3d printed s-chassis parts.

[Asuka]

So I work for a 3d printer company here in Dallas Texas and right now we pretty much just make and sell our printers. We're looking at starting to manufacture parts for people.

I suggested making s-chassis parts, because why the hell not? So my question is, what parts would the people of Zilvia be interested in?

I'm thinking of things like gauge pod vents, small replacement pieces like hood prop clips and stuff like that.

I'm going to look at making radio bezels and the like for s13s and s14s. Our biggest printer bed is 9x9x19 so we can make some decently big pieces.

I'm interested in what people would want. Everything would end up being cheap as hell. The s13 radio bezel would be about $50, a lot better than an oem one for anyone that would be interested.

So What does everyone think would be cool?

[PeaceOnesxWai]

Thats a waste of time and money to print things like that when it can easily be molded...


But if you want to make something like that, just 3D scan the thing and make a negative mold in CAD.

[silviaks2nr]

Maybe for prototyping... but stereolithographic models aren't usually strong and would need finishing work. I have a desktop printer myself and have made a few odds and ends.

[collegekid]

So you are saying it is possible to produce a roof wing, rear deck lid, sideskirts, and other pieces cheaply?

I would suggest maybe a shifter bezel for the guys with swapped cars to make it look a little bit more appealing.

Definitely a radio bezel and definitely try to make a low key gaugepod. Maybe someting that would replace the cigarette lighter. Possible a pod that would hang off to the side of the air vents but a little bit forward.

How about a rear seat delete that would be a combination of panels that would mount together, instead of just one huge mould. Or whatever is cheaper.

You could even make s14.5 conversion fenders that wouldn't suck buttmunch. Or fenders in general.

[mechanicalmoron]

Thats a waste of time and money to print things like that when it can easily be molded...


But if you want to make something like that, just 3D scan the thing and make a negative mold in CAD.

If you're in the business of 3d printing, then it's clearly not a waste of time, but a great business opportunity, as the prices come down so that it can compete with other methods.

OP, it sort of sounds like you're picking hard things, but I guess if you have a company behind you.... but there should be a billion and a half things that you could make, that people would want.

Look into slightly cooler versions of things that there's no reason to upgrade beyond stock, that kind of shit generally sells like hotcakes:coold:

[Dolph_KYAS13]

What machines do you guys use to print with? We are getting a Fortus 400 FDM printer at my work next week and I cant wait to print bigger parts.

the last thing I made was a turbo timer enclosure
http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/Dolph_KYAS13/9748_10151420488901540_822786219_n_zps880f2070.jpg (http://s604.photobucket.com/user/Dolph_KYAS13/media/9748_10151420488901540_822786219_n_zps880f2070.jpg .html)

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/Dolph_KYAS13/942528_10151428298186540_1512821101_n_zpsa94c1e6a. jpg (http://s604.photobucket.com/user/Dolph_KYAS13/media/942528_10151428298186540_1512821101_n_zpsa94c1e6a. jpg.html)

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/Dolph_KYAS13/IMG_2389_zps6310d783.jpg (http://s604.photobucket.com/user/Dolph_KYAS13/media/IMG_2389_zps6310d783.jpg.html)

[s13mikesr20]

custom cas covers coil pack covers

fan shrouds

cooling panels

bumper canards serio0usly

a hungous list of endless crap you can make for pennies on the dollar

[Asuka]

We produce and use our own printers.

It's mostly an idea to get our name out rather than making money. The thing I'm thinking of first and foremost is a cup holder to go in place of the ash tray.

[s13mikesr20]

We produce and use our own printers.

It's mostly an idea to get our name out rather than making money. The thing I'm thinking of first and foremost is a cup holder to go in place of the ash tray.

dear lord you sir are a inovator

but i wouldnt mind a custom coil pack cover

id pay and or throw your name out there for that

[g2ic02]

how about the clips that retain the brake lines on the firewall. Can you make a flexible things like zipties? The reason I ask is it would be cool to find cheap wire loom fastening clips(those push pin style deals with the ziptie). the push pins/screw for the door sill plate. clips to hold washer hose to hood. cool sr20 coil cover. fuse block covers. +1 for hood prop clip(both ends)

[mnight]

provided the piece is strong enough, this is a cool idea. Radio bezels would be nice. Could you make shift knobs? That would be sick. Or what about radio bezels that have gauges spots built into them.

