I need a tame 3D printer

[goneape]

The plastic clips that hold the parcel shelf to the tailgate of my car (TT) have broken, and a new parcel shelf is quite expensive. Ideally I'd like to repair or replace the broken clips, which are integral, to the parcel shelf, so it needs an imaginative solution. I thought if I can get a couple of new clips made up by the wondrous new technique 3D printing, that would be an ideal solution.

However, I don't have any way of producing the required 3D model of the parts or any relevant expertise to do this even I did have a CAD package. I do obviously have the clips as a template.

The few printers I've contacted aren't interested, they reckon the time needed to create the model would be prohibitive and it's not worth their time. I can see their point but we're talking about a cuboid 30 x 10 x 3 mm with an enlargement at one end (looks like an arrowhead when viewed side on) to hold in firmly in the bootlid socket.

Anyone know of a tame printer who has a benevolent streak that might help out? If print run is an issue, I can probably order a few pairs and sell on as I can't be the only person with this failure.

My other option is a lash up with some spring steel strip, but that's a but untidy.

[brman]

your not talking about this bit are you?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Audi-TT-8N-Parcel-Shelf-...

[goneape]

No, it's the little push fit ones that clip into tail gate near the centre brake light.

I intend to sell it soon and want this obvious defect fixed as neatly and cheaply as possible, with minimal hassle or future borkage for the new owner.

[tribbles]

I can give it a go if you want; I've had a 3D printer for almost a year now, and been using it a lot.

Just PM me with a rough drawing, and I'll see how complex it is (which will allow me to gauge whether I'd want to do it )

Sometimes I like challenges though

[DennisCooper]

Hi,

You could buy yourself a 3D scanner and then use it to 'scan' the part. The resulting image would then be imported into a CAD program for editing. Once complete, you could upload the design to a website where local owners of 3D printers will make the part for you.

3D Scanner available here - http://uk.dynamism.com/c/3d-scanners
3D printing using local enthusiasts here - https://www.3dhubs.com/

You'd need a CAD specialist for the step of editing the scan more precisely etc, a quick search on the web will get you many potential specialists.

Cheers, Dennis!

[Martin4x4]

Try Googling your local "MakerSpace" + location, then take the part along to one of the meets.

[thenorth]

If you pm me with a photos and measurements of the part. I'll have look sounds reasonably easy

[Lucas Ayde]

It's an expensive fix because of the labour involved, not the part.

They have to strip off quite a bit of trim in the boot area to replace the holder. It might not be an easy fix unless you are confidant with pulling bits of trim off - and putting them back on properly.

The parcel shelf holder really is a joke though - the plastic used is about as durable as crisps and you can break the pegs off the holder just by knocking the shelf hard a couple of times. I'd guess that you might actually be able to print a superior (stronger) one compared to OEM.

[goneape]

There is no labour involved in replacing the parcel shelf, it just clips on and off. The original clips have held up for 13 years, so it's not too bad, and I may have aided their ultimate demise myself by filling the boot up quite a lot in recent journeys and increasing the strain on them.

The labour is in the model development and CAD, at least that's what the guys I've contacted on 3Dhubs have said.

But, thanks to you guys who have offered to help, I will PM you soon with probably a MS .ppt diagram and some measurements, plus a couple of photos.