3D Printing for metal parts

[324darrin]

Here is the latest on my adventure into the world of 3D printing. My 3D printing guy sent me an image of the completed 3D model of the Darrin door  handle (see photo). He said that the scan was very successful and the part is scheduled to be made the week of November 13th. Just an update for all of you that are interested in this. I asked him to make as many as he could fit on the platform. He thought that 6 or so would fit. I still have no idea what the final cost will be but I have to have one so not pushing him on cost.   Steve

[Gordie]

They look great!  Once plated they will look like NOS!

[324darrin]

These are going to be made of stainless steel. They can be plated but I'm going with polished. Steve

[Gordie]

They will not need plating, just polishing and they should be much stronger than the originals.

[njpatera]

with the 3D scan of the actual, the holes should be in place during the print process...

[324darrin]

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

[324darrin]

OK. Don't know why the other two pics did not attach. Will try again. Steve

[324darrin]

If it's not here it's not because I didn't try. Steve

[njpatera]

very nice!

[pjkaiser]

Can't wait to hear about price!!!

[MarkH]

                                                           I'm impressed!

[Terry T]

why 2 pair of holes for cross pin?

original had only one set.

estimated cost per handle?

[Terry T]

The cost should be around $350.00 - $450.00 each..

Let me understand your response to my question...So, you are making these handles?

[njpatera]

Just throwing this out there as I've jumped into research on the process (far from an expert)...Ive spoken to a few Big companies that Jay Leno deals with...the average cost I've encountered is $500 per vertical inch...that is not including the length(with a general consideration a first or singular part being roughly $1000 is a good base line)...It also depends on how many parts can be run at the same time on the tray which can reduce the cost of the additional items...so total cost is fairly pricey yet as this is a fairly new process in the metal printing. Competition and time will eventually reduce the cost, but not by much as plastic printing is still not cheap, but has come down slightly.

[Gordie]

why 2 pair of holes for cross pin?

original had only one set.

estimated cost per handle?

It seems logical that drilling for two sets of pins would weaken the shaft part of the handle but maybe in stainless it will not be a problem.