C5ALIVE Forum

C5Alive General Category => C5 Chatroom => Topic started by: MikeDX on 26, August, 2012 - 12:57:36

Title: 3D printed replacement parts
Post by: MikeDX on 26, August, 2012 - 12:57:36
Hi all!

as those of you who are my friends on facebook will know, I recently fully commissioned a reprap mendel 3D printer, which has begun making some prints of quite amazing quality.

Would there be any interest in the following parts, if so I may start making them to order:

Main drive gear

satelite drive gear

Hub cap

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/195895_10151027849207543_1487885760_n.jpg)

I'm going to start on the hub cap 3d model today, and then onto the gears once my digital calipers arrive.

These are some other c5 parts that are in short supply but needed - anybody know of any others?

I would be willing to let a few go to the usual suspects for testing / review purposes too :)
Title: Re: 3D printed replacement parts
Post by: radiomarty on 26, August, 2012 - 16:53:48
Depending on pricing Mike - think your onto a winner  :) :) :) :) :)

The main drive cog (drives the belt) would be rather handy
Title: Re: 3D printed replacement parts
Post by: MikeDX on 26, August, 2012 - 16:58:26
Depending on pricing Mike - think your onto a winner  :) :) :) :) :)

The main drive wheel would be rather handy

Price for the first batch will be small, then something more sensible once the parts are perfected.

you say the main drive wheel - the actual wheel??
Title: Re: 3D printed replacement parts
Post by: kamilb1998 on 26, August, 2012 - 17:29:47
I have seen some of the things you've made and they look fantastic.

How about making some of those grommets that go around the holes for the mast on the back?
Title: Re: 3D printed replacement parts
Post by: MikeDX on 26, August, 2012 - 17:34:57
I have seen some of the things you've made and they look fantastic.

How about making some of those grommets that go around the holes for the mast on the back?

Thanks Kamil, very kind :)

I don't think either of my C5s have those

Does anybody have any accurate measurements for any C5 parts?
Title: Re: 3D printed replacement parts
Post by: mhurt on 26, August, 2012 - 17:53:33
I would definitely be interested in the gearbox parts, depending on price.
Title: Re: 3D printed replacement parts
Post by: MikeDX on 26, August, 2012 - 18:18:22
I would definitely be interested in the gearbox parts, depending on price.

cheaper than a second hand set I imagine
Title: Re: 3D printed replacement parts
Post by: kamilb1998 on 26, August, 2012 - 18:37:28
I would definitely be interested in the gearbox parts, depending on price.

cheaper than a second hand set I imagine

Less than £20 incl. P&P for 3 of the small drive cogs? You've got me interested. £20 isn't really a lot but with the mileages I do, the little drive cogs will need replacing at least once every year.
Title: Re: 3D printed replacement parts
Post by: MikeDX on 26, August, 2012 - 18:39:23
Less than £20 incl. P&P for 3 of the small drive cogs? You've got me interested. £20 isn't really a lot but with the mileages I do, the little drive cogs will need replacing at least once every year.

Sounds like you are offering to try a set out for me :)
Title: Re: 3D printed replacement parts
Post by: kamilb1998 on 26, August, 2012 - 19:01:25
Less than £20 incl. P&P for 3 of the small drive cogs? You've got me interested. £20 isn't really a lot but with the mileages I do, the little drive cogs will need replacing at least once every year.

Sounds like you are offering to try a set out for me :)

If you're asking... ;)
Title: Re: 3D printed replacement parts
Post by: MikeDX on 26, August, 2012 - 21:50:07
The thought occurs that my ABS or PLA plastic parts may not be up to a lot of abuse in a gearbox - what are the original ones made of? Nylon?

Well, it'll be an interesting experiment either way.

Now, once I find out where I put the parts in the picture (to keep them safe obviously) I'll be able to carry on making the 3d models...
Title: Re: 3D printed replacement parts
Post by: C5 ENTHUSIAST + RESTORER on 27, August, 2012 - 08:25:57
Hi there Mike I have already had some gearbox small cogs made .Take a look at them .....And check out the specs at


http://www.plastic-products.com/spec.htm


(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/jordan8_2009/3-IMGP2196.jpg)

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/jordan8_2009/2-IMGP2192.jpg)
Title: Re: 3D printed replacement parts
Post by: radiomarty on 27, August, 2012 - 08:45:55
Depending on pricing Mike - think your onto a winner  :) :) :) :) :)

The main drive wheel would be rather handy

Price for the first batch will be small, then something more sensible once the parts are perfected.

you say the main drive wheel - the actual wheel??


