3D-printed parts?

[DougHolverson]

Anybody dabble in 3D-printing?

I may upload a couple of STL files for shift knobs later if anybody is interested.

Or if somebody hasn't beat me to it....

[sweetolbob]

Heck, you can have one "for all your own"!!

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/p...en2=,#Overview Bob

[packard352]

OK, they're based in the UK, but these guys are really pushing the envelop for recreating parts for the classic car hobby

http://3dengineers.co.uk

[DougHolverson]

Just for CASOs and us other mere mortal amateurs, I'm throwing out "Doug's Studebaker fun pack #1"! http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1097574

[silverhawk1958]

Where did you get that printed Doug? I have a few files I'd like to print for prototypes but haven't done much work trying to find someone to actually print them up.

[Studerick64]

Some public libraries have 3D printers.

[58PackardWagon]

I am very familiar with both Makerbot and Stratasys. You can see some of the lines in the final product as these are built in layers.

[Scott]

I worked with the Stratasys machines for over 10 years. I got to run the FDM2000 and Maxum, which had the largest build envelope of any machine. I did get to design and make a few interesting things for fun. I can still get stuff made, but not in-house anymore.

Fused Deposition Modeling is the Stratasys manufacturing method and for long time (maybe still) had the strongest materials - usually ABS.
If you design something to be built using FDM remember that the vertical levels have less resolution that horizontal (our layers were .010 thick) and because of the layering method the strength is little less in that direction - kind of like a grain in wood, but not as bad. For this reason the operator needs to understand how the part is to be fastened to other parts or used as a working part. The orientation of the computer file in the 3D space can be critical for a part meant to function. Orientation often has a HUGE impact on the time needed to build an object. For instance, a part with through-holes will usually be best built with the holes vertical. You get rounder holes (better resolution) AND they don't need to be filled with support material, which they would need if built oriented horizontally. Support structures for overhangs are a very large time consumer to build, but for all but the simplest parts are unavoidable. The factors to balance are: desired resolution for certain features, cost (=build time), and functionality.
Other types of rapid prototyping are built with powders rather than extruded filament and do not have much of that "grain" issue, really, but until recently (I believe) the tensile strength of the materials offered could not match ABS. They do, however, make for better patterns for molding because the resolution is finer.
The technology and especially materials have evolved a lot and I'm not sure exactly where everything stands at this moment.

[61Lark]

In the past I've dealt with a few places to get SLS parts for work, but the price has increased quite a bit from what I saw even a few years ago.

As we've increased sample quantities we've actually started getting injected molded parts. The initial cost is greater, but you get production quality parts for a few dollars a piece afterwards.

http://www.protolabs.com

[wlfrench]

With todays tech. any part can be re-manufactured. This stuff is just crazy cool. The fun begins at about the 1 min. mark.

https://youtu.be/s9IdZ2pI5dA

[Bordeaux Daytona]

There's a 3d printed '51 Studebaker radio button on this site.

http://www.shapeways.com/product/GLG3UZ2WB/studebaker-radio-button?li=user-profile&optionId=56339187

They also have some miniature US6 trucks and some '55-'56 Packards in different scales.

http://www.shapeways.com/search?q=studebaker&type=

http://www.shapeways.com/search?q=packard&type=product

[raoul5788]

Hmmm, maybe I can get the vent window rubber for my '57 Packard wagon done on a 3D printer.

[55 56 PREZ 4D]

Hmmm, maybe I can get the vent window rubber for my '57 Packard wagon done on a 3D printer.

Great idea !
There are "rubber like" materials available for 3D printers.
I couldn't find info on UV resistance or how long the pieces last before they return to powder.
Are the materials designed to last, or to last just long enough to find if the piece will fit ?

[Mrs K Corbin]

Hmmm, maybe I can get the vent window rubber for my '57 Packard wagon done on a 3D printer.

Have you tried Valerie Hansen out of Nashville?

[raoul5788]

Yes. I tried her dad many years ago, but even Bill didn't have any.