[brndck]

i want a 60mm gauge pod that goes on top of the steering column.
basically like this
1989 1994 Nissan 240sx Custom Gauge Pod 52mm Steering Wheel Column Cover | eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/261342602907?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649)
but i'm not spending $100 on it, and i want 60mm, not 52.

[Bullitt_180sx]

i want a 60mm gauge pod that goes on top of the steering column.
basically like this
1989 1994 Nissan 240sx Custom Gauge Pod 52mm Steering Wheel Column Cover | eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/261342602907?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649)
but i'm not spending $100 on it, and i want 60mm, not 52.

I have one like that that I am not going to use. It is for RHD though. I'll have to check on gauge size.

[silva.240]

how about you hook one of us up with them printers and we print our own shit too

[hobbs]

Have details on the printers, I'm looking to pick one up in the near future.

[ditchs14]

i think gauge pods would be a good idea. like ones that are integrated with the oem panels

[GUZZLE7]

I would make all oem interior plastics like bezels and trim pieces. and the defroster dash vent because those always break. i dont know if the printer is big enough but dash's would be a good one too everyone wants an uncracked dash. the guage cluster bezel as well because for some reason no one is smart enough to take them out without cracking them. u could design your own center consoul with cup holders or whatever design u want. shiftknobs. i think if u could make dash's that would be a popular one because people are willing to spend $100+ for a used uncracked dash

[BOROSUN]

I need manual A & B ( already slotted ) & C ( 91-93 ) pillar panels & belt cover in light grey.

got to be strong nylon printing. not abs.

[silva.240]

seriously hobbs and asuka i want one of these printers. i'm going to start looking into it. there are endless things that can be created . the advantages in any restoration is absolutely endless, ever crack some headphones or anything. ... embarking on great ideas, thanks guys, and if u have more information on sourcing the printer $$$$ will be exchanged

[thefro526]

I've 3D printed parts that are currently on my S13, nothing interior since it more or less requires a 3D scanner, but I've done random brackets/weird plastic parts etc.

Kind of not the best method of production when considering machine cost, material cost, etc, but definitely neat.

Also, it's worth noting that like any other machine (but to a much higher degree) not all 3D printers were made equal. You'd probably be much better off 3D printing a single master, doing some surface work to it (assuming the machine is FDM) and then casting molds off of it. Or printing a series of molds and cast parts in them, although this gets kind of interesting depending on the part geometry, especially when doing complex rigid parts in a rigid mold.

Also, FWIW, dudes looking into getting printers, anything in the sub-10k range is pretty much a 'hobby level' machine and are extremely temperamental. Environmental conditions (heat/humidity/etc) will play a HUGE part in how well your parts come out and/or your build failure rate. If you've got the money, try to get something that's well enclosed (and insulated) with good environmental controls to minimize your headaches. The machine I use most frequently (3-5 days a week) is basically a $140k printer with a bunch of really interesting features and even it likes to be finicky when stupid things change (I.E. humidity).

[genericforumname]

i want a 60mm gauge pod that goes on top of the steering column.
basically like this
1989 1994 Nissan 240sx Custom Gauge Pod 52mm Steering Wheel Column Cover | eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/261342602907?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649)
but i'm not spending $100 on it, and i want 60mm, not 52.

you have no idea how fast I would buy one of these with 2 single pods offset to each side. they make a version of this that screws into the factory cover but it looks janky and cheap and I think the positions they chose for the gauge placement were less than ideal.

could easily offer a version with both single and double in both 52mm and 60mm sizes. would be amazing. I would also buy one for my WRX as well. Sell those things at $50 and be swimming in money.

[g35gabby]

What machines do you guys use to print with? We are getting a Fortus 400 FDM printer at my work next week and I cant wait to print bigger parts.

the last thing I made was a turbo timer enclosure
http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/Dolph_KYAS13/9748_10151420488901540_822786219_n_zps880f2070.jpg (http://s604.photobucket.com/user/Dolph_KYAS13/media/9748_10151420488901540_822786219_n_zps880f2070.jpg .html)

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/Dolph_KYAS13/942528_10151428298186540_1512821101_n_zpsa94c1e6a. jpg (http://s604.photobucket.com/user/Dolph_KYAS13/media/942528_10151428298186540_1512821101_n_zpsa94c1e6a. jpg.html)

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/Dolph_KYAS13/IMG_2389_zps6310d783.jpg (http://s604.photobucket.com/user/Dolph_KYAS13/media/IMG_2389_zps6310d783.jpg.html)

that is awesome as hell. Never really considered using a 3D printer for car stuff before, but this makes a lot of sense. Love it.

