3D Printed Parts

[willg54]

Currently sat at home with a busted collar bone and trying to think of things to pass my time.

Something I've been thinking of for a while is it to start supplying 3D Printed parts for the items we find hard to obtain or would like improvements made to. Ive got alot of experience designing automotive parts, some you'll hopefully hear about in the future...so that side of things isn't an issue.

thought id ask you all for your thoughts and input. Do you think it would be a worthwhile service? What parts could you see this working for?

Cheers

Will

[skiffy]

Could you print me an RS2 please?

[willg54]

Haha possibly outside the scope....

[Christophski]

What sorts of things are we talking Will?

Maybe things like door handles or Funk switch fronts or pilar trims or interior trims or bottom of the outside door trims or are we talking more unseen componentry like engine internals or solid bush type items or bumper brackets and stuff???

How did you break the collar bone dude??? Parkour gone wrong??? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hcp_2HB5MCE

[willg54]

Trims, clips, pipes, interior parts, . Couldn't do any critical components due to current material restrictions.

Broke it doing the Lincoln gp bike race on sunday. Coming off at 40mph is never going to be good!

[Cottis]

Good idea. I was speaking to a mate in London the other day who went to an exhibition on this industry. Its the next big thing (if it isnt already) He was saying they can print with metals now and it can be stronger than casting and forging. As long as it can be designed, it can basically be printed as long as you have the right printers and materials. Should make certain NLA items a thing of the past as it will only get easier with time.

Also had a drink recently with a chap who works for a 3D printing firm that scans, designs and prints dentures for replacement teeth. If there is a demand, you CAN print it ha ha.

[willg54]

Yea we use it a lot at work but to print in metallic materials the technology is v expensive but polymers are affordable to get started in.

Beauty of it is that parts can be made to order and customised.

Even body parts are being printed! Wish I could print my own replacement collarbone

[restricted]

are you just thinking plastic or are you able to do the metal infusion printing also?

[irishs2]

Loss casting could be an option Print in PLA 102% size (to allow for alu shrinkage)
Its something I would like to try sometime.

[willg54]

Just plastics for the time being. Metallic printing it too expensive for home use really. But yes, could easily make casts!

[andykingfishers2]

How about printing RS2 style bonnet grills??

[Christophski]

Sorry to hear that buddy but least it wasnt just a silly little fall and a proper mans one by the sounds of it lol....

Umm, Or RS style bumper grills or Black Audi grill or boot lid badges? Or Carbon look vdo guage surrounds or dash trims???

[willg54]

All good ideas. I reckon there could definitely be enough parts to produce to make it viable

[Sonic]

RS2 grill clips would be a massive one, or those little plastic clips that hold the rear lights in place in the coupe which i seem to have lost!

[Error404]

Throttle cam