Also as an idea - i'm not sure who's administrating the forum, but why don't we create a tread with STLs/OBJs for 3D printing, where people could upload their designs and help each other to get some missing parts for free?
Thanks for posting this Oleg. Do you have any examples of projects you've done? Some descriptions of how the system works. Have at it, make it your own thread.
My thought is the crickets we hear are likely just because most have zero knowledge of the tech.
It's very interesting, I understand none of it, but I'm sure it's set to really become really big and commonplace.
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65 Laurentian post, 67 Grande Parisienne 4 door HT.
Yeah, no worries. I just got the car a few weeks ago so not much projects on this field so far. Just made this handle and now working on those bushings/inserts for interior mirror bracket where sun visor metal rods are going.
I assume it's different fields we are from. Among my friends I know probably one or two people WITHOUT 3d printers. Printing is pretty big already, 5 years ago pages with models to print were almost empty and contained not so useful stuff, nowadays you can find almost anything you want. DeWalt drill bits holder for a small case - here it is, mounts for Alexa speakers - easy. Now I'm adding things for 1965 Parisienne:))
So pretty much any plastic part (well, depends on the size) can be printed. I know I'm risking to set the avalanche of criticisms from Every single part has to be original including all tires and fluids:) But it's actually faster and cheaper to print something not crucial and that does not to be super strong/sturdy. The issue is - 3d modeling soft/skills need to be involved, but pretty much any 3d software can produce the result sufficient for 3d printer. 3D Max, Maya, Solidworks etc. Lower end printers (like the one I'm using, called Ender 3 PRO) cost about 150 CAD, they can print things up to 23 cm.
300m of filament (plastic for printing) for those about 35 CAD.
I've been pondering the purchase of a 3D printer however I haven't heard good things about 3D scanners that aren't super expensive. Would you say the ones you list (3D Max etc) work well enough that a guy could scan an emblem and get good results? As for posting the files here the forum has that capability however I can't specify "only" one type of file so there's always the risk of a malicous file being uploaded.
scanners are getting better and some entry level ones are getting cheaper too..
I have a Prusa MK3+ printer (its a bomber unit and dependable) and a FLsun V400 printer.. (its about 70% faster than the Prusa and so far really good)
The Prusa MK 4 is soon to be arriving and is claiming high speeds as well..
What I've done with some stuff Todd.. is taken a good photo of the emblem or part from directly above it and then imported it into my CAD program (fusion 360) and scaled it to exact size.. then basically traced the emblem and extruded it to the proper thickness... then print it...
its' really a great tool for prototyping.. the reverse light housings I had scanned turned out really great.. but they're still a plastic part in a rear bumper (not smart)...