MG
The Classic Marque

3D printing TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is quite possible and I've done it a number of times. You need a printer capable of using flexible filaments but it is done with Bowden extruders although other types can give better results AFAIK. IIRC both my printers cost around £160 new about 5-6 years ago so not the cheapest but nearer the bottom of the range. Something like the suspension bushes ...

Actually Anam, that's the germ of an idea.
Not growing a tree but 3D printing. Is it possible to print polyurethane?
Anyone here familiar with 3D printing?

On the upside, spring's approaching.

Bushes will soon be growing. 😁😁.


Now where's that rubber tree?

You can do single sided spot welds with a TIG welder and not have to worry about the hazards involved with a laser source. I've seen some discussion about laser welders and general advice was to do it in a dedicated room with safety interlocks on the doors so nothing can enter while the laser is in use.

Oh ok, thanks Guy, I've ordered a set so we'll see how they turn out. The current ones are fraying at the edges so the new replacements should be better!

I know long term memory lasts better,😁 but this was a very, very long time ago Jeremey! And anyway surely most choosing to switch to Polybushes would be replacing old rubber ones, knackered and probably softened with age and contaminants. And that's just the bushes! So not a good basis for comparison. I just know that I was happy with them and they have lasted extremely well.

Jan
Funnily enough I was talking about it with a friend earlier. I could have done with that a few years ago when rebuilding bodywork.

Has anyone seen the demonstrations of laser welding on Youtube? The welds appear to be superb with just a small, raised bead on both sides. Really impressive though is the ability to do single sided spot welds. No need to punch holes and fill with MIG. Simply focus the laser on an overlap joint and it melts both layers and produces a perfect spot weld,

Jan T

Thanks Guy,
did you notice a difference in ride harshness?
Similar to these?

Yep. May's back on locals.

Lol. An ex DPP who got his law wrong. Or was he just being sleazy again?

Labour'll get hammered.