Any interest in 3D Printing hard to find plastic parts? (1 Viewer)

[danman78]

I was wondering as I am starting to get into the 3D printing world how much application to the auto parts world. Do you imagine that venders will eventually publish 3d models for parts they no longer make? What about the potential for the open source community to make and sell parts that extremely hard to find. Let me know what parts you would like to see me make available. My first project is probably going to be a steering column shroud for the 91-94.. mine is broke as is most but I feel like this would be a perfect part to try and replicate. However I may want to start with something smaller.. Thanks for any input you may have.

 

[Aaron from Texas]

Pocketed Fender Flares.

 

[scottryana]

I think there is already a guy in Texas that does the pocketed fender flares?

 

[Sc0-]

Exterior Door handles.
Oil-Level plastic float (1FZ)
rear slider window vents
side mirror internal components that break?

 

[DARKNESS]

Interesting concept. I doubt vendors will publish 3D models of parts. There's no incentive for them to do so. If you're trying to do this as a business, I suspect you will have to the measuring yourself or get contributions from forum members with that kind of technical ability. I think this idea has alot of potential.

You might consider making improved versions of things too. For instance, a center console with a legit cupholder?

Maybe search the classifieds for ideas? I remember there was a guy who used to make custom 40 knobs that were discontinued. Perhaps you could start with something like that?

 

[sl3807]

side mirror internal components that break?

Excellent Idea. I was thinking about this myself when attempting to fix my driver side mirror. If you could print a new backplate out of one of the ULTEM materials, it may work.

The only issue that I see, most of the materials used for the printing process are quite fragile. Although... they are making improvements quite rapidly. I have a few printed hollow Titanium parts sitting on my desk at work.

 

[40TUDE]

I for one would love a column shroud, as long as it is an improvement. I always break the stock ones.

 

[JCruse]

Those things are sooo cool!

Almost makes me want to go out and break something.




Maybe someday you could make a line of custom grills with stock attachment points.

 

[retrofive]

I for one would love a column shroud, as long as it is an improvement. I always break the stock ones.

No?

http://www.cruiseryard.com/new-toyota-80-series-clamshells/

Nevermind, but will leave the link here anyway.

 

[western flyer]

Exterior Door handles.
Oil-Level plastic float (1FZ)
rear slider window vents
side mirror internal components that break?

Excellent ideas.

 

[John E Davies]

The only issue that I see, most of the materials used for the printing process are quite fragile. Although... they are making improvements quite rapidly. I have a few printed hollow Titanium parts sitting on my desk at work.

Cool, maybe you could print up a complete replacement set of titanium interior trim pieces. Wouldn't that be cool. And pricey.

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

 

[Kaveeks]

...legit cupholder?

yeah, cupholders

 

[danman78]

I would need to start here... people would have to donate "good" parts so they can be scanned in... then printed.. my brother and I are looking into going into business making high failure rate plastic parts for out of service manufacture vehicles or even branch out to other types of vehicles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-APydYRxNm0

 

[DARKNESS]

I assume the part could be loaned rather than donated? Or will it be destroyed in the process somehow.

 

[danman78]

No it would not be destroyed... in fact once it is scanned in... unlimited copies can be made. A huge database of parts can be created and maintained. The possibilities are amazing. I am in at the beginning stages of researching the market to see if it can support a new business. A lot of companies offer 3D printing of all kinds but I have not found anyone that specifically specializes in extinct or expensive OME part replication. I would imagine that I could take pre orders on parts that are more rare than others then use that money to develop the 3D model or buy a NEW part to build a 3D file from. The other thing that is great about this technology is I could build a brand logo or custom raised grafx into the part... custom colors can be made as well. This may be something worth trying the Kickstarter type of capital investment to get off the ground if there is enough interest. There would have to be a bigger pool of "buyers" that just this one Make of vehicle but this is a great place to start I would think.

 

[danman78]

To start out I would probably only be able to make parts that are smaller 8x8x8 in for the printer I am looking at.. but if the demand is there and a profit can be made I would be able to invest in a faster larger more high resolution printer. I am thinking of starting in a few months with the door handle insert on the door. Anything else that size would be a good start... then I have to look at how much it will cost me to print a part that size.. how much they cost new if available..... and most importantly; how much would someone be willing to pay for that part. Lets start there: How much would you pay for a door handle insert?

 

[danman78]

Well I answered my question... bad example... the door handle inserts are 5$ on AJIK... probably could not print it for that... what is more rare?

 

[landtoy80]

Is the 3D print ink/plastic heat resistant?

I have bought plastic items and mounted them in the 80 and on a hot summer day the melted. If you are going to make a part, make sure it doesn't melt on a hot sunny summer day.

 

[danman78]

yes some of the cheaper plastics will... but the newer stuff that is coming out is high temp and very durable.. Some can be heat treated in an oven and made to hold up at 167-176 F

 

[M32H32is]

Hmm... +1 for:
Internal mirror components
Rear sliding window vents

Question:

I'm in the process of making removable screens for the rear windows - maybe some plastic channels that have tabs & could tuck into the liner inside the cabin? Been testing various systems the past few weekends but have not perfected the design yet.