[s13silvia123]

i'm actually interested in a 3D Printer

[Snatch'D Factory]

This is very interesting to me. Does that mean you can make bumpers and stuff? Or just like little accessories? I would be very interested if that is possible.

But what company do you work for? How much is a 3D printer regularly cost?

[g35gabby]

This is very interesting to me. Does that mean you can make bumpers and stuff? Or just like little accessories? I would be very interested if that is possible.

But what company do you work for? How much is a 3D printer regularly cost?

With the large printer doing a 9x9x19.... you might be able to make a grill or fog light bezel... but not a bumper.

[roninwon]

What machines do you guys use to print with? We are getting a Fortus 400 FDM printer at my work next week and I cant wait to print bigger parts.

the last thing I made was a turbo timer enclosure
http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/Dolph_KYAS13/9748_10151420488901540_822786219_n_zps880f2070.jpg (http://s604.photobucket.com/user/Dolph_KYAS13/media/9748_10151420488901540_822786219_n_zps880f2070.jpg .html)

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/Dolph_KYAS13/942528_10151428298186540_1512821101_n_zpsa94c1e6a. jpg (http://s604.photobucket.com/user/Dolph_KYAS13/media/942528_10151428298186540_1512821101_n_zpsa94c1e6a. jpg.html)

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt121/Dolph_KYAS13/IMG_2389_zps6310d783.jpg (http://s604.photobucket.com/user/Dolph_KYAS13/media/IMG_2389_zps6310d783.jpg.html)

I want. How much?

[thefro526]

With the large printer doing a 9x9x19.... you might be able to make a grill or fog light bezel... but not a bumper.

If you know what you're doing, it's actually not all that hard to do something significantly larger than the build volume. The Machine I worked with from ~2008 to ~2012 had a 10x10x12 build volume and it was used to make a handful of parts that were ~18" - 24" long, give or take. Usually, we'd split the part along a logical seam (somewhere that had an existing geometric transition) add some sort of registration feature, and then print two halves, or whatever made sense, and then glue them together. Not idea, but within the realm of usefulness.

When we upgraded printers in the middle of last year, we had an option to get a machine capable of printing up to 24x36x24 if we were willing to drop something like $250k on a machine. The handful of those that I know of (last I checked there was only one in the NJ/E. PA/NYC area, but a bunch in the midwest) are most often used for production tooling, or making low-medium volume production parts. (Specifically Half Fenders for Trucks)

TLDR, it'd be tricky to make a bumper, but if the operator knows what they're doing and has the appropriate CAD software, it's difficultly will more often than not be determined by the consistency of the machine, rather than the size of the part(s). In the specific case of a bumper, where the part thickness is rarely going to exceed 1/4", I'd probably project the geometry into some rectangular volume of known size (est 24"D X 24"T X 66"-72"W) to get a good negative (or positive) of the finished part I'm shooting for, and then break that rectangular volume into a series of 'puzzle pieces' that can be printed with whatever machine I'm working with. That sort of method might use a bit more material, but the odds of the final assembly being right the first time is probably 10-15X what it would be with another method. (It also gives you the ability to make a series of modular molds that utilize constant geometry for certain parts (lights, license plates, etc) and then change out the 'aesthetic' bits.

[s13silvia123]

I've made life 1:1 scale toilets for Kohler and Harley Davidson motorcycle parts. Most of the time depending on large parts, you will cut the part into sections. Then print them and put the prototypes back together as a whole piece. Not very hard only if you're good with CAD programs then sending them to some sort of 3D printer.

[tqstarburst]

For the love of god, some useful badass looking canards. Not splittler canards like the vertex but more badass looking ones like the voltex on the evo and so. I'd be very interested.

[htc.zenit]

I'm just gonna dig this one up, rather then start a new thread.

It's been 6 years since this thread started, nowadays 3d printing is available to many people. As I am fairly new to the whole 3d printing universe, I am looking for databases to find some models.

I aready know thingiverse, where I actually found a couple of Nissan models:

https://www.thingiverse.com/search?q=nissan+200sx&dwh=675cf7c00a89dd8

https://www.thingiverse.com/search?q=nissan+240sx&dwh=395cf7c01e99257


But I like to believe that I simply haven't found the pot of gold yet.

