2007-2008 Proto Matrix Rail - can this solenoid gasket be 3d printed?

[mercpb]

The 2007-2008 PMR doesn't get a lot of love but is in my opinion a pretty decent value shooter. EXCEPT ---- the solenoid gaskets are a known failure point. They harden and lose seal and can also blow out the side on overpressure.

DYE no longer sells the gasket. Here's a picture. it's basically a flat gasket with reinforced areas. Is this something the 3D printer crew could conceptually replicate, or, is this going to be the demise of the platform as the gaskets (literally & figuratively) dry up?

[XEMON]

It looks too intricate to do on the FDM, but the SLA should be able to handle it no problem
I have a fancy engineering resin design for this kind of stuff but it all start with cading the gasket.

Do you have the file (or a gasket to measure)?

[Trbo323]

Those were the good years of the pmr. Dye messed up the tolerances for the 2011+ model

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[mercpb]

It looks too intricate to do on the FDM, but the SLA should be able to handle it no problem
I have a fancy engineering resin design for this kind of stuff but it all start with cading the gasket.

Do you have the file (or a gasket to measure)?

I don't know anythign about this stuff/no file, but I have a few gaskets lying around. I'd be glad to donate a few towards the cause if someone pursued it. The part hasn't been NLA too long yet so not sure there's any demand built.

I don't need one so much as, was pondering if it looked viable to reproduce (affordably for users). Sounds like "probably yes" which is great to hear, hate to see a marker die for lack of one part!

[Psycho91]

A lot of markers here recently are dying cause of part availability, happens with cars to it's just the nature of things

[nerdcore]

Is there enough meat on the body to tap the 3 holes for barbs/fittings to do a mech conversion like ions? Well, maybe the 2 holes are too close together for something like that.

[Frmrspec]

If someone wanted to do that, they could just get a 09 Proto Rail that is already drilled and tapped for 10-32 fittings.

[mercpb]

i've seen people go that route (and it's far easier to do that on the 2011 rail as Frmrspec is alluding to, as they used a pancake solenoid then) I don't think the conversions have been very successful though.

[Frmrspec]

I keep suggesting that it makes more sense to modify the solenoid/body for orings instead of relying on gaskets... but I would think the safer bet would be a laser cut rubber gasket opposed to 3d printing.

[XEMON]

for flat gasket, absolutely, that's how i do it, but this one seam to have some 3D geometry that will not do well if if its just flat.

[Trbo323]

Is there enough meat on the body to tap the 3 holes for barbs/fittings to do a mech conversion like ions? Well, maybe the 2 holes are too close together for something like that.

Even if you could do this the problem is the way the bolt works in these there would be no velocity control. Dwell would be all over the place

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[DjReload]

I was wondering if any progress has been made regarding these gaskets. I have one of these that has been sitting a very long time but it was a good marker and I would like to get it up and running to lend to friends. I am currently going through it but I imagine it needs one of these gaskets or will in the not too distant future.

[mercpb]

I was wondering if any progress has been made regarding these gaskets. I have one of these that has been sitting a very long time but it was a good marker and I would like to get it up and running to lend to friends. I am currently going through it but I imagine it needs one of these gaskets or will in the not too distant future.

Progress implies someone's working on it; i don't believe anyone here is, were were just discussing the possibility.

Inventory is indeed drying up, I see people hunting more in the FB groups.

[Ecapnation]

Fdm printing and seals generally don't work great in my experience.

I don't thing there is a flexible option that's viable yet for resin prints.

[The Hobbit]

What about FDM printed body and utilize a standard oring for the seals.

[Ecapnation]

Fdm leaks.... Unless you heavily post process it

[DjReload]

Do you guys think it would be possible to get polyeurethane material and cut out the appropriate size piece and holes? The section that protrudes out from the gasket seems like the toughest bit. Maybe its possible to melt or epoxy in a piece of tubing to imitate that section.

I found this link on Ebay for a solenoid + gasket and the solenoid gasket definitely looks homemade.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/205747864722

I opened up my PMR last night and while the gasket is half stuck to the frame, it isn't complete goop so maybe it will hold. I will keep my eye out for the gaskets in the meantime.

[mercpb]

that's definitely a factory gasket. I've seen hundreds

[DjReload]

Darn I was hoping it would be easy to mcguyver something. Fingers crossed my current gasked holds.

[Ecapnation]

Anything is possible if you throw enough money and time at it

But... Is it worth the effort?

[DjReload]

Well that is for every individual to decide for themselves

[Trbo323]

Do you guys think it would be possible to get polyeurethane material and cut out the appropriate size piece and holes? The section that protrudes out from the gasket seems like the toughest bit. Maybe its possible to melt or epoxy in a piece of tubing to imitate that section.

I've tried doing this on another marker that was in a similar situation. It was WAY harder than it sounds. For the holes, you really need a leather punch. You can't drill it because the material fills in any small hole you drill and using a drill bit large enough means it tears through to where one of the other holes is. Getting everything aligned properly was a nightmare. I did eventually create a working one but yeah, it was terrible to get to that point

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[XEMON]

How critical are the 3d features?
Could it be flat?
(I have laser cut gaskets in the past)

[DjReload]

I think the nipple part of it might be important but im not sure about the other ridges. I was thinking using a hot poker could make similar holes with ridges but im not sure how one would make the protrusion.

[XEMON]

SLS seams like the best one to try ... if i had time, id get you one to try out 😒