3D printing

Petrus · February 1, 2020, 15:47

Been looking for the answer on the web but have to admit defeat

I have not enough basic knowledge on the subject to get any further:
How do I get one off bits 3D printed in plastic?

In my oblivious innocense expected you take the part to a 3D printer and it´s it somehow replicated. Seems to be more to it but thát is what I want.

Anyone more versed on the subject?

Thanks.

Carolyn · February 1, 2020, 15:59

It has to be 3D laser scanned to provide the info for the printer.

Petrus · February 1, 2020, 16:41

Ok, so the bloke with a 3D printer needs to be a bloke with a 3D scanner first.

Ardent · February 1, 2020, 17:42

Again know very little on the subject. But, as well as scanning an existing item. I thought you could also feed the printer a CAD file of sorts.

SV-3 · February 1, 2020, 18:59

Quote from: Ardent on February 1, 2020, 17:42Again know very little on the subject. But, as well as scanning an existing item. I thought you could also feed the printer a CAD file of sorts.

Many years ago we used the infant technology to produce samples for our clients.
We just "modelled" the part in 3D Cad software and sent the resulting Cad file (as per Jase above) to the "3D printers" (they weren't called that back then).
Today, the required file can be produced on something like AutoCad

Ardent · February 1, 2020, 19:57

Quote from: SV-3 on February 1, 2020, 18:59Many years ago we used the infant technology to produce samples for our clients.
We just "modelled" the part in 3D Cad software and sent the resulting Cad file (as per Jase above) to the "3D printers" (they weren't called that back then).
Today, the required file can be produced on something like AutoCad

@Petrus
Taking the above, If you, or someone you know is CAD capable, that would give you option to tweak the design of your end plates in the puter and only print when your happy.

Chriss · February 2, 2020, 00:26

You can download pre-made 3d models for printing, and joining a 3d printing forum also helps, if you are a 3d artist you can make design parts from scratch as long as you have exact measurements.

Gaz2405 · February 2, 2020, 09:10

When we used 3d printing in University 20 years ago it was called rapid prototyping.

A machine back then that could produce an item roughly 10cm x 10cm x 10cm would cost £80,000!

You'll need to find someone with the Cad file of the piece you want to produce, back then the dwg file had to be saved as an stl file for the printer to be able to read it.

Dependant on what you need there are libraries online with items already drawn and if your replicating something common or used in the building industry there will also be revit and cad libraries available.

Petrus · February 2, 2020, 10:00

Thakns for all the info!

I want some bits of the MR2 replicated in plastic. Seen a weally, wéally cool 3D printed Honda K20 cam cover.

Starting with the wing support struts.
My son can make a CAD file of those but although it would get me the struts, it would not get me more complex bits and I thought the struts might make a good test case. Appearantly they are.

Seeing a carbon stuff specialist this afternoon. He is both member of the local cycling and rc clubs. Need to have a carbon bike rim repaired. Will ask him too.

Ardent · February 2, 2020, 11:18

I shall be watching with interest

Joesson · February 2, 2020, 12:24

Dev on here, but lives in the USA, has a 3D printer and the know how to produce the "door wedges" he offered for sale.
PS: iirc There was also UK based Member who produced rear light housings on his 3D printer.

Petrus · February 2, 2020, 14:25

The carbon bloke wants to upgrade his old diy printer to a larger modern one.
My son will undertake the CAD next weekend or so.
It will take a lot longer no doubt but, there ís a way appearently.