3D Printed Car Parts

More and more people are toying with 3D printing for car parts. If you've printed any parts for your car, please post some articles in this section describing how you did it. Whether if was for your DSM or not. With more and more OEM DSM parts becoming obsolete (no longer produced) 3D printing will become a popular option in this community.

Here are some resources I found to give people more info on getting started with 3D printing car parts.

7 Best 3D Printers for Automotive Cars & Motorcycle Parts

3D printing has accelerated the growth of many industries in the world today. The automotive industry, in particular, has benefitted the most since the inception of additive manufacturing. The prototyping life cycle has been shortened significantly. Rapid prototyping is now possible since people...

3dprinterly.com

3D printing car parts: all you need to know – 3D Solved

3dsolved.com

The Free Beginner's Guide - 3D Printing Industry

3dprintingindustry.com

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Post your own Articles on this subject!

 

[19Eclipse90]

For me, it is reverse engineering = time spent with dial calipers, protractors, scales, etc.. When I was introduced to 3D scanning, it seemed like a great way forward. What we didn’t have was the translation of the mesh cloud into a 3D model so I never picked up that part of it. I’m sure it would make a world of difference and aim to speed things up.

But this, in general, is why I’m against just throwing out files for everyone to use. It is not always easy and can be very time consuming. And there are individuals out there that would use the files to profit from. Sorry, I’m not modeling all of this up to help someone else make a buck.


More recent examples, start as:

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And become:

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[AgntorangeDSM]

For me, it is reverse engineering = time spent with dial calipers, protractors, scales, etc.. When I was introduced to 3D scanning, it seemed like a great way forward. What we didn’t have was the translation of the mesh cloud into a 3D model so I never picked up that part of it. I’m sure it would make a world of difference and aim to speed things up.

But this, in general, is why I’m against just throwing out files for everyone to use. It is not always easy and can be very time consuming. And there are individuals out there that would use the files to profit from. Sorry, I’m not modeling all of this up to help someone else make a buck.

I agree, and IMO it will only get worse the more these printer MFG's make it easier to run these printers at home almost to the point of an appliance.

 

[Kai Hefner]

Impressive work @19Eclipse90. Hand-measuring is HARD, I used to print 20-30 fitment prototypes before I got a 3D scanner.

I agree, and IMO it will only get worse the more these printer MFG's make it easier to run these printers at home almost to the point of an appliance.

It's already really close to this stage. Ultimaker printers are virtually maintenance-free (very simple maintenance) and are incredibly reliable. Even so, I run all my printers virtually the same way I run my desktop computer: turn on and go. 3D scanners are becoming a lot more possible too, you can find a cheap 3D scanner for $500-1000 that will get the job done. Made a lot easier if you're well-experienced in CAD.

 

[96dsmftw]

Really putting in the effort to make my own fenders this off season to cover the 315s. Last winter I went the route of 3d printing a mold and actually got a relatively poor carbon part to pull out of it but the fender was not enough for 315s. Right now, V3, is pieced together and it fits the body lines well. The next revision will need some modification to the back of the wheel area as I underestimated the space needed when turning the wheel to the left. It does clear completely turn to the right though. I really need to update my build thread

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[92AWDHX40]

Very nice work on that.

 

[Justin DuBois]

Are you reaching for a race class limit with the wheel/tire spec?

 

[96dsmftw]

Are you reaching for a race class limit with the wheel/tire spec?

No max for tire width. Trying to be in the mix with the top guys in Street Mod for Autocross. This year was the first for 315s. Now I need to get them covered up for the aero benefit and to just look better.

 

[gabriel mancan]

Also, I’m trying to reverse engineer this. I already got the CAD file for the cover. It would be useful if someone is willing to upload the STP or STL file for this.I will upload mine after prototyping and adjusting.

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Eu realmente preciso dessa peça, você poderia compartilhá-la comigo mais tarde?

Google Translate: “I really need this piece, could you share it with me later?”

 

[thuddor]

Eu realmente preciso dessa peça, você poderia compartilhá-la comigo mais tarde?

Google Translate: “I really need this piece, could you share it with me later?”

Well, I didnt tested it yet. Im still working on it. After, I will upload it here.

 

[thuddor]

The esthetic part is done.

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[alexr254]

So is everyone for the most part "scanning"? I'm still getting my foot in the door on fusion but man alive thats a head banger some days.

I'm just getting into scanning with my old Kinect v2.
Possibilities are endless.

