XPost: sci.space.policy, sci.physics, sci.electronics.design   
   From: jfindley@cinci.nospam.rr.com   
      
   In article , gossg@gossg.org says...   
   >   
   > Jeff Findley  wrote:   
   >   
   > >Also, the other option that 3D printing opens up is more shape optimized   
   > >parts.  These things are optimized so that "useless" mass is simply gone   
   > >from the design.  They tend to look "organic" rather than "machined" due   
   > >to their complex shapes.  I've heard this called "light-weighting" parts   
   > >from management types.   
   >   
   > Sometimes you light-weight a part too far.  Back in 1985, my mechanic   
   > called me in to look at a repair.  The new brake disk was much heavier   
   > and much less "organic".  But the original one warped because it   
   > didn't have enough mass to absorb the heat till it could be radiated   
   > away, and the manufacturer provided a much simpler but heavier   
   > replacement part.   
   >   
   > The new part was so much different looking than the original one that   
   > he wanted my permission to proceed.   
   >   
   > (As a 400 pound guy who likes to drive econobox microcars, I always   
   > seem to have alignment and brake problems only on the front left.   
   > Hmmm?)   
      
   Yes, engineers and "bean counters" sometimes cut too far.   
      
   Jeff   
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