JF Mezei wrote:

On 2017-07-03 16:14, Jeff Findley wrote:

Actually if the 3D printed part replaces many other parts (e.g.
SuperDraco engines) then it's faster to print than it is to manufacture
and assemble all those other parts.


Am thinking 3D printing would have uses making moulds/mandrels for
complex composite parts (which would then be far stronger than the
plastic 3D printed moulds).


Uh, 3D printing hasn't been limited to plastics for a very long time.
SpaceX is directly printing rocket engine combustion chambers. They're
not made of plastic.


Once done, you can melt the plastic to get it out of places where it
normally couldn't get out.


Why even involve 3D printing if you're then going to throw it away by
reverting to casting parts?


--
"Some people get lost in thought because it's such unfamiliar
territory."
--G. Behn