3-D Printing of Small Parts - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ubtripn · 03-02-2017, 03:14 PM

So I was missing a small handle for one of the three heat slider levers. (Sorry I don't know the official name.) and an employee printed one off for me. It was amazing. I then asked for a seatbelt plug and a couple of other small items and it worked like a charm. Anybody else ever print a part?

**LockDoc** · 03-02-2017, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ubtripn

So I was missing a small handle for one of the three heat slider levers. (Sorry I don't know the official name.) and an employee printed one off for me. It was amazing. I then asked for a seatbelt plug and a couple of other small items and it worked like a charm. Anybody else ever print a part?

I have a couple of things I would like to try and get done but I don't know where to look for someone that has a good 3-D printer....

LockDoc

ubtripn · 03-02-2017, 04:23 PM

That was the thing, his was about $300 and then the cost of material, I thought the cost would be MUCH higher but its within our reach now.

Bigdav160 · 03-02-2017, 05:28 PM

I made this a/c vent retainers for the back of my Burb

**LockDoc** · 03-02-2017, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigdav160

I made this a/c vent retainers for the back of my Burb

Does it make it a lot easier if a person actually has a part to copy?

LockDoc

ubtripn · 03-02-2017, 05:59 PM

THAT is AWESOME!

James the III · 03-02-2017, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LockDoc

Does it make it a lot easier if a person actually has a part to copy?

LockDoc

Not really as you still have to put the measurements in cad software..

now the laser plotting to build a 3d scan of a part is killer but that is a little pricey at the moment..

Bigdav160 · 03-02-2017, 08:12 PM

I draw my parts in Sketchup (free) and export as .stl

Laser scanners are still $3k

The beauty is you can design or improve a design quickly

**LockDoc** · 03-02-2017, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James the III

Not really as you still have to put the measurements in cad software..

now the laser plotting to build a 3d scan of a part is killer but that is a little pricey at the moment..

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigdav160

I draw my parts in Sketchup (free) and export as .stl

Laser scanners are still $3k

The beauty is you can design or improve a design quickly

Thanks guys.

LockDoc

Robznob11 · 03-03-2017, 12:32 AM

I have been contemplating buying a 3d printer to do small stuff. I just wonder how sturdy the end products are? Also where would one look to compare printers so you can get the best bang for the buck so to speak....

**hewittca** · 03-03-2017, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robznob11

I have been contemplating buying a 3d printer to do small stuff. I just wonder how sturdy the end products are? Also where would one look to compare printers so you can get the best bang for the buck so to speak....

I've printed many parts for various projects, and I will say that it is awesome for prototyping and test fitting, but not so great for longevity if it's a part that is going to be subject to any sort of stress. If you're trying to replace a part that broke over time or during normal operation, your printed part is sure to fail as well. A mould plastic part is always going to be considerably stronger than an identical printed part. Eventually, the layers that compose the print start to break apart under stress. There are ways to design the print so you can optimize strength, and you just have to keep this in mind when choosing what applications you want to utilize your 3D printer for.

I have several 3D printers at work, all of them the standard layer by layer extruded plastic type. These are the most common and readily available. Ours are either Makerbot or FlashForge (improved version of original Makerbot). FlashForge is an Amazon company, with Prime shipping you can have it and start printing in two days. This printer has been very dependable but it starts at about $1,000. There are many other options for much less than that, several of which are simply parts lists with build instructions for you to construct your own printer. We have one of these and it works but is very temperamental. There are plenty of printer comparison articles out there. This article is pretty good. I've used a few on this list and have found you get what you pay for, to a point. Anything under about $500 and it's going to require a fair bit of maintenance and supervision. Anything over about $1200 and you're just paying for extra (nonessential) features and maybe higher resolution.

Ok, that's enough about 3D printers for now.

**LockDoc** · 03-03-2017, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hewittca

I've printed many parts for various projects, and I will say that it is awesome for prototyping and test fitting, but not so great for longevity if it's a part that is going to be subject to any sort of stress. If you're trying to replace a part that broke over time or during normal operation, your printed part is sure to fail as well. A mould plastic part is always going to be considerably stronger than an identical printed part. Eventually, the layers that compose the print start to break apart under stress. There are ways to design the print so you can optimize strength, and you just have to keep this in mind when choosing what applications you want to utilize your 3D printer for.

