Bending Resin Parts

[TransAmMike]

I was just wondering if resin cast and/or 3D printed parts can be bent for a certain fit.  In my case, I have several tube type exhaust headers that are basically useless to me if I can't reshape them. 

What ya got guys and thanks in advance.

Mike

[Bills72sj]

You are better off getting a roll of electrical solder. You can bend them any way you want and they will stay. One small roll is a lifetime supply. You can use stryrene for flanges and collectors.

[Perspect Scale Modelworks]

I've had success using a heat gun to straighten 3d printed parts. A hair dryer may work as well.

[Bugatti Fan]

Resin parts can become more pliable if immersed in hot water. 

Be careful not to leave in the hot water too long though or distortion might take place.

[bobss396]

I have not had much luck bending 3D printed headers. I have busted off a couple of tubes trying. I did graft some styrene rod onto a set I'm doing for a modified stock car. 

[Rick L]

It all depends on what the parts are made of. Most resin parts are cast from a two part mix of polyurethane, an exotherm plastic which generally doesn’t move too well when reheated. 3D printed parts for modeling are generally fused with polystyrene to accommodate solvent adhesives. Unfortunately the melting points are higher than model Plastic.

[stitchdup]

for 3d printed parts i place the part on a sponge, then pour a little boiling water directly from the kettle over them. if you only do a little at a time and work slowly it works. if you try and do large areas it tends to not go well and you run the risk of distorting areas you didn't want to. be sure and cool the parts completely before reheating, it seems to work better than only heating and holds the shape better. i tend to have water in the fridge for cooling the parts. it also matters how long ago the part was printed, the more recent the print, the more sucessful you will be. older prints will still reshape, it just means working a bit slower again. you dont want to do too much at one time as thats when cracks appear

[MeatMan]

I gave up on 3D printed headers. I've got about 3 sets that never fit the chassis that the engine is going in.
Like Bill says, make your own.

[64SS350]

I've had great success using the styrene rod sold from the guy on eBay when making exhaust and headers. 

 

[TarheelRick]

14 hours ago, Bills72sj said:

You can bend them any way you want and they will stay

And if by chance a bend is not exactly right all you have to do is straighten it as best you can with your hands, then roll it back and forth between two hard surfaces. I use a couple short pieces of 1X4 lumber that I keep close to my workbench.

[TransAmMike]

I do appreciate all the great replies.  Like you said "Meat Man", nothing fits and I have several configurations.

As for making them, I have tried aluminum wire and solder with some degree of success but they didn't turn out all that great.

I know there are a few kits with what I call dump headers and It's what I need for a true gasser build.  I'm sure not gonna buy a whole kit just to get the headers.

Anyway, thanks again guys.

[TransAmMike]

1 hour ago, 64SS350 said:

I've had great success using the styrene rod sold from the guy on eBay when making exhaust and headers. 

 

That's nice work there Karl.    What technique do you use the make the bends?     Is the rod on Ebay more flexible than the Evergreen rod?

[64SS350]

I don't know what is different, but it works! Sometimes, I'll experience a bit of breakage, but not a lot (usually on sharp bends).

Anything from hand bending to using a bending tool from my slot car days.

[bobss396]

Someone used to make a 3/32" styrene rod with a filler (possibly mild steel) inside of it, quite good for headers. My supply is long gone, it may even been .080".

[stitchdup]

54 minutes ago, bobss396 said:

Someone used to make a 3/32" styrene rod with a filler (possibly mild steel) inside of it, quite good for headers. My supply is long gone, it may even been .080".

plastruct had that for a while, there were 2 sizes that i've had but i haven't seen it for a few years now