TrainWreck Posted February 23, 2015 Share Posted February 23, 2015 So I've been puttering around with modeling my own radio face plate to print out. I've got the top done so far and wanted to know if anyone had any feedback. It's not going to be perfect and I'm hoping the texture left after printing will help with the texture on the side of the knobs. So what do you guys think (ignore the yellow strip, that is just a spacer)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrainWreck Posted February 23, 2015 Author Share Posted February 23, 2015 We are having an ice day so I spent my time doing a finished version. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BroadSword Posted February 23, 2015 Share Posted February 23, 2015 That's really cool! Not knowing anything about 3D printing...what is actually made from (material-wise)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrainWreck Posted February 24, 2015 Author Share Posted February 24, 2015 So the most common material used is call PLA plastic. It's cheap but has no tolerance for heat (like it could warp in a hot car). There are printers that will also print in ABS. Then there are resin printers. These will tend to be pricey but you get a much smoother finish which will allow you to have less finishing work on the end product. From there you can get stuff printed in all kinds of material (including steel and gold). Just depends on what you are willing to pay. I'm lucky in that my local library has a PLA printer and it's dirt cheap to use. Unfortunately this also means there is a huge waiting list and I have definitely been designing faster than he can print them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baron Posted February 24, 2015 Share Posted February 24, 2015 I have a printer that prints both ABS and PLA. I HIGHLY recommend printing it in ABS. I would also recommend printing the knobs separately. It will require ALOT of clean up, but you can try that new stuff called XTC-3D. I have some but have not used it yet, but it is supposed to smooth parts out real nice Your model looks awesome by the way, Great job man!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghoulcinder@hotmail.co.uk Posted February 24, 2015 Share Posted February 24, 2015 Looks great, Brian! Now go ahead and print it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrainWreck Posted February 24, 2015 Author Share Posted February 24, 2015 Thanks for the good words guys! I have a printer that prints both ABS and PLA. I HIGHLY recommend printing it in ABS. I would also recommend printing the knobs separately. It will require ALOT of clean up, but you can try that new stuff called XTC-3D. I have some but have not used it yet, but it is supposed to smooth parts out real nice Your model looks awesome by the way, Great job man!!!! I'll keep the separate knob thing in mind. I've used the XTC 3D stuff a little bit. It definitely works though I haven't had a chance to finish any of my pieces so not sure what the end result will be. Here is a power cylinder I designed, printed, and coated in the stuff. I still need to get bolts and nuts for it and put in the wire and paint (sorry, it's hard to get good detail shots of these): Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghoulcinder@hotmail.co.uk Posted February 24, 2015 Share Posted February 24, 2015 I think the power cylinders look great Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyBoy Posted February 24, 2015 Share Posted February 24, 2015 Looks great man!! Nice work Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vf2112 Posted February 24, 2015 Share Posted February 24, 2015 Impressive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bulldog44 Posted February 24, 2015 Share Posted February 24, 2015 Super! Makes me want to learn more about CAD drawing and 3D printing. Great job on both the radio and cylinders. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrainWreck Posted February 24, 2015 Author Share Posted February 24, 2015 Super! Makes me want to learn more about CAD drawing and 3D printing. Great job on both the radio and cylinders. Download a free copy of 123D Design. Autodesk (the company that makes it) has a bunch of tutorials on youtube (I think I just googled 123D Design tutorial). I was ready to rock and roll after about 20 minutes and the program is much easier to use then Blender or Fusion 360. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baron Posted February 24, 2015 Share Posted February 24, 2015 Dude, those power cylinders look awesome! Did you sand them at all before using the XTC? And again, I HIGHLY suggest printing the knobs separately. I also use 123D Design Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrainWreck Posted February 24, 2015 Author Share Posted February 24, 2015 Dude, those power cylinders look awesome! Did you sand them at all before using the XTC? And again, I HIGHLY suggest printing the knobs separately. I also use 123D Design No sanding so far. The only issue I have with the stuff is it does soften the edges a bit. I haven't tried to sand the stuff so I don't know how hard it is. I'll have to go in and cut out the knobs. The two smaller ones won't be a problem but the large one will be a pain since it's sitting in that indent. Luckily it will be a while before that gets printed so I have time to play with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bulldog44 Posted February 25, 2015 Share Posted February 25, 2015 Thanks Brian for suggesting 123 design. I will give a try soon. Just watched a few you tube videos and it doesn't look as daunting to learn as the old CAD stuff I saw back in high school. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCRIBBLER Posted February 27, 2015 Share Posted February 27, 2015 Awesome stuff! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fumanchewie Posted February 27, 2015 Share Posted February 27, 2015 Nicely done. I am excited to see the finished product. Aren't there 3D printing place online that will print your file and ship the product to you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrainWreck Posted February 28, 2015 Author Share Posted February 28, 2015 Nicely done. I am excited to see the finished product. Aren't there 3D printing place online that will print your file and ship the product to you? Yes there are but it's as much a budget issue for me as anything. The local library is orders of magnatudes cheaper than the online services. Frankly I have so much going on right now it probably is for the best I have to wait on prints. Projects are starting to pile up in my shop. Thanks again for all the feedback! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrainWreck Posted February 28, 2015 Author Share Posted February 28, 2015 Gary. Do you think the toggles need to be printed individually as well or just the knobs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandtrooper Posted February 28, 2015 Share Posted February 28, 2015 I don't know anything about the material used in 3D printers. How well will it hold up, say, for a troop? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrainWreck Posted February 28, 2015 Author Share Posted February 28, 2015 Well the two most common materials are PLA and ABS. The big problem with PLA is it is not very heat tolerant so there is the possibility of warping in a car or out in the sun. I'm not sure if any of the finishing epoxys give it add protection from the heat though they definitely strengthen it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrainWreck Posted May 8, 2015 Author Share Posted May 8, 2015 Sorry Baron. I just printed knobs and all. It came out all right I think. Will know after clean up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BadBatch Posted July 13, 2015 Share Posted July 13, 2015 Sorry Baron. I just printed knobs and all. It came out all right I think. Will know after clean up. Wow! That looks AMAZING! Now the big question- How much would you charge to print one for me? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrainWreck Posted July 16, 2015 Author Share Posted July 16, 2015 So I use the local library to do my prints. He is not big on making double prints. Sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arch27 Posted July 17, 2015 Share Posted July 17, 2015 So I use the local library to do my prints. He is not big on making double prints. Sorry. You have the STL file available? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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