I have several 3D printers at work, all of them the standard layer by layer extruded plastic type. These are the most common and readily available. Ours are either Makerbot or FlashForge (improved version of original Makerbot). FlashForge is an Amazon company, with Prime shipping you can have it and start printing in two days. This printer has been very dependable but it starts at about $1,000. There are many other options for much less than that, several of which are simply parts lists with build instructions for you to construct your own printer. We have one of these and it works but is very temperamental. There are plenty of printer comparison articles out there. This article is pretty good. I've used a few on this list and have found you get what you pay for, to a point. Anything under about $500 and it's going to require a fair bit of maintenance and supervision. Anything over about $1200 and you're just paying for extra (nonessential) features and maybe higher resolution.

Ok, that's enough about 3D printers for now.

Appreciate the info. I don't know if I would do enough to justify the expense of buying one. I would probably be better off just paying someone to make the couple of pieces I need.... I read an article that said it is best to use the 3d printer to make a prototype and have parts molded from that. I did find a couple of places on Craigslist that do it so I'm going to check with them.

LockDoc

supercheyenne · 03-03-2017, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hewittca

Ok, that's enough about 3D printers for now.

Thanks for the insight. I've always been fascinated by them.

Robznob11 · 03-03-2017, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hewittca

I've printed many parts for various projects, and I will say that it is awesome for prototyping and test fitting, but not so great for longevity if it's a part that is going to be subject to any sort of stress. If you're trying to replace a part that broke over time or during normal operation, your printed part is sure to fail as well. A mould plastic part is always going to be considerably stronger than an identical printed part. Eventually, the layers that compose the print start to break apart under stress. There are ways to design the print so you can optimize strength, and you just have to keep this in mind when choosing what applications you want to utilize your 3D printer for.

I have several 3D printers at work, all of them the standard layer by layer extruded plastic type. These are the most common and readily available. Ours are either Makerbot or FlashForge (improved version of original Makerbot). FlashForge is an Amazon company, with Prime shipping you can have it and start printing in two days. This printer has been very dependable but it starts at about $1,000. There are many other options for much less than that, several of which are simply parts lists with build instructions for you to construct your own printer. We have one of these and it works but is very temperamental. There are plenty of printer comparison articles out there. This article is pretty good. I've used a few on this list and have found you get what you pay for, to a point. Anything under about $500 and it's going to require a fair bit of maintenance and supervision. Anything over about $1200 and you're just paying for extra (nonessential) features and maybe higher resolution.

Ok, that's enough about 3D printers for now.

Thank you sir!

Burbor · 03-05-2017, 01:39 AM

I sell, install, repair Stratasys 3D printers for a living. I have designed and printed several things for my Burb. One of the latest was a gas pedal mounting bracket to adapt my '69 to the later style gas pedal (cable vs linkage).

Printed in Ultem material, tapped holes are Heli-coiled.

LockDoc, you helped me out a while back, I'd be happy to return the favour if I can. Send me a note with what you're looking to do.

Rob

smith59 · 04-06-2017, 12:42 PM

I was thinking about what you were saying
I am confused in my choice, The list is very long, In your opinion what is the best printer in this list, And be suitable in price.

**LockDoc** · 04-06-2017, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burbor

I sell, install, repair Stratasys 3D printers for a living. I have designed and printed several things for my Burb. One of the latest was a gas pedal mounting bracket to adapt my '69 to the later style gas pedal (cable vs linkage).

Printed in Ultem material, tapped holes are Heli-coiled.

LockDoc, you helped me out a while back, I'd be happy to return the favour if I can. Send me a note with what you're looking to do.

Rob

PM sent.

