3D Printing

[W9XE/Project777]

With a lot of talk out there about 3D printing and how much prices have come down has anyone thought of making flight sim parts with it? Found a link Store (http://www.makerbot.com/) that sells one. I know many different manufactures are out there but does anyone see it being used for FS parts? I dont know if there is a strength issue since it's not metal but many parts could be make like this. Knob, some panel, or display bezels.

Any thought's?

[nolatron]

I'm looking to make some 737 landing light switches using Shapeways.com. I have 3D built up, just need to order a set to see how they look.

Here's some annunciator boxes I had 3D printed to fit my overhead.

3D Printed Boxes | Blue Skies - A 737 Cockpit Simulator Project (http://www.blueskies737.com/2013-04-05/3d-printed-boxes/)

[W9XE/Project777]

Shaun

Checked out your images. Look pretty darn good. How is the cost compared to other manufactures? Does this look like an economical way of purchasing parts? This might be the type of items I was thinking 3D printing might be good for.

[nolatron]

I would say your cost for 3D printing (at least ordering a print like I did) is most likely gonna be a lot more expensive than traditional part making methods, such as resin castings, injection molding and CNC'd parts for most items. It's also mostly geared to small items right now, probably less that 8 inches on each axis.

The little boxes I made cost nearly $3/box to have printed. The same box from OpenCockpits cost about $1.08 (but sadly a little too big for my ProSimPart panels).

My 737 Light switch model is also looking to be nearly $3.50/each, but that's cheap compared to others who sell them for about $6-7 each for a cast.

As far as durability, it depends on how thick you make the model. I made my box as thin as it can print, 0.7mm. If you squeezed the box with your fingers it'll bend. Squeeze enough and it'll probably crack. But for sitting in a panel and never to be touched, it'll do fine.

For items that would be handled/touched a lot you'd want to beef that thickness up alot. It'll probably be pretty strong but it'll also cost a whole lot more. Volume is the determining factor in 3D printing.

[nolatron]

Here's a DIY 3D printer I came across today. Only $500.

Solidoodle | Affordable, Easy-to-Use 3D Printers (http://www.solidoodle.com/)

[Matt Olieman]

Whether you make sim parts or other.... it just looks like fun to play with :) :) :)

Matt Olieman

[steveeverson]

7744774577467747
Hi There,
Built a 3d printer from a kit last year. Quite cheap to build (seeme cnc H1). Ive made a few bits with it mostly using sketch up to design with. Last project was the mechanism for my fire handles.
Few pics included
Cheers
Steve