Messing around with 3D printing

Topic: Messing around with 3D printing (Read 7453 times) previous topic - next topic

Messing around with 3D printing

May 25, 2013, 05:26:02 PM

I've been playing around with FreeCAD, mainly showing off on the AtariAge forums, but I also decided to try modeling a ThunderCat part. This is my first attempt, the blank panel where the antenna or T/C switches go.

I sent it out to Shapeways to see how well it fits. Once I refine the model, I plan to model all three variants, plus probably one with an extra-wide cutout.

I've tried to make a few design improvements along the way. The screw holes are reduced from 5mm to 4.5mm, and the plastic at the holes is 4mm thick. I've also rounded the insides of the shafts so the flat portion smoothly transitions to the sides. Hopefully these will result in much stronger screw-on points.

When I get the model from Shapeways I'll post pics. I chose the cheapest materal, "white, strong and flexible". I have other things in that material: it appears to be very strong, and it's slightly rougher than the stock plastic (nothing that light sanding wouldn't fix). It wasn't cheap ($75!) but the cost is based purely on volume so the blank version would be the most expensive.

Messing around with 3D printing

Reply #1 – May 25, 2013, 08:44:50 PM

seems like you know a lot more about free cad then I do!

if you were willing to give up the stl file, we could try printing it. it would need tweaked to print on a rep rap.

Messing around with 3D printing

Reply #2 – May 25, 2013, 09:39:17 PM

I don't mind posting it, but bear in mind that I don't know if the model is correct until I get the part back from Shapeways. Print at your own risk

There's one problem, though. Although the uploader says it takes .zip files, it keeps telling me it's an invalid file and won't let me upload.

Messing around with 3D printing

Reply #3 – May 26, 2013, 02:41:26 PM

well, after importing it, should be within about that .1 mm's, unless you have a different ruler then I do about;). well have to get together for a phone call one day. could be had much cheaper then safways.

Messing around with 3D printing

Reply #4 – May 26, 2013, 04:15:04 PM

I managed to post it here:

http://www.mediafire.com/download/e6650twqswcgan6/blank_antenna_panel.zip

Messing around with 3D printing

Reply #5 – May 26, 2013, 06:27:49 PM

Messing around with 3D printing

Reply #6 – May 30, 2013, 08:28:40 PM

I got the model today and it fits!

The model could use a little tweaking, but even as-is it fits just fine. There's enough slack in the plastic panel behind it that it didn't need to be perfect, but I'll probably tweak the model in the next few days and repost it.

As the pictures show, the layering is evident, so the model would require sanding. The plastic is not completely opaque like ABS, so painting is required if there will be any light behind it (unless you actually want a glow effect...)

I took six pictures, so three more will follow.

Messing around with 3D printing

Reply #7 – May 30, 2013, 08:30:28 PM

Three more. I did a test-fit with one screw just as a sanity check. The spacing between the two screw holes was perfect, so I didn't bother testing with both screws.

Messing around with 3D printing

Reply #8 – May 30, 2013, 08:49:46 PM

That's some COOL s@*#t there!! My curiosity is highly peaked :D

Messing around with 3D printing

Reply #9 – May 30, 2013, 08:53:55 PM

Nice, that's amazing. Little sanding, primer, and some vinyl paint and you are there. How large of a part are they able to print?

Messing around with 3D printing

Reply #10 – May 30, 2013, 08:59:48 PM

Here's what I found on their FAQ:

Quote

At the moment the maximum size of any product (also known as maximum build volume) can be 70x38x58cm. The maximum size does depend on the machine and material though.
On our materials page you can check out the different sizes.

Messing around with 3D printing

Reply #11 – May 30, 2013, 09:01:55 PM

How many other guys here know anything about 3d modeling? We've got to get moving on modelling as many of the plastic parts as possible. Suggestion for next piece: dash speaker grills.

Messing around with 3D printing

Reply #12 – May 30, 2013, 09:58:54 PM

Okay, I admit it...I couldn't wait. Here is a tweaked model that should be right on the nose :D

http://www.mediafire.com/download/qqpnid67fqda983/Blank_Antenna_Panel_v2.zip

Messing around with 3D printing

Reply #13 – May 30, 2013, 10:04:48 PM

Hmm. Okay, this should be the final one. I had to make the little stops in the middle 0.5mm thicker so the rubber caps will stay on. This should do it...

http://www.mediafire.com/download/9bue7nyu531bfph/Blank_Antenna_Panel_v3.zip

Messing around with 3D printing

Reply #14 – May 30, 2013, 10:27:38 PM

I know a lot about 3d modeling. I use V5 daily. Quietleaf that's a good looking part.