3D printing

[SimonCh]

Hey,

Not sure how many of you guys are on the bandwagon yet... I bought a 3d printer a year or 2 ago thinking i'd never use it and I absolutely LOVE it!! It's so handy on the boat - I moved my VHF and just covered up the hole with a "name plate". I'm currently printing an adaptor to change the angle of my VHF, and there are many other things i'll be printing as time goes on!

[RoyP]

[QUOTE=SimonCh;823086]Hey,

Not sure how many of you guys are on the bandwagon yet...

Hey Simon.....looks good. What printer do you have

[SimonCh]

Just an ender 3 - entry level but it’s one of the few things in my life i don’t feel the need to upgrade, it’s brilliant!

Printer the VHF adaptor mount overnight, will fit it tomorrow.

To be able to encounter a problem, jump on my mac, design something, print it and use it within half a day is mind blowing to me!

[Limecc]

Did you go in at entry level and how much did it cost?
Software included?
Seems must be really complex so I never looked into it so far. I read on another forum somebody printing a dashboard to hold the instruments and a replacement centre cover for a throttle control. Amazing!

[SimonCh]

Originally Posted by Limecc

Did you go in at entry level and how much did it cost?
Software included?
Seems must be really complex so I never looked into it so far. I read on another forum somebody printing a dashboard to hold the instruments and a replacement centre cover for a throttle control. Amazing!

I went for an ender 3 which seems to be the one everyone starts our with, i got the printer and some filament for about £200. it can be frustrating - a part of mine cracked and it took me weeks to fault find, it just wouldn’t bloody print right. but i enjoy that kind of thing.

you need 2 bits of software - design/CAD, there’s loads of free ones around from very basic to very complex.

then you need a slicer which is also free and tells your printer how to print the item.

if you head to thingiverse.com - pretty much anything anyone has designed is on there for you to download and print for free as well, i’ve printed loads of stuff for the kids!

[RoyP]

it does appeal to me...... kinda like toys

[Limecc]

Using easy to use free software to create the object, it's then possible to email the file to various companies who can print it using the metal of your choice and post it to you.

For home use there is also a flexible rubber-like material instead of printing rigid plastic items.

I found this video informative
https://youtu.be/d9Di8OKVi3M

[Airsolid-20]

Linecc, I would need a replacement centre cover for a throttle control, the exact same as the one shown on the picture you posted. Do you know how I could contact the person who made it ?

Thanks !

[RickW]

My partners son is a Mech Eng who does this for his job. He has designed some bits for me like a Ribcraft specific GoPro mount

Obviously loves his ribs too - will be along in a bit to explain stuff

[SimonCh]

Originally Posted by Airsolid-20

Linecc, I would need a replacement centre cover for a throttle control, the exact same as the one shown on the picture you posted. Do you know how I could contact the person who made it ?

Thanks !

if you can find the file online i’ll print you one - no cost

[69cmw]

Originally Posted by SimonCh

if you can find the file online i’ll print you one - no cost

Mind, he’s in Canada [emoji54]

[SimonCh]

Originally Posted by 69cmw

Mind, he’s in Canada [emoji54]

Ah... damn autocorrect..... If you find the file i'll print you one and you can pay the postage

[Limecc]

Originally Posted by Airsolid-20

Limecc, I would need a replacement centre cover for a throttle control, the exact same as the one shown on the picture you posted. Do you know how I could contact the person who made it ?

Thanks !

Here's the link, you'll have to join the forum and send him a PM, I'm sure he kept the file, he was going to reprint it with grey filament.
https://f-ribsandsibs.com/forum/view...=3115&start=24

[Airsolid-20]

SimonCh, thank you very much for your kind offer. I will let you know if I find the file. Regards.

[Airsolid-20]

Thank you for the link Limecc.

[SimonCh]

Originally Posted by Airsolid-20

SimonCh, thank you very much for your kind offer. I will let you know if I find the file. Regards.

Failing that - send me photos and dimensions and i’ll draw one up. My fusion prowess isn’t the best but i’m sure i could make something functional

[Iankristy]

Out of interest what’s the ball park of cost for the material? How much did printing the nameplate cost? Quite fancy one myself[emoji848]

[Limecc]

Originally Posted by Iankristy

Out of interest what’s the ball park of cost for the material? How much did printing the nameplate cost? Quite fancy one myself[emoji848]

Varies according to material, this popular one is £20/kg
https://www.3djake.uk/3djake/ecopla-black

[Iankristy]

Originally Posted by Limecc

Varies according to material, this popular one is £20/kg
https://www.3djake.uk/3djake/ecopla-black

Cheers!

[Obsidian]

I do a lot of this, especially at this time of year. Have made models of boats (usually RIBs) and sent them all over the world.

Its a mind blowing possibility, as said above - to imagine something and within a few short hours be holding it your hand is so cool.

There are a few skills involved....

* Being mechanically minded, so you can see or work out how objects interact
* Using the deign and slicer software
* Assembling and maintaining the printer, they need adjustment often
* Learning the merits of the different materials

Massively rewarding though! Costs are relatively tiny, most enthusiasts spend more on the filaments that the machinery.