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Mon Mar 17, 2014 9:38 am

If you could use a 3D printer to print any Vanagon part, what would it be?

They can print really complex stuff based off CAD designs.

EDIT: POSTS from users have confirmed metal parts can also be printed.
And, remember 3D printers work in plastic, not metal! Maybe some metal parts could be printed with the right material. Why not!!?

Goal would be to put 3D CAD drawings online for these parts, so anybody who needed them could download and send to local 3D printer shop for a cheap replacement. Good-bye NLA...

Mon Mar 17, 2014 2:12 pm

I would 3D print a whole Vanagon so I could finally say I own one :lol:

Mon Mar 17, 2014 2:12 pm

I'd print a custom Hightop. I like the ones being sold on here but the van wont fit into the garage. and just a heads up, metals can be printed also.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct_metal_laser_sintering

Quote: The technology fuses metal powder into a solid part by melting it locally using the focused laser beam.

Mon Mar 17, 2014 2:16 pm

That plastic curtain rail cover for the rear window on the passenger side (early Westy).

Mon Mar 17, 2014 2:25 pm

I would print the AC vent covers for the rear ceiling vents. Then I would do the seal for the front door electrical. followed by the headrest clip covers for back bench.

Mon Mar 17, 2014 3:17 pm

It seems like brown is out and black is in. "Brown" frigg'n everything!
With 3D printing, heck... you can print your own color, if you want.

- e-brake covers
- cabinet latches
- glove compartment
- dash
- vents

black box & cover (wait that's black, not brown! :)

Mon Mar 17, 2014 3:19 pm

havanablue wrote: I'd print a custom Hightop. I like the ones being sold on here but the van wont fit into the garage. and just a heads up, metals can be printed also.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct_metal_laser_sintering

Quote: The technology fuses metal powder into a solid part by melting it locally using the focused laser beam.

RAD! 8)

Mon Mar 17, 2014 3:27 pm

coclimber wrote: It seems like brown is out and black is in. "Brown" frigg'n everything!
With 3D printing, heck... you can print your own color, if you want.

- e-brake covers
- cabinet latches
- glove compartment
- dash
- vents

black box & cover (wait that's black, not brown! :)

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=583928&highlight=rit

Mon Mar 17, 2014 4:59 pm

right now, for me it'd have to be the electric window cable guides.

Mon Mar 17, 2014 5:14 pm

FYI: I am a Certified SolidWorks Professional, a Mechanical Designer by trade and have a Makerbot sitting on my kitchen table...

Willing to print out whatever I can to help you out and if you send me a good part I can reproduce it. Unless I already have on on my 85 Westy Weekender, in that case I can just measure it up.

So far I have designed and printed: dual instrument gauge holder that replaces the ashtray, custom heater control lever ends, custom windshield wiper caps and have a couple of other projects in the works.

PM me for more info.... :-)

Mon Mar 17, 2014 6:27 pm

Oem carat cup holders. The bendy arm ones are close but don't cut the mustard.

Mon Mar 17, 2014 6:59 pm

am in the midst of making a foam cnc slash 3d printer
that will do large items like foam blanks for carbon fiber westy shells
and custom dashboards

it all from recycled parts
like bike, wheelchair ,wheelchair ramp, rollerblades etc
so far 30 $ cost

Mon Mar 17, 2014 8:54 pm

bdcain wrote: am in the midst of making a foam cnc slash 3d printer
that will do large items like foam blanks for carbon fiber westy shells
and custom dashboards

Sick! I want a new dash!! Please tell me you are close to having this ready and not from Europe (e.g., shipping a dash will be a nightmare )

Mon Mar 17, 2014 9:26 pm

Fender flares.

Mon Mar 17, 2014 9:33 pm

x2 on the power window cable guide.

Power window bezel with a more substantial "finger" on the bottom of the bezel.

Door lock cylinder seal 111.837.227B

Mon Mar 17, 2014 11:07 pm

Syncro Dash Plate

Plastic side cover for rear facing seats in a Weekender. I need a couple in gray and can't find them

Tue Mar 18, 2014 6:45 am

Fuse box cover

Tue Mar 18, 2014 7:25 am

Money !!!

mine seems to be leaking out

Tue Mar 18, 2014 10:14 am

We just got an awesome prototyper at work.
Our third one.
This one prints multiple materials at a time including rubber!
You could print a screwdriver with a rubberized handle.

I’m having a go-no go gauge printed now with the tolerance line printed in a contrasting color.

Tue Mar 18, 2014 10:32 am

Zero419 wrote: We just got an awesome prototyper at work.
Our third one.
This one prints multiple materials at a time including rubber!
You could print a screwdriver with a rubberized handle.

I’m having a go-no go gauge printed now with the tolerance line printed in a contrasting color.

I see these steps as necessary to achieve this vision:
1. People with access to 3D printers of various sizes and the willingness to test out stuff. (e.g. like Zero419, bdcain, and unibagel)
2. People to make/create/find valid part designs that can be "open sourced" and put online for free download
3. People to put them online and make them accessible. As a software guy, I can definitely help here and would be up to helping anywhere else too.
4. Funding (for domain/website, etc. and especially for materials to test out the 3D printing). Crowd source funding here like KickStarter.com might work to get off the ground.

Any other thoughts? Ideas to make this a reality?

Jason