Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Research & Development => Topic started by: stickandrudderman on March 01, 2021, 16:48:39

Title: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: stickandrudderman on March 01, 2021, 16:48:39
Since this subject crops up a lot nowadays, I suggest we start to compile a list of possible parts that could be 3d printed.
A0008330052 (part of the heater control mechanism)
A1138300119 and A1138300219 (heater ducts). Yes, these are currently available and not too expensive but doesn't stop someone making a digital model for future use.
I don't have the skills to do the modelling or the printing!
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: wwheeler on March 01, 2021, 17:18:03
You can add the blue nut for holding the wood to this list! Maybe create a section in the tech manual?
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: mrfatboy on March 01, 2021, 17:22:43
If someone can give me the specs I can attempt the 3D file.

I have already added the blue nut as well as the battery caps in the tech manual Premium section 👍

https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Restricted/TemplatesDecals
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: lpeterssen on March 11, 2021, 11:07:06
Another part that will be interesting to have in 3D modeling are the Bakelite connectors used on the electrical system.  They can be bought but are expensive.  When you refurbish a wiring harness there are always many connectors that are broken and need to be replaced.  The most common ones to replace are the females 4 pin and 6 pin connectors.  After that the next candidate are the 12 pin connector used on the interconnection between from and rear wiring harness as well on the steering switch harness connection.
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: getsmart on April 28, 2021, 10:30:07
How about 3d printing the dash delete plates?

I'm after a 230sl delete plate, they are stupidly expensive!!!

Rgds, Joe
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: JamesL on April 28, 2021, 13:01:21
Getting the finish right so it can take paint may be an issue

Again, anyone with the modelling (or 3D scanner😉) skills would be really useful. Have a resin printer which could easily do more than print Lego or Warhammer bits for my lad.
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: mrfatboy on April 28, 2021, 14:04:21
Just provide the dimensions and I will give it a shot👍
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: Vander on April 28, 2021, 14:42:15
I thought 3D printing was more for plastic parts, not metal or steel?
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: dirkbalter on April 28, 2021, 14:43:10
I printed the alignment cones for the rear axle rubber. Happy to share the model if needed.
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: dirkbalter on April 28, 2021, 14:44:36
I thought 3D printing was more for plastic parts, not metal or steel?

By now you can print metals too but it gets expensive.
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: mrfatboy on April 28, 2021, 14:48:55
Post the file and I willl create a dedicated 3D printed parts section in the TM.
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: 1000nutsnbolts on April 28, 2021, 15:13:22
3D printing opens many doors for hard to find, or expensive components - in either plastic or metal. In my career, I had often worked with 3D parts as they related to prototypes for high volume production of plastic parts and injection molding.

Three things to keep in mind - 3D (CAD) file formats, printing materials and post-print finish.

Materials -  https://www.3dnatives.com/en/plastics-used-3d-printing110420174/#!

I think a good application for 3D is the shift gate on automatics. When I see these, they (like mine) are often chipped and unsightly. When the driver overthrows or gets rough with the shift stick, these are brittle and don't handle the impact well. They chip.

Common 3D materials like ABS or ASA are OK - but they're not going to take a hit as well as a PET or Polypro both of which will be difficult to hold tight tolerance and to paint. To make difficult (crystalline) plastics more receptive to paint a pre-treatment of corona etch or plasma etch to increase surface "wetability" will be well worth it a small additional cost.

3D printing (or FDM, fused deposition modeling) is a dot, or filament, deposition process that is performed in layered steps. Thus the surface finishes are not smooth and will usually need at least a bit of hand sanding, or filling, for improved surface and cosmetic appearance prior to paint or plate.

https://www.3dnatives.com/en/3d-technologies/

3D machines utilize step files or .stp that are converted from CAD files. The better the resolution of your .stp file and the resolution of your printer - the better the appearance (less hand work) and accuracy of your part.  Not unlike printing an image. Not all 3D print systems are alike. Some are MUCH better than others. Ask sources about the resolution of their equipment and your material choices.

