Shapeways bronze-infused stainless steel

[AlexBC]

I'm considering using Shapeways to print some pieces for an Eleventh Sonic Screwdriver but wanted to get some feedback on the durability of the materials.

Would using the bronze-infused stainless steel provide a strong, sandable material and one that would stand up to flicking, handling etc. Would the knurling on the slider also come out well in this material or would that finer detail be lost?

Thanks.

Alex

 

[Bluebox303]

The metal is not very good for making fine detailed parts. I don't recommend trying to use those printed pieces unless you have a lathe or/and mill where you can refine the parts themselves. Also, steel has a different finish from aluminum, so the sonic will look completely different than it should be. The stainless steel that you enjoined usually has a coppery color since it is bronze Infused.

 

[AlexBC]

I have access to the machinery to refine the parts and also will be plating the pieces with copper etc once I have worked on them. But this is my first foray into working with 3D printed parts. I may have to end up cnc'ing the slider if it does indeed fail to capture finer details like the knurling

Thanks.