3D printed kitcar parts
Discussion
This is my first 3D printed part, so don't expect too much. Only started learning to drive Google Sketchup on Sunday night. Proved it can be done though and have many more parts in the pipeline.
Some photos here:
http://www.robcollingridge.com/400kg/build/entries...
Some photos here:
http://www.robcollingridge.com/400kg/build/entries...
You don't have to buy the printer. There are 3D print bureaux services in the UK now. In the USA, you can take your design to Staples and have it printed out, much like you did with your digital photos.
I was at the 3D print show last year and they were printing in metal. Initially, this was sintered but the quality of materials used has improved in recent times. It is now even possible to 3D print in gold and silver.
The main thing for me is that you can focus on the creative part (the 3D design) and just print stuff rather than spending ages fabricating. You can also make things using this technique that are simply not possible using conventional approaches. It is a cheap way to try things out too. 3D printing is going to allow me to create high quality, bespoke car parts that would be really difficult to do otherwise. When you are building a 'one off' car, then this technology makes a lot of sense and reduces costs and the time required.
Costs are a consideration obviously but, they are falling. The 3D printer that I'm looking at buying is £890 (http://www.cel-robox.com) and can do CNC work with an upgrade too.
My second car part came off the printer today. I've created two bespoke parts with 2 hours of desk (computing) time and 90 minutes of print time. It is only going to get easier and quicker too, as I get more experienced. I've even started trying to 3D model the whole car now :-)
I was at the 3D print show last year and they were printing in metal. Initially, this was sintered but the quality of materials used has improved in recent times. It is now even possible to 3D print in gold and silver.
The main thing for me is that you can focus on the creative part (the 3D design) and just print stuff rather than spending ages fabricating. You can also make things using this technique that are simply not possible using conventional approaches. It is a cheap way to try things out too. 3D printing is going to allow me to create high quality, bespoke car parts that would be really difficult to do otherwise. When you are building a 'one off' car, then this technology makes a lot of sense and reduces costs and the time required.
Costs are a consideration obviously but, they are falling. The 3D printer that I'm looking at buying is £890 (http://www.cel-robox.com) and can do CNC work with an upgrade too.
My second car part came off the printer today. I've created two bespoke parts with 2 hours of desk (computing) time and 90 minutes of print time. It is only going to get easier and quicker too, as I get more experienced. I've even started trying to 3D model the whole car now :-)
Another part off the 3D printer today. This jig is a tool to help me fabricate the rear light clusters using 5mm LEDs.
http://www.robcollingridge.com/400kg/build/2014/04...
http://www.robcollingridge.com/400kg/build/2014/04...
Fury1630 said:
Been there, done that:-
I was "experimenting" with wheels in this one - I quite liked the look of this.
I've since improved the shape & added mirrors a load of other twiddly bits - drawn on CATIA V5.
That is very cool. I was hoping to do something similar for my next car but I don't have the time of knowledge.I was "experimenting" with wheels in this one - I quite liked the look of this.
I've since improved the shape & added mirrors a load of other twiddly bits - drawn on CATIA V5.
Edited by Fury1630 on Saturday 3rd May 18:46
Edited by Fury1630 on Saturday 3rd May 18:47
Rob
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