The white cog that drives the belt - many of them are starting to crack now
Title: Re: 3D printed replacement parts
Post by: MikeDX on 27, August, 2012 - 10:54:34
Hi there Mike I have already had some gearbox small cogs made .Take a look at them .....And check out the specs at



those are great chas, what is the process? are they machined?



The white cog that drives the belt - many of them are starting to crack now

Ah ok yes. I think it's doable but what kind of stress my current plastic stock can take is another thing :)
Title: Re: 3D printed replacement parts
Post by: C5 ENTHUSIAST + RESTORER on 28, August, 2012 - 08:40:33
Hi there Mark the cogs are machined ..Regarding the large drive cogs  I had some alloy ones made but they are 72 teeth not 69 and you would need a lager belt ..
Title: Re: 3D printed replacement parts
Post by: coverman on 28, August, 2012 - 10:31:18
Printed plastic parts are layered, therefore shear stress is low.
Title: Re: 3D printed replacement parts
Post by: mhurt on 29, August, 2012 - 17:30:56
I have seen some of the things you've made and they look fantastic.

How about making some of those grommets that go around the holes for the mast on the back?

I'd order some of those, I lost one today :(
Title: Re: 3D printed replacement parts
Post by: Ant on 09, September, 2012 - 21:35:27
Would it be possible to make wing mirrors this way ??????
Title: Re: 3D printed replacement parts
Post by: MikeDX on 09, September, 2012 - 21:38:48
Would it be possible to make wing mirrors this way ??????

I guess so. I've not got any wing mirrors to work from though.

It's quite possible we can do the rear indicators though.


I've been working on the 3d model for the hub cap, so i'm hoping to have some test prints up soon!
Title: Re: 3D printed replacement parts
Post by: Robosoft on 09, September, 2012 - 23:26:56
What make of printer ??

I'm about to get one, but most are too small to print things like wheel caps / Wing Mirrors?

if money was no object i would get this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aghzpO_UZE&feature=player_embedded

A 3d Scanner is a must.
Title: Re: 3D printed replacement parts
Post by: MikeDX on 09, September, 2012 - 23:30:37
I have a reprap mendel - build from parts. the build area is approx 200mm widht x 200mm height x 150mm high - plenty for a wing mirror and centre cap :)

You are right about that one, but that is a crazy piece of machinery!

We'll all have them one day :)
Title: Re: 3D printed replacement parts
Post by: rekooh99 on 22, September, 2012 - 21:17:49
Would be interested in wheel centre caps ,any idea on price ?
Title: Re: 3D printed replacement parts
Post by: KarlG on 27, September, 2012 - 21:24:00
Let me know when you update to a machine that will print a C5 body shell.  ;D

Oh! You can also put me down for some centre caps, that is if the price is right.
Title: Re: 3D printed replacement parts
Post by: MikeDX on 27, September, 2012 - 21:25:30
The day I can print a C5 Body shell is a very happy day indeed!

Centre caps are still WIP. One of my problems is I havent got a colour close enough to the real one :(

The 3d model is essentially done, but still needs a little work as it is a little rough around the edges.
Title: Re: 3D printed replacement parts
Post by: KarlG on 27, September, 2012 - 22:42:42
How brittle or felexible is your material?
Title: Re: 3D printed replacement parts
Post by: MikeDX on 27, September, 2012 - 22:45:48
It's quite flexible, all depends on how its printed really.

I have two materials, PLA and ABS. PLA is more brittle and ABS is harder to print with.

Will be an interesting experiment either way :)
Title: Re: 3D printed replacement parts
Post by: KarlG on 27, September, 2012 - 23:49:15
Just thinking it would be nice to have a shell in Royal Stewart Tartan.  :D

I wouldn't have all that hard work, and not have to worry about scratches and scrufs.  ;D ;D