Does anyone know a place where I can find more car related parts?

Right now, I am looking for a model of the upper center console part, as my mount clips all broke.

I would like to get a model, and try to reshape it in order to fit custom gauges, or any other thing.

Greetings from Germany,

Mike

[kanyedian]

Haha these are cool ideas. Looking forward to the time when instead of spending most of our day in wage-labor, doing something we don't like, for someone we don't know, to get money to buy things, we are just able to make the thing https://www.8thcivic.com/forums/images/smilies/bunny.gif

What's funny is I actually need an S13 washer fluid cap and one is listed in the thingiverse link you posted https://www.8thcivic.com/forums/images/smilies/gaygiggle.gif

[jumpman2334]

But I like to believe that I simply haven't found the pot of gold yet.

Does anyone know a place where I can find more car related parts?



youre never going to find a 'pot of gold' because people realize they can make money instead of put something on thingiverse for free. i do realize there is some cool stuff on there; although, most of the stuff that takes time and effort, the creator is going to want money for it (rightfully so).

i understand this thread is a couple of years old. but most of today's consumer 3d printers print PLA (polylactic acid). while its great for rapid prototyping it does not hold up to the heat (long term) that interiors see. i dont remember off the top of my head, but i dont think its UV resistant either. another deal breaker.

i can also tell you it will die a swift death if you try to put it in your engine bay. learned that mistake pretty quickly.

ive drawn various things and put them in my buddies tuck (for science) to see how long the PLA will last. the shift knob we did has only been in his truck for a month and the shape is already starting to deform. we havent even hit peak summer yet, and i live in the foothills where it doesnt usually get over 95-98.

id really like to try ABS, but it produces toxic fumes when you print. PETG is another great material for the right application but from what i gather, it would be best to have a dedicated PETG printer (based on how you have to set it to print the material). there is also polycarbonate and nylon that may work.

ive only done this for a couple of months, so im somewhat new to it (but not CAD or designing stuff in general). sub'd.

edit:
not car related but here is an ear pro clip i rapid proto'd. thought i would share. if you guys made anything you should post it. im doing a bumper bracket right now.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48009697462_10fdffeff8_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48009607751_a0e60dc2cd_b.jpg
sorry the pics are so big. flickr sucks hard and for whatever reason, makes it incredibly hard to get the .jpg extensions on a phone.

[kanyedian]

youre never going to find a 'pot of gold' because people realize they can make money instead of put something on thingiverse for free. i do realize there is some cool stuff on there; although, most of the stuff that takes time and effort, the creator is going to want money for it (rightfully so).

i understand this thread is a couple of years old. but most of today's consumer 3d printers print PLA (polylactic acid). while its great for rapid prototyping it does not hold up to the heat (long term) that interiors see. i dont remember off the top of my head, but i dont think its UV resistant either. another deal breaker.

i can also tell you it will die a swift death if you try to put it in your engine bay. learned that mistake pretty quickly.

ive drawn various things and put them in my buddies tuck (for science) to see how long the PLA will last. the shift knob we did has only been in his truck for a month and the shape is already starting to deform. we havent even hit peak summer yet, and i live in the foothills where it doesnt usually get over 95-98.

id really like to try ABS, but it produces toxic fumes when you print. PETG is another great material for the right application but from what i gather, it would be best to have a dedicated PETG printer (based on how you have to set it to print the material). there is also polycarbonate and nylon that may work.

ive only done this for a couple of months, so im somewhat new to it (but not CAD or designing stuff in general). sub'd.

^Good info.

So you mean we can't have printed turbo manifolds? https://www.8thcivic.com/forums/images/smilies/pinkcorncry.gif

[jumpman2334]

oh you can. you just have to buy the right printer.

skip to 20 sec in:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRA5CFLYkUQ

[s13silvia123]

oh you can. you just have to buy the right printer.

skip to 20 sec in:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRA5CFLYkUQ


honestly you don't have to buy the "right" 3D printer. all 3d printers have their quirks and bits to deal with. you just have to learn how to play them to adjust them to your liking and make work. i'm running a Creality s4 and modified it to print a foot higher than it originally intended for. but then again i have experience in the 3d printing biz for 12-13 years already before 3d printing was affordable to consumers.


if you're lazy get a Prusa everything have been done for you. but if you like to tinker things and have a budget below 700 bucks then its your choice. nothing is the best. even $1 million 3M SLS to 3D printers have their flaws.