Thanks Rob,
LockDoc

davepl · 04-06-2017, 06:34 PM

I bought a BOXZY at an auction a couple of weeks ago... it's a 3D printer, laser engraver, and 3-axis mill in one. So far I've only printed Pokemon models for the kids, but it seems to work well enough!

feller · 04-06-2017, 07:18 PM

I was just thinking about this the other day

**Jason Banks** · 04-06-2017, 08:12 PM

Here is a thread I started about something I made.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=684109

Here is a picture of the magnetic phone mount I made:

**Dieselwrencher** · 04-06-2017, 09:44 PM

That's a very nice mount. 3d printing is so cool.

**Dustmaker65** · 04-06-2017, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hewittca

I've printed many parts for various projects, and I will say that it is awesome for prototyping and test fitting, but not so great for longevity if it's a part that is going to be subject to any sort of stress. If you're trying to replace a part that broke over time or during normal operation, your printed part is sure to fail as well. A mould plastic part is always going to be considerably stronger than an identical printed part. Eventually, the layers that compose the print start to break apart under stress. There are ways to design the print so you can optimize strength, and you just have to keep this in mind when choosing what applications you want to utilize your 3D printer for.

I have several 3D printers at work, all of them the standard layer by layer extruded plastic type. These are the most common and readily available. Ours are either Makerbot or FlashForge (improved version of original Makerbot). FlashForge is an Amazon company, with Prime shipping you can have it and start printing in two days. This printer has been very dependable but it starts at about $1,000. There are many other options for much less than that, several of which are simply parts lists with build instructions for you to construct your own printer. We have one of these and it works but is very temperamental. There are plenty of printer comparison articles out there. This article is pretty good. I've used a few on this list and have found you get what you pay for, to a point. Anything under about $500 and it's going to require a fair bit of maintenance and supervision. Anything over about $1200 and you're just paying for extra (nonessential) features and maybe higher resolution.

Ok, that's enough about 3D printers for now.

Very cool info! Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Banks

Here is a thread I started about something I made.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=684109

Here is a picture of the magnetic phone mount I made:

Wow, I never seen this. Have you tried to sell them on here?

**Jason Banks** · 04-06-2017, 10:15 PM

If you follow that link to the thread I started there is a link to shapeways.com where you can buy one. Just the plastic part. Looks like it is $11.99 delivered. I think I would get $2 of that.

You would still need your own bolt and "Ram Mounts Ball" or you can weld up the magnetic thing like I did. I went the magnetic way because I have that magnetic mount in my other truck and even have one to use in rental cars.

**LockDoc** · 04-11-2017, 10:50 AM

-
Pictures for member Burbor. This will give you an idea of what it looks like....

LockDoc

Vtec2V8 · 04-11-2017, 11:02 AM

We do 3-D printing at my work, unfortunately it is wax printing that gets material poured into into the wax mold, with a good urethane plastic, the part should be pretty damn strong. Alot of the plastic parts ive seen printed are ABS plastic. While this stuff is cheap and semi sturdy, ABS is not repairable with glue or any plastic weld. We use a company called QUICK PARTS, they can print in several different density plastics. Ive had my engineers draw up a few cad models for me and had a friend who owns a 5-axis make parts for me out of aluminum. 3-D printing is pretty damn awesome!

03-02-2017, 03:14 PM	#1
ubtripn Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 1,280	3-D Printing of Small Parts So I was missing a small handle for one of the three heat slider levers. (Sorry I don't know the official name.) and an employee printed one off for me. It was amazing. I then asked for a seatbelt plug and a couple of other small items and it worked like a charm. Anybody else ever print a part?

03-02-2017, 04:23 PM	#3
ubtripn Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 1,280	Re: 3-D Printing of Small Parts That was the thing, his was about $300 and then the cost of material, I thought the cost would be MUCH higher but its within our reach now.

03-02-2017, 05:28 PM	#4
Bigdav160 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Klein Texas Posts: 3,852	Re: 3-D Printing of Small Parts I made this a/c vent retainers for the back of my Burb Attached Images __________________ My Classics: '72 K20 Suburban + '65 Dodge Town Wagon '72 Corvette Roadster +'67 Corvette Roadster '73 Z-28 Camaro '63 Ford SWB Uni Pickup '50 Ford Coupe

03-02-2017, 05:59 PM	#6
ubtripn Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 1,280	Re: 3-D Printing of Small Parts THAT is AWESOME!

