New Technology for Making Parts

[Mike Hughes]

Jay Leno, as a car nut not as a comedian, shows new technology. Perhaps this could be used to create NLS parts for our little cars!

http://widgets.NBC.com/o/47f1317f105123ad/49930a9fc57c735f/47fe70d4555df05a/9b5b999b/-cpid/ba4377d3bfd6c81

[CraigD]

This is so timely...

I'm a high school teacher, and I have this very same 3-dimensional printer in my classroom and use it with my pre-engineering students.  I've been thinking how cool this could be in the car restoration business.  The setup that Leno shows here has the added powerful ingredient of a 3-d scanner to create the digital model.  I don't have that, so we have to work the old fashioned way... using a micrometer and 3-d modeling CAD software.

But I would very much like to use a 3-d printer to make a needed part or two.  If anyone has need to create a small part - for developing a prototype on the way to a machined metal part, or as a final (plastic) piece, let me know.  I'd like to see how helpful this might be to car lovers.  Parts can't be too big... 10"x10"x12" is as large as possible.  The plastic raw material isn't free, but it's not that much, either, compared to machining/remachining costs.  The tolerance is +/- .010".

Email me if you have need for developing a prototype for an nla part.  Maybe I could work it out...

[mdsalemi]

On the one hand, this is absolutely fascinating.  On the other hand, it is a natural extension (the addition of a 3rd dimension) of what has been happening and being done in the evolution of the printing (2-D) industry since the very late 1970's/early 1980's.

Scanning and reproduction in 2D, "digital imaging" as it were, has changed the printing industry drastically--particularly the "front end" of the industry meaning the design and the prepress.

There are actually some "affordable" desktop versions of this stuff for those that want to play...

http://www.ulsinc.com/english/laser_systems/product_line/VersaLaser.html

Be the first on YOUR block with a "3-D Printer".

[pj]

I'm trying to get caught up on this technology. Our provincial educational tv network broadcast a lecture today about "programmable matter." I think you can view the lecture at this link
http://www.perimeterinstitute.ca/en/Events/Grand_Opening/Live_Streaming/
It's by Hod Lipson, the 2nd one down the page, at least when it loads on my computer.

Does anyone have any news on this topic that's relevant to our cars? What part(s) would benefit from this technology? Maybe one day we'll be able to push a button and a brand new all-original Pagoda will roll out of a 3d printer the size of a garage, but for now, any ideas? Seals, gaskets? Connectors? Covers? Heater control levers? Knob handles? Anyone tried?

[Marrs]

Does anyone have any news on this topic that's relevant to our cars? What part(s) would benefit from this technology? Maybe one day we'll be able to push a button and a brand new all-original Pagoda will roll out of a 3d printer the size of a garage, but for now, any ideas? Seals, gaskets? Connectors? Covers? Heater control levers? Knob handles? Anyone tried?

This sort of technology can be used for some plastic components so long as the material used in the printer approximates that needed for the part. Those who have used one can perhaps tell us if there are different types of plastic that can be used or just a single type, but breaking point and flexibility come to mind as initial limitations. Clips, knobs and the like may be suitable, tho some consumer grade printers have larger "pixels" than pro versions, meaning some come out so smooth you can't see the layers while cheaper versions have a topographical-map type of look to them. OK for hidden parts maybe. Also, you can use the plastic parts to make a master mold for casting in metal, which expands the usefulness quite a bit, but limited by the complexity of the mold... tho I wonder if you could use a "lost wax" sort of casting using the plastic base, if it would evaporate completely once metal is poured in? Very exciting technology if you ask me, and one we're just starting to explore.
Here's a look at what's coming next, programmable self-sculpting sand prototyping: http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2012/smart-robotic-sand-0402.html

[Pedrocamp]

Thought I'd reply to this older post as technology has indeed accelerated in the 3D printing world. I have successfully printed off a few parts for my Mercedes sedan using Shapeways services:

http://www.shapeways.com/

They have various materials and their prices are quite reasonable. I have used several commercial 3D print services whose prices are geared toward business/industrial prototyping, Shapeways is geared toward the hobbyist/maker/craft/etc... market.

I designed and had printed some covers for my vintage Bosch fog lights:





...and the contact blocks for my rebuilt Bosch horns (the original Bakelite parts were cracked).



I am looking at making a few more parts such as the end covers for the interior ceiling grab handles.

The horn blocks are for sale on Shapeways in my Shop:

http://www.shapeways.com/model/1435563/horn-block-bosch.html?li=search-results&materialId=25

The fog light covers have been on the car 6 months and have help up well in the Shapeways' white semi-flexible nylon material. I hand made the rubber straps and hardware. I may consider selling this cover style and other versions in the future but I need to test durability.

Pedro Campuzano
Mooresville, NC

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

I was not able to open the web page from the original post, however, doing a search on NBC I found the YouTube Link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3SVTBrKyZk

Yes it certainly is fantastic what can be done now and in the future