 

[thuddor]

Carbon fiber based filament with 0.008 precision. I hope it fits well

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[turbosax2]

I printed these parts for a transmission cooler setup I'm working on. Inlet duct, outlet duct, and filter clamps. These are printed from ASA and it was a big learning experience making parts this big from ASA and avoiding warping. The inlet duct is three pieces and the outlet duct is two pieces since they were too big for my printer, then I glued them together. The filter clamps have square nuts embedded in them.

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[Spiro2k6]

I've been working on a similar project, but instead of a transmission cooler its for my oil cooler. It's still early in the design phase but I can at least show off my latest project.

I've been working on a Haltech IC7 mount for 2g DSM, Spent a lot of time modeling in and was so excited when my very first prototype fit and mounted on the car.
I split the second prototype at the mounting face and added screw holes to save time and filament on printing supports.

I've been using Polymaker ASA and was still dialing it in on these prints. I knew I wanted to make this last year and starting building a 400x400x400mm build volume enclosed printer last christmas.

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[thuddor]

That's the final version of the trim. I also improved the geometry after some tests on my car. This should do it

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[thuddor]

I created a thread where you can add your 3D print models if you're willing to. Hope you can add some of your creations there

 

[Justin DuBois]

Has anyone 3D printed the embossed ECLIPSE letters that go on the rear of the car?

I was thinking this would be a decent project just to get the font and scaling correct. Then chrome vinyl covering, trim the edges, and attach each letter with 3M body tape.

 

[1999RSfwd]

I work in the metrology lab at my job running a Wenzel 5 axis cmm. We also have a Creaform HandySCAN 3D scanner that I use with their software VXelements. I could always try and scan some parts and save the STL files out somewhere

 

[thuddor]

I work in the metrology lab at my job running a Wenzel 5 axis cmm. We also have a Creaform HandySCAN 3D scanner that I use with their software VXelements. I could always try and scan some parts and save the STL files out somewhere

I can help with modelling here. If I have even a STL or STP, I can easily work with them. It would be great if you could help!

 

[thuddor]

I drew this up to try and rid the A-pillars of gauges so I don't have to look around the gauges on the Autocross course. Fits pretty good and I like the angle of the gauges to the driver. I'll probably redesign it with some holes for lights/switches.

On the topic of molds, I have watched plenty of videos where people 3D print molds of parts. I have also seen someone draw a wing up in CAD then create a box around it and extrude to surfaces of the wing (I guess). This made a mold of the wing that he cut into pieces and 3D printed each piece. He glued them all together afterwards, sanded it, sealed it, and laid carbon in it. It leaves it up to the person making the part, you can either print the part then make a mold or draw the part/mold and 3D print the mold.

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That's nice! if you want, you can upload it to the other Thread I started. If you want to upload your .STL we will all be glad.

 

[thuddor]

I'm working now on the engine cover for 4g63. Mine was really trashed. I just have to insert the Mitsubishi Logo on the front face and reinforce the weak points on the actual OEM part.

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[Pjj]

Has anyone 3D printed the embossed ECLIPSE letters that go on the rear of the car?

I was thinking this would be a decent project just to get the font and scaling correct. Then chrome vinyl covering, trim the edges, and attach each letter with 3M body tape.

i just picked up those letters brand new from Mitsubishi, can see them on my build thread

 

[MadSciHighPSI]

I work in the metrology lab at my job running a Wenzel 5 axis cmm. We also have a Creaform HandySCAN 3D scanner that I use with their software VXelements. I could always try and scan some parts and save the STL files out somewhere

I have a Bambu Carbon printer if anyone needs anything printed.

 

[19Eclipse90]

I'm working now on the engine cover for 4g63. Mine was really trashed. I just have to insert the Mitsubishi Logo on the front face and reinforce the weak points on the actual OEM part.

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I spent wayyyy too much time trying to replicate the complete geometry of the 1G Talon / Laser cover. I know it’s not perfect (nominal thickness in the center section is pretty thin) but it’s a decent overall representation. File available here.

And, certainly, I’m overdoing it but it was an interesting challenge.

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[Ludachris]

I spent wayyyy too much time trying to replicate the complete geometry of the 1G cover. I don’t expect it’s perfect (nominal thickness in the center section is pretty thin) but it’s a decent overall representation.

And, certainly, I’m overdoing it but it was an interesting challenge.

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That's bad ass. I knew someone would eventually get to doing this.

If someone would make some molded stick-on cover pieces to go over the window trim, that would be ideal, since I don't see anyone making full on replacements for them.