August 2019 Hacker of the Month, Chuck Taggart, makes use of 3D printing to invent merchandise and to create superb parts for his Harley Davidson bike.
Our August 2019 Hacker of the Month, Chuck Taggart, resides in Southlake, Texas. Chuck started his skilled profession as a civil engineer, planning, designing and overseeing development and upkeep of constructing buildings and infrastructure, however moved into insurance coverage about 15 years in the past. He at the moment owns a big medical health insurance company, Well being Reform Workforce, primarily based in Grapevine, Texas.
Chuck started his journey into 3D printing after seeing a information phase on 3D printers about 5 years in the past. Quickly after, he determined to make the leap and buy his first 3D printer, a Zortrax M200. He additionally determined to get his kids concerned in 3D printing by having them design tasks on their iPads, which he then printed out for them so they may enhance their creativity past digital designs.
The filter cleaner Chuck designed and is at the moment making use of for a patent.
Quickly after getting began, Chuck realized his designs had been a bit greater than the Zortrax might deal with, so he determined to upsize to a Modix 120X for really large 3D printing capabilities.
Beginning with the Zortrax, Chuck primarily printed with ABS and used alcohol wiping and sanding to get a smoother end if he wanted it. However as soon as he moved as much as the Modix, he was capable of actually begin printing with PETG and carbon-fiber infused NylonX. Chuck has used Autodesk123D Design for fairly a while, as he likes the comfort of taking his designs on the highway and dealing on them on flights and in his (restricted) spare time.
“I additionally created a neat contraption that may begin my Inexperienced Egg charcoal smoker remotely from anyplace on this planet, in order that if I’m on my approach residence and need to begin my Inexperienced Egg, I can do it from my iPhone.” You may see a brief video rationalization of the starter field right here: https://youtu.be/60zBdc9jnks
Chuck’s distant Inexperienced Egg starter field.
However what’s the motivation behind Chuck’s 3D printing? “I simply have a head filled with concepts and I prefer to tinker. If I want one thing to make my life simpler, then I take into consideration if I can 3D print it if it doesn’t exist. Or if I want an element that I might simply make or that not exists it’s cool to simply make one.”
The primary focus of Chuck’s designs middle on new creations and recreating components that not exist. “For instance, I created and have filed for a patent on a system that cleans pool cartridge filters in a few minutes versus the usual approach of hand spraying them.”
“ Additionally, final 12 months the daddy of a buddy of mine that’s into ’57 Ford Thunderbirds got here to me a couple of half for a supercharger (a cam ramp) that he says you’ll be able to’t get anymore. The unique inventory half was made out of a sort of plastic and was not very massive, but it surely was fairly complicated. It took a little bit of time, however I used to be capable of make this half for him, after which needed to make a bunch extra for his buddies. Now they’ve all of the components they want.”
The Cam Ramp for the ’57 Ford Thunderbird Chuck designed and 3D printed.
However essentially the most glamorous of all of Chuck’s tasks are constructed from scratch – decrease fairings for his 2018 CVO Street Glide Harley Davidson that merely didn’t exist earlier than he got here up with the thought to create them. “These truly assist defend me whereas driving throughout the nation on a bike by holding rain and rocks off my toes and decrease legs.”
Using the Modix 120X, Chuck was capable of full the fairings in a single shot utilizing NylonX with out having to compromise the integrity of the print by combining smaller components with glue or screws. (Excluding the clamp meeting to connect it to the body after all.) The design additionally incorporates Rockford Fosgate audio system, and so they have a tremendous end that makes them seem like they got here with the bike. The venture took over 4 months to finish, from idea to printing, to complete.
However what’s Chuck wanting ahead to with the way forward for 3D printing? “I’m certain the most typical factor individuals would reply with is pace, however there are some things I’d love. First off could be a major lower in price for actual steel printing. I’ve been following this very carefully so when the fee will get down sufficient, I’m prepared for a steel printer. Second, could be customized coloring in real-time. For instance, identical to a colour printer runs off of perhaps 6 colour ink cartridges, it might be nice to see a 3D printer do that too.”
Chuck has additionally finished a motorcycle construct from scratch – the Daryl Dixon bike from The Strolling Lifeless, which you’ll see movies of on his YouTube channel right here: https://www.youtube.com/consumer/CLTaggart/movies
Chuck’s subsequent venture is taking massive to the subsequent stage; “I’m seeking to 3D print a convertible prime for my Jeep Brute out of (most likely) NylonX. I’ve it deliberate out and I’m within the design stage proper now.” We can not wait to see the completed venture! If it seems to be something like his Harley Davidson fairings, Chuck might must stop the insurance coverage enterprise and begin going into customized fabrication. We are going to you’ll want to share extra photos of Chuck’s progress with all his upcoming tasks as quickly as there are updates!
Are you a 3D printing Hacker or know somebody that’s? We’d like to share their story with the 3D printing group! Please e-mail [email protected] with info, and also you or your buddy could possibly be our featured Hacker of the Month.
