Date: Mon, 15 Jul 2019 08:05:33 -0700
Reply-To: Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Subject: Re: Parts availability
In-Reply-To: <CACvdLxNhJEg1coqyHYqUP7HuXVcLAjMXx7RSwTMjVf9=_MeNoA@mail.gmail.com>
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Can be a few ways...
Small parts can be scanned, 3 d scanned, then imported into a 3D modelling program for adjustment or modification.
Or the part, original, can be measured by hand and drawn up de novo in the 3D modelling software.
Once you have the computer model, it’s then sliced or diced or whatever ;-) by the software associated with the 3D printer used to make the final shape.
That’s a very simplistic overview. I don’t do 3D printing, my day job is taking 3D computer models and making the parts in a cnc mill.
There are companies that will print the parts you want, from files you supply. I think there are links on the thingiverse pages to such outfits.
But Dave, I can see you getting a small printer and having fun during the dark winter months :-)
Alistair
> On Jul 15, 2019, at 7:48 AM, David McNeely <davmcneely40@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> So, for those of us who know nothing about 3D printing: Does one require a part for a pattern, or is all the information in the files for making the part? If a pattern, then it seems that the new part would have the flaws of the old part. How were the files generated? From copying a preexisting part?
>
> Sorry for my ignorance.
>
> mcneely
>
>> On Sun, Jul 14, 2019 at 6:23 PM Alistair Bell <albell@shaw.ca> wrote:
>> I think... I might be mistaken about the source, but I think there are files for 3D printing of that part at thingiverse.com.
>>
>> Yup...
>>
>> https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:34856
>>
>> For at least some of the plastic NLA parts, 3D printing will be our saviour.
>>
>> Alistair
>>
>> > On Jul 14, 2019, at 5:21 PM, KIM BRENNAN <kimbrennan@mac.com> wrote:
>> >
>> > On our ancient vehicles I rarely remember that sometimes parts become unavailable. Case i point the little plastic housings for the rear license tag lights. I found one of mine dangling (broken), and went to order from the usual places and “out of stock”. BusLab (in theory) has them, so I ordered a couple of replacements. Hopefully I won’t get a charge back due to them no longer having any….
>> >
>> > I went to one of my “out of service” Vanagons. Plastic housing (and clear lens and screws) looked like new. Must have been replaced at some point in their life. On the other housing on the Van I was fixing, the screws are stripped, so that will be a fun repair if or when I have to replace the bulb on that side (if it isn’t working right now, it will flunk Virginia safety inspection.)
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