3D PRINT: N54 Intake Manifold Dowels for N52

chilledn52 · 07-09-2023, 10:56 AM

https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/gadg...for-n52-engine

rbryantaz · 07-10-2023, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chilledn52

https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/gadg...for-n52-engine

I would be a little concerned about 3d printed material holding up to the heat against a bolt that is connected to the cylinder head. It is probably best to at least use a high temp filament or perhaps ABS. ABS will start to lose its shape at 110c which can happen after cars are shut off and coolant is no longer flowing given that oil temperatures are generally higher than that point...

It may work though even if it turns to putty after it heats up given that it is really just a spacer and probably only has to work until the bolt is tightened up (and after that point it really has nowhere to go). I wouldn't be surprised if you need new spacers if the manifold is removed.

-Rich

desertman123 · 07-10-2023, 08:14 AM

Would be interesting to test out materials. Not sure how hot that section of the motor gets, but I wonder if a material like glass-filled Nylon would suffice. Something like Polymaker's PA6-GF or CF.

ABS is a huge pain to print, it's stinky and requires a heated enclosure. Not that nylon is forgiving, but it has a lower barrier of entry. A lightly modded Ender 3 in a cardboard box enclosure could do it.

PLA+ is plenty strong but I do worry about its oil and heat resistance - I think it tends to shrink once it heats up. I haven't tried out PETG yet.

Terraphantm · 07-14-2023, 08:51 AM

The actual manifold is made of nylon with fiberglass filling. Printing in a similar material would probably work reasonably well.

I find ABS much easier to print than nylon. Either way this print shouldn't be too difficult.

chilledn52 · 12-20-2023, 02:52 PM

ASA (similar to ABS) has been holding up for few months now at softening point of 105 Celsius. With no where for the filament to melt its held its shape and been working great!

07-09-2023, 10:56 AM	#1
chilledn52 Parts Pro 65 Rep 134 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 328xi 6MT Join Date: Sep 2022 Location: Edmonton, Alberta iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW 328xi [10.00]	3D PRINT: N54 Intake Manifold Dowels for N52 https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/gadg...for-n52-engine __________________ E90 328xi 6MT \| Intake Scoops \| K&N + Charcoal Filter Delete \| DIY Dinan 3in \| 3.25in + 3.5in piping \| N54 Manifold \| Ceramic Coated Headers \| Secondary Cat Delete \| Xdelete \| 3.91 Diffs \| 22RPD Tune Last edited by chilledn52; 12-20-2023 at 02:51 PM..
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07-10-2023, 08:14 AM	#3
desertman123 E82 Mudflap Ambassador 2216 Rep 2,219 Posts Drives: '08 128i Join Date: May 2016 Location: Orlando, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 1992 Honda Beat [9.50] 2008 BMW 128i [10.00] 2014 BMW 528i [10.00]	Would be interesting to test out materials. Not sure how hot that section of the motor gets, but I wonder if a material like glass-filled Nylon would suffice. Something like Polymaker's PA6-GF or CF. ABS is a huge pain to print, it's stinky and requires a heated enclosure. Not that nylon is forgiving, but it has a lower barrier of entry. A lightly modded Ender 3 in a cardboard box enclosure could do it. PLA+ is plenty strong but I do worry about its oil and heat resistance - I think it tends to shrink once it heats up. I haven't tried out PETG yet. __________________ My 2008 128i - Sparkling Graphite/Beige - Sport pkg - 6MT - Click me! Parents' 2014 528i - Mineral White/Ivory White - fully loaded Instagram @Andreys_128i and @Honda.Bito
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07-14-2023, 08:51 AM	#4
Terraphantm Captain 253 Rep 775 Posts Drives: E46 M3 Coupe Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: N/A iTrader: (1)	The actual manifold is made of nylon with fiberglass filling. Printing in a similar material would probably work reasonably well. I find ABS much easier to print than nylon. Either way this print shouldn't be too difficult.
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12-20-2023, 02:52 PM	#5
chilledn52 Parts Pro 65 Rep 134 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 328xi 6MT Join Date: Sep 2022 Location: Edmonton, Alberta iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW 328xi [10.00]	ASA (similar to ABS) has been holding up for few months now at softening point of 105 Celsius. With no where for the filament to melt its held its shape and been working great! __________________ E90 328xi 6MT \| Intake Scoops \| K&N + Charcoal Filter Delete \| DIY Dinan 3in \| 3.25in + 3.5in piping \| N54 Manifold \| Ceramic Coated Headers \| Secondary Cat Delete \| Xdelete \| 3.91 Diffs \| 22RPD Tune
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