IF you had a 3d printer

ZStig · 03-13-2012, 09:27 PM

That prints in ABS plastic, max size 8 x 8 x 6 or so, what car parts would you create for the Z4?

I really want a printer, but can't justify it

bajaracer · 03-13-2012, 09:31 PM

I have one what do you want ? Do you have a soild model ready ?

ZStig · 03-13-2012, 11:11 PM

Thats the thing, I can't think of anything good I'd make for the car, and can't justify the purchase

Maybe a gauge pod, but I already have one

ZStig · 03-13-2012, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bajaracer

I have one what do you want ? Do you have a soild model ready ?

which printer do you have? Are you happy with the resolution and speed of it?

tom @ eas · 03-13-2012, 11:14 PM

We've got one in house - one of the most used tools for R&D/development

ZStig · 03-13-2012, 11:23 PM

BUT because its a bit rough, you make the final product on the CNC machine right?

tom @ eas · 03-13-2012, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roffle Waffle

BUT because its a bit rough, you make the final product on the CNC machine right?

You will see slight layering, depending on print positioning and resolution. Here's an example we printed for mounting an Escort panel in an E92M3 ashtray:

Test fitment of LCD gauges and Escort display units.

Test fitment into center console fitment and viewing angle confirmation

Completed

Since the part is made from ABS plastic, it can always be sanded down, primered and painted to look like new. The machine is not really set up for production units, due to cost and long print times - just drawing verification.

Hope this helps!

santov · 03-14-2012, 12:25 AM

Pffffffft. I'd print Kelly Lebrock the way I remember her...

Oh yeah, that gauge pod is pretty cool.

mousitch · 03-14-2012, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by santov

Pffffffft. I'd print Kelly Lebrock the way I remember her...

Oh yeah, that gauge pod is pretty cool.

+1(kelly lebrock) gauges are ok too.

Karacticus · 03-14-2012, 07:55 AM

Something that could be used to replace broken clips for the grill without having to replace the entire front bumper cover.

v3.2mc · 03-14-2012, 08:12 AM

functional brake ducts for the entire z4 model range, including the ///M's.

partlowr · 03-14-2012, 08:15 AM

I work for a plastic thermoforming company, I have access to 4 CNC's, 3D modeling software NX and. Solidworks, 3D printer and lots of other really cool stuff. Maybe our 3D printer sucks but IMO it does not produce parts with nice enough finish to just paint and install. It leaves little rows of lines where it layers on the material and reuires quite a bit of filler and primer to get it even close to OEM type quality. There are also issues with the 3D models being brittle. We just us it for quick prototype concepts then we build an aluminun mold of the part so we can make perfect quality duplicates of the 3D model. I will say the pPassport mount shown in the photos above look pretty nice. No doubt that it is awesome technology and it allows us to produce a one off model in hours or a couple days including programing for a project that would have taken a week doing old fashioned machining or pattern making.

Jmanscotch · 03-14-2012, 08:39 AM

I know someone who would pay $300 for some hardtop lock covers since they're NLA.

Other then that, I'm sure if you had it you could come up with countless things for many BMWs that you could sell on the side to offset the initial cost.

nmulax · 03-14-2012, 10:36 AM

I like the ashtray gauge pod idea.
Otherwise, can't think of anything that small that'd be suitable in plastic… maybe ZPost keychains!?

ZStig · 03-14-2012, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by partlowr

I work for a plastic thermoforming company, I have access to 4 CNC's, 3D modeling software NX and. Solidworks, 3D printer and lots of other really cool stuff. Maybe our 3D printer sucks but IMO it does not produce parts with nice enough finish to just paint and install. It leaves little rows of lines where it layers on the material and reuires quite a bit of filler and primer to get it even close to OEM type quality. There are also issues with the 3D models being brittle. We just us it for quick prototype concepts then we build an aluminun mold of the part so we can make perfect quality duplicates of the 3D model. I will say the pPassport mount shown in the photos above look pretty nice. No doubt that it is awesome technology and it allows us to produce a one off model in hours or a couple days including programing for a project that would have taken a week doing old fashioned machining or pattern making.

Thanks a lot. Doesnt sound like something i need

v3.2mc · 03-15-2012, 09:42 AM

i'd make a holder for my phone that snaps into my ashtray. that would be excellent.

mbetoni · 03-15-2012, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by v3.2mc

i'd make a holder for my phone that snaps into my ashtray. that would be excellent.

Just want to make sure you're aware that this does exist - called a SpecDock

Pics of it in my car:
Closed:

Open:

v3.2mc · 03-15-2012, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbetoni

Just want to make sure you're aware that this does exist - called a SpecDock

yeah... i don't have an iPhone, it's a droid razr... plus i'd want the phone to lay sideways. thanks though!

