Author Topic: Directory of CAD FIles  (Read 419 times)

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Offline Jim Hansen

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Directory of CAD FIles
« on: Monday,June 17, 2024, 07:39:58 PM »
Would it be possible to establish a section where we would keep CAD Files?
 Does anyone have A cad file for the "hub Cap" for a 1974 Europa special.  If not and someone would send me the dimensions I would gladly make a file and post it. I had one left but it has since walked away. Looks like it would be easier to print them and stick on the logo?
I did find some files at thingiverse.com and GRAB CAD.

Lotus Europa Instrument Pod. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:33034
Lotus Europa Door Handle Surround-Update. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:76795
Europa Boot Lock Gasket. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5391677
Lotus Europa S1 Door contact gasket. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5391685
Lotus Europa Dash Vent. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:652471
Lotus Europa Cover hinge gasket. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5391695
LOTUS EUROPA S2 FRAME. lotus-europa-s2-frame-1.snapshot.1 (1).zip
LOTUS EUROPA S2 CUSTOM AXLE AND HUB. https://grabcad.com/library/lotus-europa-s2-custom-axle-and-hub-1

The more file that we collect the more we can develop the europa?  Anyone on board with this?


Offline EuropaTC

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Re: Directory of CAD FIles
« Reply #1 on: Monday,June 17, 2024, 10:09:50 PM »
There are a few folks here with 3D printers and I seem to remember LeftAngle did an instrument binnacle at one point. And if you're reading this LeftAngle, you're partly responsible along with a guy at our archery club, for me spending far too much time designing stuff for my 3D printer !

I'd imagine the best place would be in the Technical section of the forum with a stickie topic ? First post states that only links to STL files are posted and in that way the topic won't get cluttered up with comments and making it hard to find things. Pistonheads (car forum) does something similar with public domain software, apps, etc. where it looks like you just add the link to the first post.

The downside to storing on this website might be file size.  Personally I think it would be better to have a stickie topic with links to Thingiverse for the actual STL files ?  That way they are available to all and not just forum members although of course there's nothing to stop a link back to the forum from the STL file descriptions.

But yep, I'd go for it.

Offline Grumblebuns

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Re: Directory of CAD FIles
« Reply #2 on: Tuesday,June 18, 2024, 06:09:56 AM »
By "hubcap", do you mean the center cap for the alloy wheels? I think its a great idea having a section for CAD files. As Brian stated, file size may be a problem. I would recommend posting on the "Suggestions, Comments and Modifications Request to the Forum" subsection. Moderator/Owner Joe Irwin can figure out how to make it happen. Also sending an email to Joe could help

Offline gideon

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Re: Directory of CAD FIles
« Reply #3 on: Tuesday,June 18, 2024, 06:29:29 AM »
Collecting links for CAD files would be helpful, but it's important to understand the limitations of any CAD files you happen to find lying around the internet.  For example, that door handle bezel is widely available and inexpensive to buy so why would you 3D print an inferior copy?   So I guess what I'm saying is that having space to comment on and discuss each CAD file would be very helpful.

Offline Kendo

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Re: Directory of CAD FIles
« Reply #4 on: Tuesday,June 18, 2024, 07:13:21 AM »
I wouldn’t want to limit it to 3D files. What about drawings of the dashboards, or frame dimensions? Or would it be better to have separate sections for each type?

Offline Richard48Y

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Re: Directory of CAD FIles
« Reply #5 on: Tuesday,June 18, 2024, 09:38:00 PM »
Lotus Europa Instrument Pod looks complex, is that actually seven pieces/prints?

Offline Jim Hansen

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Re: Directory of CAD FIles
« Reply #6 on: Wednesday,June 19, 2024, 01:21:08 PM »
Forgive as I'm new to this site.

 I will try to move this to the to the Tech Section. wish me luck.

In terms to the Hub Caps' Yeah I'm talking about the Gary Plastic roughly 2 to 2 1-2 inch Dia. Parts that fit into the center holes on the wheels> Thought I'd print them.  My local Library has printer you can use for free. They include the plastic.

We could use GrabCad or Thingiverse  and/or any other site but would be at their mercy should they decide to delete the model, but this is maybe a good way to
 start this.

Other facts, sometimes you want a model to see if modified part will fit.  So it's not like use would need to print to use every part for which you have a model.

 *.stl files (stereo lithography) were originally used to make 3-d models that could be used for a process much like Lost Wax casting.

 And now there is process which use powered metal Titanium Power cost around $7.00 lbs.  Now the printing process isn't cheap, but the cost is coming down. 
By the way AutoCAD has a downloadable Lite Program that can be used to create Files, Although I must confess that I never learn AutoCad but have used other Modeling Software

See those Interested in The Tech section.


Jim Hansen