[shinhed]

S13. Firewall. Brake line. Retainer. Clips.

[jumpman2334]

honestly you don't have to buy the "right" 3D printer.

oh, so you can print titanium parts on your creality? please share your secrets.

theres a reason creality printers are under a grand. there is also a reason printers that print titanium parts with insanely fine titanium powder are 100k+.

yes they all have their flaws. mr kanye simply asked about printing turbo manis. i provided him with a link to a printer that could do that. sure you can print a turbo manifold on a CR10. how long do you think it will last? 30 seconds? i know there are stainless ones out there too, but the Ti one was the first to come to mind, and i knew i could find a video in a pinch. so i went with that.

you can buy whatever 3d printer you want. although addressing your needs to find the 'right' 3d printer for you will result in much easier and successful printing down the line. we bought an ender 3 because we wanted to start small.

[SupaDoopa]

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you get a group buy or something before putting anything into 'mass' production. Make it worth your time. Stick to things that will sell versus something some dingleberry on a forum says they would buy but have no intention on actually buying.

P.S. This thread is old as shit. Figured this would be advise for those thinking the same in current times.

[eagleeyes221]

I've seen a few people on Ebay who sell 3D printed parts for our cars. Im currently designing some interior panel clips as i don't have any in my car or have any to use as a reference. Unfortunately i don't have a whole lot of time to work on it these days so the process has been fairly slow. If you are looking for something specific you can DM me, ill give you my email and ill do my best to help you out.

[2_Liter_Turbo]

If anyone wants to pay for tooling (3-8k for each part) we can get cheap legit parts made no problem, ha ha.

[NashT]

I bought a printed cup holder that goes in place of the ashtray, holding up great and fit like a glove, and it has a bottom like a true cup holder would. But honestly unless its a soda can the placement sucks with shifting

[jumpman2334]

I bought a printed cup holder that goes in place of the ashtray, holding up great and fit like a glove, and it has a bottom like a true cup holder would. But honestly unless its a soda can the placement sucks with shifting

what material? has your area in TX gotten hot yet? you should keep an eye on it and report back as you go through the summer. you know, for, science.

[NashT]

Lol...for science

ABS Plastic, can post up dudes contact if interested

Its warm but not Texas hot yet, will keep ya posted

[jumpman2334]

awesome. ABS is a better application than PLA for interior stuff.

and yes. science!

[NashT]

awesome. ABS is a better application than PLA for interior stuff.

and yes. science!

Check it out:

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F18 3690780456

[MR.RMSCHIKO]

https://www.garage-emperor.com/

My buddy mark is owner of garage emperor he makes some pretty cool stuff, should check his stuff out.

[jumpman2334]

i drafted some toyota bumper brackets this weekend and we printed them for my room mates truck in PLA. we printed them with a fair amount of infill (so theyre not hollow). pretty damn strong for the material used. i dont think it will hold up, but my room mate thinks it will. maybe im not giving PLA enough credit?

that being said, i will try to post a pic of it later.

[Krusty_s13]

i drafted some toyota bumper brackets this weekend and we printed them for my room mates truck in PLA. we printed them with a fair amount of infill (so theyre not hollow). pretty damn strong for the material used. i dont think it will hold up, but my room mate thinks it will. maybe im not giving PLA enough credit?

that being said, i will try to post a pic of it later.

PLA will give you a nice surface finish and produce a good looking part but it is very brittle and weathers poorly. For automotive components, you're better off printing in ABS. Post up some pictures of it!

I designed and printed a bracket to hold my sunroof in place without the tracks. Hard mounts the glass roof on the coupe s13. Its done in ABS with a almost solid infill. Has held up pretty good. I'll try to grab some pictures of it soon.

[FrankyDub23]

You can even build a car yourself. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQ1Y8iw-CCI

[champwho]

can you make a better cup holder

[tuzzio]

I'd like to see someone make replacement ducting from the heater core to the blower motor, eliminating the AC box in the middle. I could definitely utilize that space.

[Krusty_s13]

I'd like to see someone make replacement ducting from the heater core to the blower motor, eliminating the AC box in the middle. I could definitely utilize that space.

I have a preliminary model for this, but I no longer have the parts available to try this out with. I'll try to source a car locally for R&D and I will let you know what I come up with!

[tuzzio]

Definitely keep me posted Krusty!