03-02-2017, 08:12 PM	#8
Bigdav160 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Klein Texas Posts: 3,852	Re: 3-D Printing of Small Parts I draw my parts in Sketchup (free) and export as .stl Laser scanners are still $3k The beauty is you can design or improve a design quickly __________________ My Classics: '72 K20 Suburban + '65 Dodge Town Wagon '72 Corvette Roadster +'67 Corvette Roadster '73 Z-28 Camaro '63 Ford SWB Uni Pickup '50 Ford Coupe

03-03-2017, 12:32 AM	#10
Robznob11 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: brownfield texas (west texas) Posts: 1,936	Re: 3-D Printing of Small Parts I have been contemplating buying a 3d printer to do small stuff. I just wonder how sturdy the end products are? Also where would one look to compare printers so you can get the best bang for the buck so to speak.... __________________ The Ghost 67 short wide full custom. 550 hp LSX, 4l80E, narrowed 9". Body dropped w/air ride! ........................ ___ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(⊙)___//___/__(O)_/ @disciple2.rc 💪instagram💪 LED TAILS

03-05-2017, 01:39 AM	#15
Burbor Registered User Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Burlington, ON Posts: 19	Re: 3-D Printing of Small Parts I sell, install, repair Stratasys 3D printers for a living. I have designed and printed several things for my Burb. One of the latest was a gas pedal mounting bracket to adapt my '69 to the later style gas pedal (cable vs linkage). Printed in Ultem material, tapped holes are Heli-coiled. LockDoc, you helped me out a while back, I'd be happy to return the favour if I can. Send me a note with what you're looking to do. Rob

04-06-2017, 12:42 PM	#16
smith59 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: USA Posts: 1	Re: 3-D Printing of Small Parts I was thinking about what you were saying I am confused in my choice, The list is very long, In your opinion what is the best printer in this list, And be suitable in price.

04-06-2017, 06:34 PM	#18
davepl Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 6,332	Re: 3-D Printing of Small Parts I bought a BOXZY at an auction a couple of weeks ago... it's a 3D printer, laser engraver, and 3-axis mill in one. So far I've only printed Pokemon models for the kids, but it seems to work well enough! __________________ 1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible

04-06-2017, 07:18 PM	#19
feller Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: madison, IN. Posts: 484	Re: 3-D Printing of Small Parts I was just thinking about this the other day

04-06-2017, 08:12 PM	#20
Jason Banks Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: TX Posts: 1,517	Re: 3-D Printing of Small Parts Here is a thread I started about something I made. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=684109 Here is a picture of the magnetic phone mount I made:

04-06-2017, 09:44 PM	#21
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,132	Re: 3-D Printing of Small Parts That's a very nice mount. 3d printing is so cool. __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

04-06-2017, 10:15 PM	#23
Jason Banks Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: TX Posts: 1,517	Re: 3-D Printing of Small Parts If you follow that link to the thread I started there is a link to shapeways.com where you can buy one. Just the plastic part. Looks like it is $11.99 delivered. I think I would get $2 of that. You would still need your own bolt and "Ram Mounts Ball" or you can weld up the magnetic thing like I did. I went the magnetic way because I have that magnetic mount in my other truck and even have one to use in rental cars.

04-11-2017, 10:50 AM	#24
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,326	Re: 3-D Printing of Small Parts - Pictures for member Burbor. This will give you an idea of what it looks like.... LockDoc Attached Images __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

04-11-2017, 11:02 AM	#25
Vtec2V8 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Charlottesville, Va Posts: 32	Re: 3-D Printing of Small Parts We do 3-D printing at my work, unfortunately it is wax printing that gets material poured into into the wax mold, with a good urethane plastic, the part should be pretty damn strong. Alot of the plastic parts ive seen printed are ABS plastic. While this stuff is cheap and semi sturdy, ABS is not repairable with glue or any plastic weld. We use a company called QUICK PARTS, they can print in several different density plastics. Ive had my engineers draw up a few cad models for me and had a friend who owns a 5-axis make parts for me out of aluminum. 3-D printing is pretty damn awesome!



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