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« on: October 17, 2017, 10:36:38 AM »
Steven has a degree in mechanical engineering from UC Davis. He knows the difference between rigidity and strength very well. His background in materials is quite strong.
Steven has built his own 3D printer. His brother Leon is working on a masters degree at U MO, specializing in 3d printing of metals and high energy laser cutting. Steven and Leon built our current laser. We're pretty clear on the strengths and weaknesses of each manufacturing method. I've used Shapeways myself. Go ahead and have them print something up for you. Good luck with those brackets. I predict they'll last less then 500 miles. You'll get a quick hands-on lesson in rigidity (very good) v. strength (lousy). And an aluminum bracket would not survive the bending process. Steel or ABS or Delron is the answer here. We chose ABS.
I have a degree in electrical engineering from Caltech. I've also taught physics and astronomy at USC. I'm the one who makes sure all our shield shapes are solutions to the LaPlace equation, thus guaranteeing they do not generate turbulence.
The bend in our ABS parts does not weaken them.
You want to bet on some company not knowing what they're doing, you would do well to find a different company to bet on.
BTW, the fasteners we sent you were 100% stainless steel. We don't stock anything else.
