After revision of dimensions of the axle diameter and axle hole in the driver wheels, a 2nd run was instituted. Because the axle was so difficult to remove from the raft and supports, it was elevated above the raft in an attempt to obtain an easier release. The view at left shows the kit immediately after printing while still on the printer Z platform.
After removal from the printer the raft under the wheels and the thick support structure under the axle are clearly visible. The raft and support are clear PLA while the wheels and axle are black PLA. It took 6 hr and 32 minutes to build this set of parts. At first impression the top surface was about equivalent in finish as the first run, but somewhat more strings of black material were evident. The strings are not a problem as they can easily be removed.
Raft and support removal was attempted as before using finger pressure or a needle nose pliers. The thick support under the axle readily came off with finger pressure leaving the axle nearly free of clear PLA material. The wheels were another story, however. The clear PLA maintained a tenacious hold to the wheel and rod crank areas. Removal resisted extreme measures using both a needle nose and side cutter pliers. A clear layer of PLA is clearly shown in the view at left. The axle however does seem to fit much better than previously. Measurements will still need to be made to verify that both parts approach their design accuracy. Another run will be attempted using a much thicker raft and support under the wheels as well as the axle in the belief that it may be easier to remove all parts from the raft and support base.
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