Lewmar Mamba 1/4hp 12V Autopilot Drive Epicycle Gear Carrier

Our sailboat autopilot drive broke due to a plastic (acetal) part inside the gearbox cracking from age and hydrocarbon contamination. The part, a carrier for 3 gears in a planetary gearbox (epicycle) was not particularly complex, but it had to be manufactured accurately. Constraints were that the three gear carrier shafts had to be precisely spaced and that the carbon steel shafts from the old part had to be fitted using an interference fit. To our delight, the accuracy of the SLS printed PA12 nylon part was excellent. I'm guessing better than 0.05mm. Well done PCBWay!. The new nylon part was heated to 100 degrees in boiling water, and then the steel shafts were hammered into their positions. The fit and tightness is much better than my expectations. Will definitely buy again.