Time to Print 3D

I posted this over at VCVC also, we had been talking about this a bit but wanted to make sure to post it here also to get the Dodge and Ford guys involved.

Today I have ordered a 3D printer. I had been thinking about getting one for awhile now and a guy at work is getting one also so thought what the hell.

I know there was talk about someone making a defrost vent for a 2nd Gen, apparently these are hard to find, anyone have a GOOD one I can try to do this also?

What about 1st gen? Hard to find also? Mine have the little clip sides broken off. Someone have a good one?

Have also been thinking about "Deluxe Horn Rings". Anyone have one I can make a copy of? If I can get demand, I can find someone to "Spray On Chrome" these also. The finish from the printer I am getting is .003, about the thickness of a human hair so the edge is VERY smooth.

Here is the plan. With the suggestion of Gregg, I downloaded and installed 123D Capture software. With the software you take 20+ pictures of your object (I plan on much more just to ensure model quality), upload in the software, receive a 3D model. Export the model, create layers, print.

I have a friend that makes 24 inch turn tables. I will mark the turn table at 30* increments, I can turn the table and take pictures of the object at each increment, I plan on using white sheets as the back ground.

Going from the price guide a defrost vent would cost less than $5 is my estimate.

Thoughts?

how bout a 1/25th scale body, so we can make a model kit?? or vent shades would be good

Already plan on making a scale model of vans. I will be needing to set up photo shoots for each model to make more than a 1st Gen Sport Van.

Sounds like a lot of fun!
I've seen them online, but don't have the funds to get all the vans going yet, let alone something that costs more than the vans!
Plastic parts? Here are some ideas
Knob sets
Vents as mentioned
radio plates/adapters
dash cluster panels
fuse blocks? Gotta be a phenolic (?) non-flammable material
custom lock knobs
visor clips

A-100 shift knobs, along with others
Shifter and turn signal ends

and that's just the start, so you can get practice and help pay it off.

Woo its here!!!

Its PRINTING!!!

What are you printing first  

It is just a 2 color test cube.

1ST Gen Chevy defrost vents would be Great a couple of my clips are glued also.!!! and a 1ST Gen Chevy panel model would be AWESOME. !!!!!!!!!!

Congrats Matt! Early Christmas for you I see!!!

Matt another good item to try would be the auto shift indicators for first and second gens.

how about linkage bushings... first gen floor heat deflectors...

If I had shift indicators I would try them.

Here is an update...

The printer is up and running. Here is a VW Van model I had found online and printed out. It is like a keep sake box or whatever. The bottom with the wheels comes out of the rest and it has a hollow between. I ordered more color filament, right now I only have white and green but black and red and grey are on the way.



I tried taking pictures and using the software to "Stitch" them but there is like NO DETAIL to these parts and so it makes it VERY hard for the software to match surfaces. I took the plunge and bought a Sense 3D Scanner, another $435, UGH! At that point I can scan a WHOLE van and make a model to make these little guys like the VW. The one I currently have I made about 3.5-4 inches long and about 2 inches wide. I can make them bigger or smaller.

I should have it this week and be able to start putting models together for vents and such. If there are parts that people have that I can copy PLEASE let me know and I will start scanning them as soon as I get them.

RipVanArkie wrote:
how about linkage bushings...  first gen floor heat deflectors...

Rip,

I am not sure what the heat deflector is.

Linkage bushing, are these not available already?

There is a plastic deflector on the bottom of the heaters to deflect heat left and right.

RipVanArkie wrote:There is a plastic deflector on the bottom of the heaters to deflect heat left and right.

Would give it a try if I had one.

Any thoughts on this 3D printer?

http://www.solidoodle.com/

The version 3 looks pretty good for the money.

http://store.solidoodle.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=79

Just contracted a job from work for over $1000 with an additional $250 to make a 3D model.



They have 3 other jobs they want me to work on also.

My 3D scanner still isnt here yet and the company has not replied to my email asking when it will ship and I am starting to get a bit testy...

Gregg I tried to look at that here at work but my connection sucks so will have to look when I get home.

I had seen you post that and then forgot to come back to look at it again.

Will it make A100 front turn signal lenses?

If you can scan it, it will print it... imagine the possibilities......

There is a 'clear-ish' filament I have seen listed, wonder if there is clear amber?

Shows they have a yellow and an orange translucent filament at the shop here in town. Might have to score a roll if needed. I could easily do turn signal lenses.

I received my 3D Scanner today and it is COOL! We scanned a couple of parts here and a person and it was amazing tech.

There is a distance indicator so I am going to get a "Scanning Area" set up at the house where I can mount the scanner on my camera tripod and the parts on a turn table to get accurate steady scanning.

I will post some results when I get it.

I'm excited for you Matt. Can't wait to see the results!

Ive wanted to play with one of those 3d printers. Thats really cool.