3D Printing for metal parts

[Terry T]

Looks like I need to get a part time job if I'm going to keep getting parts made with the 3D process.
Here is the response I got when I asked about the cost.

"Here's a breakdown showing what you would typically pay for these parts:
3D Scanning: $265.80
3D Printing: $790.50 each
Polishing: $150 each
Total: $2,146.80

3D printing is an expensive process. I obviously will not charge you anywhere close to this amount since I never provided you with a quote and was using the parts as a training exercise. I want you to see the parts and be happy with them. I am thinking $500 each, $1,000 total would be fair. Let me know if this sounds about right to you...."

I was not prepared for that amount but feel locked in and obligated to pay him for his services. so tomorrow I am going to go out and see the lab and pick them up. I do not see having any more parts done by the 3D process. this set me back a bit so the gas tank cleaning will have to wait until next month.  Steve

I would think that an additional task/cost would be to have the handle chrome plated.
If it wasn't, there would be a mismatch of appearance to the chrome handle bezel that it butts against.
We can get away with stainless steel medallion "k's" since they are mounted up against plastic.

[MarkH]

This was an interesting technical achievement and demonstrates another method to reproduce unobtainable parts. Like anything where you reach out ahead of the "curve", the cost increases. The printer was nice to reduce the price and for a "one off" pair, maybe not too far out from what a cast pair would cost, especially in stainless. You certainly won't ever have to worry about the pitting, corroding or weakening issues of the originals.

[Terry T]

The door handles have been printed in stainless steel. They have been sent to the polishers and I should have them soon. Here are three pics. one of the scan, one of the part in the printer and one complete. This is a start-up operation and has taken longer that anticipated but the owner is really easy to work with. No word on price yet.  Steve

what are the diameters of the 2 sets of holes?

[324darrin]

I am very happy with the 3D printed door handles. I asked for the scan file and received it via email. There are 813 pages of code for the part. To say that it is a complicated process would be an understatement. I would like to donate the file to the club for future use in manufacturing the handles when and if the price settles down. If that is amenable to the club, who would be the caretaker of the information? Steve

[Terry T]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGMxb8bfDTI

[r1lark]

Neat video, are you getting a kickback for each view of the video? 

[Terry T]

Neat video, are you getting a kickback for each view of the video? 

If you know how to get a kickback on someone else's  video, let us all know!

[324darrin]

Wow, I did not know that they were going to use the handles as an advertisement. Pretty cool. Steve

[r1lark]

If you know how to get a kickback on someone else's  video, let us all know!

Figured that since the company is using Steve's handles as advertisement, maybe he should be getting a little something back! 

[324darrin]

What I received for my effort was a couple of expensive door handles and the 3D file that purportedly cost $265. I still have not heard if the club wants the file. Maybe I'm in the wrong forum. I'll post in the Manufacturing Fund forum. Steve

[Terry T]

As Darrin manager, I can give it a home.

Living in Detroit area, I am surrounded by 3-D shops, in fact one has a picnic during the Woodward Dream Cruise time and I go every year with my Darrin  to see their projects.

[324darrin]

Terry, the 3D File is on its way to you. Steve

[Terry T]

thanks very much

it will have a good home with a dog and 3 cats