What should I make with my 3D printer?

[JW027]

Hi guys so I have just received my 3D printer and need something to make. It's an SLA with layer heights of down to 25 microns so very high quality. It's a small bed at 125x165mm but good for a lot of things.

Any ideas on what I could print?!

[JW027]

All good suggestions!

One key area which isn't fully exploited in my opinion is the finishing of parts I.e chroming. I could easily knock up wheel bolts if anyone knows the head sizes. I don't have those on my car to measure etc I could make rear wing mounts but would need to put a layer of rubber to the underside and the parts are ridged.

Build size is also an issue! Big platforms cost big money. I'd much rather have a smaller platform an very high quality!

[JW027]

Adrian W said:

Try a working clock

This is on my list but I don't have time to commit to the actual calculations and modelling of a clock at the moment. I'd love to do a watch/clock but I really think the materials would have to be metal for the movement.

[JW027]

I'm not sure how to answer that?!

[JW027]

StreetDragster said:

What sort of material can 3D printers print in and how strong are the finished components?
Could wing mounts be made via your 3D printer?


Thanks
Matt

Hi Matt mine prints a resin. It's very tough and would be perfect for a non functional prototype but i wouldn't want to run it under high loads or permanently as the material isn't proven under those conditions but for an aesthetic or dimensional model it would work well.

What did you have in mind?

[JW027]

Matt that sounds cool. It would depend on the geometry I think whether you would need to print them or laser cut/water jet them.

JP that looks really nice. Is there CAD data for that piece? It's a pretty organic shape to model. It's do-able if you had a raw part.

As for the model M12 I don't have time at the moment to model one but it is on my list to do!

[JW027]

Blu3R said:

Excuse my ignorance on the subject but if this were available would it help?
http://www.the3dstudio.com/product_details.aspx?id...

The link doesn't seem to work. In answer to you question maybe. It would depend on the quality of the model. Usually paid models are of a good standard.

I also clearly do need to sort out my priorities!

[JW027]

Ant3R said:

Not sure how the connection works on the rear but, some metal heater controls would go down a storm, the stock ones feel so flimsy.

Hey Ant, I'm away for another few weeks but if you send me some dims and detailed photos of the existing i plan to model up a few bits when I find time.

On the list is:
1. Faux allen wheel bolts
2. Rear wing pads
3. Rear wing struts
4. Air vents
5. Heater controls

I need to take dims etc before I can finalise any of these but fingers crossed I can find some time.

[JW027]

Hi Ant, i tend to use .STL or .OBJ files depending on the items form.

[JW027]

Does anyone have the dimensions for the faux wheel bolts? I have used an M6 with a head diameter of 10mm and an overall height of 7mm. Will this fit/work?

[JW027]

mgbond said:

What would be good when doing the nut is to have grooved on the rear face so it gives a key when u glue them in.

Already thought of this Bondy. Grooves are limited by strength in a single direction. My solution will give a key in multiple directions and give the glue the chance to flow outside of the head to the side walls of the recess. I just need sizes.

[JW027]

stevegto3 said:

^^^^ Funny enough, during our last blast Jed and I talked about a key cover/redesign.

Come on Jed you know this is more important than working with the biggest footwear brand in the world ;-)

Steve you are right. The thing is I need the car to get dims! I have always hated the key although if I ever lost it in a car park the car would probably still be there when I got back!

[JW027]

EddieC said:

I have a handful of the original plastic studs that I got from the wheel manufacturers a few years ago.

Send me an address and I'll send them over.

Thanks Eddie I'll PM you later today

[JW027]

Hi Ant sounds like a plan. Maybe you can PM me a photo of the knobs. They may be pretty simple and it may be worth just modelling them. 123D catch is clever technology but sometimes it takes a while to clean up the mesh or you spend 30 minutes taking the pictures and it doesn't turn out very well. It's also not dimensionally accurate.

[JW027]

Hi Guys, The wheel bolt is pretty much ready to print. Big thanks to EddieC for posting me the current bolt heads.

Does anyone have the size of the hole in the 3R wheels?

Then I'll be looking for a volunteer to test the functionality of a few of the prints!

[JW027]

Right wheel bolts ready to go. PM me if you need any.

Because I can here is a keyring too. Noble to front, hex pattern to rear.

[JW027]

Metalman said:

Brilliant!

Thanks Metalman. The detail doesn't really show up in that photo it's quite impressive in reality. I'll try and take some more photos later.

[JW027]