So what is the cost (time and materials) of printing one more of something you've already done? (I do not have a need for any 3D badges... at least not that I know of.)
Tough question... Long-winded answer....
In the US, plastic costs about $65 per Kilo delivered. Depending on the size, density, scrap and false attempts, material costs can range from 25¢ to $2 for something like a badge. Because badges are to be looked at, there's a bit of finishing to do as well. The ones I made for the seats were covered in epoxy (2 coats). The wheel badges are larger, thicker and were printed with green and white ABS. A second part, in yellowABS was made and inserted like a puzzle piece for the ones in the pictures, but I've since decided it's easier and looks better if the yellow part is painted. These will also be covered in epoxy before I attach them to the wheel centers with another print that glues them in place.
The red part I made for the throttle cable is nearly hollow and one of several prototypes that will eventually become a strong, fitted component that looks like it belongs. I personally don't like the way the cable has been run in my car (through the right side of the firewall, over the box and out of the left side bottom of the plastic console on its way to the adjustable throttle mechanism). This type of component is more expensive time wise than what it cost in material. The concept works but the designed part will be changing depending on what else needs to be modified and where my mind takes the build. I know I'll be adding 1/16" aluminum diamond plate to the engine side of the firewall and possibly the same to the cockpit side with a hatchway cut through between the seats. If I do that, the opening will be surrounded by a welded aluminum frame and a 1/2" lexan hatch bolted and sealed in place. This will be done to give me easier access to the front of the engine bay and for bling, as the brightly polished and painted engine would be exposed to the occupants through the lexan hatch
. The part will change as wires and hoses are re-routed to accommodate and I expect the throttle cable will be covered and fitted neatly to the aluminum firewall with pop-rivets (apparently Chapman loved pop- rivets, so I'll continue the saga
)... But I won't know until I actually do it.
Since I'm doing this for my pleasure and not a client's, I'm being very generous with my time, making choices, analyzing, re-designing, re-analyzing and so on. I'm taking Cal44's advice and attempting to make a 3D model of my Europa as it is, adding everything I think I want and looking at it from all angles. I'll do this using Autodesk's 123Catch program (free) and Trimble's Sketchup (also free) to make scale wheels, tires and flares (not as easy as I make it sound).
Anyway... If you're asking in a round-about way; no, I won't be going into part production, but I'll freely post any stl files I make for anyone who's interested or needs them. Inexpensive 3D Printers are beginning to show up all over the place and it's getting easier to find someone close to home who can print parts for a small fee or as a favor. Even schools are getting into the business, so they will be an excellent source to print parts. (kids in elementary school today will be using tools that haven't even been invented yet, so forward thinking school systems are trying to stay up with technology's exponential curve).
Next, as soon as I get the facia out, I'll be making a more rugged instrument bucket (that can be fitted from the outside) and windshield vents. I'll keep you informed via a new thread on 3D printing if it isn't too far removed from the "Lotus" concept. It seems to be an interesting idea among the people who've responded to my posts.
