3D Print Service Question

[kdecesari]

Knight customs has a file I am interested in, but I don’t have a 3D printer.

They offer an interior for the Axial Base Camp. The files include light buckets, rear view mirrors & a few duplicates that fit another similar body.

What should I expect to pay for a service to print the files for me?
Are there any companies you’ve had good experience with using 3D print services for this type of application?

Thanks for your feedback.

 

[WickedFog]

You're probably going to find the best prices shopping in your area. You at least won't have to pay shipping if it's close enough for you to pick up. I believe Shapeways went out of business, but there are other online print services. A quick Google should find you some places to send the STL files to for quotes.

For those small detailed parts, I would look for someone who either has resin printers, or even better - higher end industrial 3d printers. FDM printing will look like crap, especially on the lights.

 

[Weezel]

..I believe Shapeways went out of business...

Their website is still up and running. I browse it occasionally to get ideas.

Knight customs has a file I am interested in, but I don’t have a 3D printer.

You can buy printed parts from the Knight Customs store on Shapeways.com/knightcustoms

 

[tntpoof]

dont you have a learning lab or hands on shop that you could pay to use a 3d and do it yourself? I do by me and I live in the sticks dirt roads.about a 20 minute drive in a city near by.

 

[kdecesari]

dont you have a learning lab or hands on shop that you could pay to use a 3d and do it yourself? I do by me and I live in the sticks dirt roads.about a 20 minute drive in a city near by.

Good question.
Yes, we do have a lab nearby.
I am a bit reluctant to use it for a couple reasons:
1. The facility has one printer & a 2 hour time limit for prints.
2. That printer is always booked.

Your idea is spot on. Thanks. It just comes with it’s own set of challenges.

 

[WickedFog]

Good question.
Yes, we do have a lab nearby.
I am a bit reluctant to use it for a couple reasons:
1. The facility has one printer & a 2 hour time limit for prints.
2. That printer is always booked.

Your idea is spot on. Thanks. It just comes with it’s own set of challenges.

Most maker spaces won't have resin printers, and as I said, you're going to want to have those parts resin printed, simply because the details will disappear with FDM printing.

If you look on Etsy there are a lot of people on there selling 3d printed parts. Contact some of those guys if you get desperate. A lot of them will be happy to do custom print jobs. Just make sure you use PayPal and have them send you a PayPal invoice to send payment. That way you are protected.

If you can find a company that has PBF (Powdered Bed Fusion) 3d printers, you will get some gorgeous parts.

 

[kdecesari]

Well, I seem to have opened a can of worms with this idea.
At this point I am starting to wrap my mind around the different materials along with their applications. That has led me to machines and, and, and…

This is all new to me.
Fun.

 

[332_RC]

Some universities now offer 3d printing. Either the engineering department or the tech library. Some small parts are free, other have a small fee, depending on the complexity. My daughter's university offers it.

They don't offer 3d printing but they do offer many services. I've seen some guys get RC parts made thru this site.
https://sendcutsend.com/

 

[Greywolf74]

Well, I seem to have opened a can of worms with this idea.
At this point I am starting to wrap my mind around the different materials along with their applications. That has led me to machines and, and, and…

This is all new to me.
Fun.

 

[kdecesari]

Yes. Exactly.