More - https://3dprinting.com/filament/finishing-3d-printed-parts/

A library of  STEP and IGES files is a fantastic idea. THANKS  mrfatboy

My point - Choose your 3D materials and sources wisely.
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: dirkbalter on April 28, 2021, 15:13:37
Sounds good. I can't post the file here. Pls let me know where to upload please.
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: 1000nutsnbolts on April 28, 2021, 15:25:08
Just to add - 3D for metals

https://www.3dhubs.com/knowledge-base/introduction-metal-3d-printing/

In injection molding - there are remarkable advances in mold making/building through SLM and DMLS - geometries that could not be achieved thru conventional machining processes.

NOTE - I don't believe the mechanical properties of most materials used in SLM/DMLS can approach the strengths of their native materials. Same with 3D for plastics.

I wouldn't care to fire a gun with a 3D printed breech - no matter the material. But I am not an expert.
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: mrfatboy on April 28, 2021, 15:35:54
Sounds good. I can't post the file here. Pls let me know where to upload please.

What is the file extension? I thought Peter made a change to allow 3D file types. Maybe he has to add some more.
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: dirkbalter on April 28, 2021, 15:46:56
A step file. I get an error message when trying to post.
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: mrfatboy on April 28, 2021, 15:50:38
A step file. I get an error message when trying to post.

What is the complete filename? Ex.  “myfile.xxx” . Peter needs to know the “xxx” part so he can allow it to be posted.
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: dirkbalter on April 28, 2021, 15:57:05
cone alignment.STEP

(Personally, I prefer STEP files over IGES)
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: mrfatboy on April 28, 2021, 16:02:59
cone alignment.STEP

I’m not sure what a “STEP” file is. Same thing under a different name? Typically the extension is “stl”. Standard Tessellation Language    Peter has allowed “stl” files to be posted.  Try renaming it and posting. I will try later to see if it works.
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: dirkbalter on April 28, 2021, 16:25:28
I will send you a PM
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: dirkbalter on April 28, 2021, 16:46:21
I converted to .STL but get below message.



cone alignment.STL.
You cannot upload that type of file. The only allowed extensions are doc,gif,jpg,jpeg,mpg,pdf,png,txt,zip.
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: GM on April 28, 2021, 16:55:56
Convert STEP files to STL:
https://all3dp.com/2/step-to-stl-how-to-convert-step-files-to-stl/#:~:text=STEP%20is%20a%20file%20format,format%20used%20in%203D%20printing. (https://all3dp.com/2/step-to-stl-how-to-convert-step-files-to-stl/#:~:text=STEP%20is%20a%20file%20format,format%20used%20in%203D%20printing.)
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: 1000nutsnbolts on April 28, 2021, 16:58:11
STEP file extensions are xxxx.stp

STEP files are generated from a CAD program (i.e. Solidworks) and are used by replication machinery (3D, machine tool, CNC, robotic) to generate tool paths in 3 and more axes. Now I am not an expert - but at one time they would be referred to as wireframe. They tended to be smaller files than true solids

https://www.lifewire.com/stp-file-4150703

There are a great variety of contract services that will digitize your part. It's not hard to do and doesn't require exorbitantly expensive equipment, but it does take expertise to do it correctly. Then, again, there are many services (around the world - china, india, indonesia) that will digitize and print your part and ship to you. Typically for not a lot of money.

Again - digitizing and printing are first. Then there is finishing. Sometimes there are areas on your digitized CAD file that you would want to improve -  add material to strengthen or in anticipation to remove (sand) in finishing. It's not uncommon for even experienced folks to have to make some "tweaks", or iterations, to get a really good part. But if you shop - they not very expensive tweaks.

Understand that posting digitized files doesn't make any statement of "proof of build", measurements (metrology), or qualified fitness for use. The tighter the tolerances needed - the more attention needed. And proper material selection.

Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: mrfatboy on April 28, 2021, 22:04:55
I have now made a dedicated wiki page in the Technical Manual for 3D Printed Parts.  This is a Members Only section under Premium Content.

https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Restricted/3D-Printed-Parts

It turned out that STL files were only allowed to be uploaded to the TM.  That issue has been corrected and now STL files can be attached to normal posts just like jpg, png, pdf, etc.

Ultimately we would like all STL files to be added to the TM so we can have everything in one place.

Enjoy :)
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: 66andBlue on May 02, 2021, 20:46:07
Slightly off topic but those who are thinking of adding a garage might like this option:
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/sustainable-3d-printed-home-in-dutch-city-expands-housing-options-01619810589
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: MikeSimon on June 24, 2021, 13:56:27
Are rubber parts easy to 3D print?
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: wwheeler on June 24, 2021, 14:28:57
There are two basic rubber chemistries - Thermoset and thermoplastic. Thermoset is a one time non reversible chemical reaction. Thermoplastic is reversible and is processed by heating and cooling the material.

The 3D printing process works using thermoplastic materials. So because of that, you are limited in which materials are available with properties to match. The tradition rubber parts used on our cars are made using the thermoset process. All this to say that if you printed a “rubber” part, it will not feel exactly the same as OEM. May work and look the same, but not exactly the same.

I would talk to a 3D printer and see what material is available. You need to know the application and what the part is going to be exposed to - temperature, fluids, etc.. Also need to know the hardness as measured by Shore A.
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: MikeSimon on June 24, 2021, 18:06:34
I was thinking about the pads on the foot pedals (for another classic car.)
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: dirkbalter on June 24, 2021, 18:22:59
Just printed new heater flaps in ABS.
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: wwheeler on June 25, 2021, 01:51:02
I am sure they have something close. You would want something soft like a 50 to 60 shore-A material for the pedal pads and your only issue is ozone and UV. Just call a printer and see what they have.
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: Bill Sgro on July 21, 2021, 04:20:44
I think a valuable item to be 3-D printed would be the long plastic piece on the under dash unit of a Frigiking AC unit.  Everything else is pretty much indestructible and that piece is very brittle.  Mine is broken and I would like one.  I don't have a file though. 
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: Shvegel on August 01, 2021, 13:31:43
I would require a bit of computer wizardry but if someone scanned a nice set of dash parts, dropped the surface 3/16” for padding and covering then printed a foundation for the dash?  This would actually be huge in the Porsche 911 circles where the dashes evaporate leaving you with an expensive restoration or a very expensive replacement.
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: JamesL on August 08, 2021, 15:52:01
Just came across these guys… currently not got much for a 113 but maybe that’s because no-one has asked them

https://octoclassic.com/about-us
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: stickandrudderman on August 08, 2021, 17:05:18
That looks like a very interesting site James.
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: Jonny B on August 09, 2021, 16:04:02
Yes, quite a service. You can request a part, and they give the procedure on what you need to do.

Most interesting is the different types of material they offer.
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: johnk on January 03, 2022, 23:38:24
What about printing the yellow clips for the side aluminum trim? They run about $7 each if you can find them.
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: 114015 on January 07, 2022, 17:54:46
Quote
What about printing the yellow clips for the side aluminum trim? They run about $7 each if you can find them.

John,
Are you referring to these ones here? ???

https://www.sls-hh-shop.de/main/en/mercedes-230-280sl-w113-/72-door/72-a-door/clip-dec-strip-plastic-p-6146

Achim
Title: Re: Suggestions for 3d printed parts
Post by: johnk on January 07, 2022, 22:42:32
Yup,
Wish they were that cheap here. I ended up ordering a complete kit from K&K Manufacturing to get  a decent per piece price but they are all yelllow rather than half yellow and half blue.

Thanks Achim