventing the material from bowing or lifting off the build plate." I am having a bit of trouble with my point blades warping in the full sun at the very end where they fit into the rails because they are so thin.
It requires a hardened nozzle and as I have a micro swiss all metal hot end I can fit one easily.

I would love Autodesl but my laptop doesn't have the RAM or processor speed for it.

I never printed rail material so hard to comment in this, but i would think ABS or ASA might be a right choice, however these are challenging to print. But both are much more stable once printed.

I only have experience with pla, petg hf, and now asa, not tried ABS yet - despite my printer should be able to handle it.

 

[Paul M]

well, English is my third language, so i may sound funny, lol

3rd language, I barely manage one, and I made that one up myself!

 

[peterpavuk]

Very good, but confused what is the loco please? Can we see some full side pictures looks very unlike and standard item.

Here we go, front and side picture. It is quite primitive - i didn't knew proper CAD a time, so designed in TinkerCad, which was a nightmare

 

[GAP]

Here we go, front and side picture. It is quite primitive - i didn't knew proper CAD a time, so designed in TinkerCad, which was a nightmare
View attachment 355463View attachment 355464

If I could make something as primitive as that I would be extremely happy.

 

[dunnyrail]

Here we go, front and side picture. It is quite primitive - i didn't knew proper CAD a time, so designed in TinkerCad, which was a nightmare
View attachment 355463View attachment 355464

Ery interesting beast, when I first saw it the valve gear intrigued me. Now I see what it is all is understood, thanks for posting and satisfying my curteosity.

 

[peterpavuk]

Ery interesting beast, when I first saw it the valve gear intrigued me. Now I see what it is all is understood, thanks for posting and satisfying my curteosity.

valve gear partially stolen form Stainz, wheels and wheels gears and axles are also Stainz, but gearbox is original. other than wheels and motor (and DCC stuff) - everything original