Is there anyone on here into 3D design?

[Stefan on probation]

I have access to a 3D printer and as a project was thinking of printing out the hard top blanking plates for a fun thing to do but I am cack at design, would need an STL file anyone on here in to 3D design?

[satvir]

I can do that. Use solidworks everyday at work. (design and development engineer)

Send me a PM. rough dimensions of the actual part. It's application etc

The finish wont be anything like the actual injection molded part. Esp if its a little hobbyist FDM style printers.

[Stefan on probation]

I can do that. Use solidworks everyday at work. (design and development engineer)

Send me a PM. rough dimensions of the actual part. It's application etc

The finish wont be anything like the actual injection molded part. Esp if its a little hobbyist FDM style printers.

will PM you just need the cover as for the pins I will use some T+E clip nails like I have done in the past, the printer is a Creator Pro but the covers can be covered in a bit of vinyl to match the rest of the interior covering.

Give me a day or so to find a cover.

[satvir]

If anybody has any experience in short run silicone tools, many parts can be re created, interior bits, handles, trim pieces etc.

Bits that are getting hard to find like bbs centre caps etc. they can be 3d modelled up, printed and short run tools can be made from them. That would be the only way cost effective way if there was enough numbers.

Otherwise a few can be printed at a time, but would cost a bit.

[martauto]

When you say "short run tools" are saying that instead of plastic injection moulds (Large experience of design and manufacture) that you can 3D print a limited run "tool" ???
I`m been in medical now for a long time because most of our tool rooms went pear shaped over the last 15 years.
This is also another avenue smaller companies should be heavily involved in.

Mart.

[satvir]

So basically i design for plastic molding. Some times we want to test a product or part but constantly 3d printing them isnt cost effective. And actual tooling is way off and cost many thousands but there's a middle ground. Where 3d printed parts are like cast in silicone leaving negative imprint etc and material can be injected or poured in to produce a mold. The short run refers to the longevity of the tool, as it wont be machined out of steel etc so the more runs, the more the tool deteriorates.

We have a link in ireland who specialises in this, but we've yet to use them. Im not an expert in molding esp the short run stuff but it is out there and can be done. Weather the tool is cast in silicone or the molded part is produced in silicone im not sure.

If there was enough numbers almost everything plastic that is NLA (including body kits) can be reproduced. Original samples would be needed to draw/model from.

[Stefan on probation]

As technology moves on it will get interesting, when 3D metal printers come down in price to be affordable then you can print your own spares but we are years away from the quality and affordability for that to happen yet.