Candidates for 3D printing

I'm a little out of touch with the Coupe these days as it's been a while since I've needed anything such as clips and trims. But I do know we have some fantastic support from the specialists for items I'll call life limited (pipe work, Eiffel towers, etc.) but is anyone doing the plastics?

Anyone got thoughts on what parts aren't available and what might suit additive manufacturer?

Hi Szkom,

Could newly printed parts be made in differing colours??

Regards

MM

Many types of printing available these days, but what you'll mostly find in the DIY scene is FDM which basically lays a layer of molten plastic down in a specific pattern and then the same for the next layer and so on. Eventually you have enough layers to build up a part. This process uses reels of plastic filament. And the really good news is that it's covered quite well so you can get many different types of material and colour. I recently needed a parasol spacer for the table in the garden to stop it hitting the glass. I manged to print that in a glow in the dark material (gimiky I know )

Long way round to answer, but there are lots of choices

I'm surprised there aren't a flood of answers to this question.

Fuel rail cover
Seat base corners
Gear lever reverse collar

come to mind

The only thing I'd say about 3D printing using a thermoplastic is the heat on the car on sunny days. The plastic can warp and sag.

How about a red hazard warning button

Red seat belt release clips
Wheel arch liner fittings
Plastic pop clips for front bumper
Replacement "plates" rear upper edge of front bumper
Screw fixings for switch banks at rear of upper centre console
Covers over seat belt lower bracket bolts
Suspension top mount covers (replace rubber OE items)
Windscreen wiper bolt covers
Undertray screw/bolt fitting (won't ever rust!)
Bonnet release handle (if strong enough)

So it is a problem with some materials. PLA is going to be mostly useless as you can deform it using hot water from the kettle - anything >50°C and it doesn't really like being exposed to the elememts. There are places for it, but there are many materials that do much better, but at the cost of surface definition. PETG is probably a good choice for interior bits

To answer some of the questions about coloured parts as I think earlier my head was more aligned to customisation that outright replacement - it's doable, but possibly some kind of dye or paint would be a better option if yours isn't broken. You end up with tooling marks where the material has been laid. Aesthetically not the best solution. I'd think a resin might be much better in this case, but I've really limited knowledge of that in terms of durability.

The external/under bonnet stuff I think should be catered for with nylon. Edinburgh, I'd need to have a think on the fuel rail clip. Doable, but you have to consider orientation when printing so you can avoid support material.

Dave, loads of good ideas. The strut top caps I think could be replicated in TPU, just a case of if you could replicate the shape close enough. But I guess a cap would be a cap at the end of the day and help prevent rust.

The bonnet release handle I think I can do. I have planned to take mine off and see what I can do. There should be more than enough strength available. Just a case of getting the print orientation correct.

Some really good ideas. Thank you all

Yes please