03-13-2012, 09:27 PM	#1
ZStig instagram 997turbotom 279 Rep 7,377 Posts Drives: Interlagos Z4MR Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Delray Beach, FL iTrader: (4)	IF you had a 3d printer That prints in ABS plastic, max size 8 x 8 x 6 or so, what car parts would you create for the Z4? I really want a printer, but can't justify it __________________
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

03-13-2012, 09:31 PM	#2
bajaracer Private 7 Rep 57 Posts Drives: Racecar Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: United States iTrader: (2)	I have one what do you want ? Do you have a soild model ready ?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-13-2012, 11:11 PM	#3
ZStig instagram 997turbotom 279 Rep 7,377 Posts Drives: Interlagos Z4MR Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Delray Beach, FL iTrader: (4)	Thats the thing, I can't think of anything good I'd make for the car, and can't justify the purchase Maybe a gauge pod, but I already have one __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-13-2012, 11:14 PM	#5
tom @ eas General 8215 Rep 18,823 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Anaheim, CA iTrader: (19) Garage List 2018 BMW i3s [5.00] 2010 BMW M3 [6.50] 2015 BMW M4 [6.20]	We've got one in house - one of the most used tools for R&D/development __________________ Tom G. \| european auto source (eas) email: tom@europeanautosource.com · web: https://europeanautosource.com· tel 866.669.0705 · ca: 714.369.8524 x22 GET DAILY UPDATES ON OUR BLOG · FACEBOOK · YOUTUBE · FLICKR · INSTAGRAM
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-13-2012, 11:23 PM	#6
ZStig instagram 997turbotom 279 Rep 7,377 Posts Drives: Interlagos Z4MR Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Delray Beach, FL iTrader: (4)	BUT because its a bit rough, you make the final product on the CNC machine right? __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-14-2012, 12:25 AM	#8
santov Lieutenant 64 Rep 483 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 3.0si White over Beige Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Bay Area, Calif iTrader: (8)	Pffffffft. I'd print Kelly Lebrock the way I remember her... Oh yeah, that gauge pod is pretty cool. Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-14-2012, 07:55 AM	#10
Karacticus Second Lieutenant 15 Rep 222 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 3.0si Coupe Join Date: May 2007 Location: Iowa iTrader: (0)	Something that could be used to replace broken clips for the grill without having to replace the entire front bumper cover. __________________ 2007 3.0si Coupe Dinan Stage I Suspension (Shocks, Struts, Springs), Ground Control Front Camber Plates, Treehouse Racing Front Control Arm Bushings, RTAB Bushing Limiters
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-14-2012, 08:12 AM	#11
v3.2mc Not a New Member 94 Rep 925 Posts Drives: with both hands and both feet Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: midwest iTrader: (4) Garage List 2007 ///M Coupé [10.00]	functional brake ducts for the entire z4 model range, including the ///M's.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-14-2012, 08:15 AM	#12
partlowr Second Lieutenant 14 Rep 217 Posts Drives: BMW Z4 Roadster Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Naperville, IL iTrader: (0)	I work for a plastic thermoforming company, I have access to 4 CNC's, 3D modeling software NX and. Solidworks, 3D printer and lots of other really cool stuff. Maybe our 3D printer sucks but IMO it does not produce parts with nice enough finish to just paint and install. It leaves little rows of lines where it layers on the material and reuires quite a bit of filler and primer to get it even close to OEM type quality. There are also issues with the 3D models being brittle. We just us it for quick prototype concepts then we build an aluminun mold of the part so we can make perfect quality duplicates of the 3D model. I will say the pPassport mount shown in the photos above look pretty nice. No doubt that it is awesome technology and it allows us to produce a one off model in hours or a couple days including programing for a project that would have taken a week doing old fashioned machining or pattern making.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-14-2012, 08:39 AM	#13
Jmanscotch is a Texan 49 Rep 387 Posts Drives: '09 135i - 6MT SOLD Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Colorado Springs iTrader: (6)	I know someone who would pay $300 for some hardtop lock covers since they're NLA. Other then that, I'm sure if you had it you could come up with countless things for many BMWs that you could sell on the side to offset the initial cost. __________________ *- Jake*
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-14-2012, 10:36 AM	#14
nmulax Brigadier General 379 Rep 4,320 Posts Drives: '07 Z4 M Coupe Join Date: May 2006 Location: Metro-Detroit iTrader: (5) Garage List 2007 Z4M Coupé [7.66]	I like the ashtray gauge pod idea. Otherwise, can't think of anything that small that'd be suitable in plastic… maybe ZPost keychains!? __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-15-2012, 09:42 AM	#16
v3.2mc Not a New Member 94 Rep 925 Posts Drives: with both hands and both feet Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: midwest iTrader: (4) Garage List 2007 ///M Coupé [10.00]	i'd make a holder for my phone that snaps into my ashtray. that would be excellent.
	Appreciate 0 Quote