Hosting 3D models of Volvo parts on MVS

Post by **matthew1** » 02 Sep 2021, 07:54

continued from viewtopic.php?p=581850#p581850

... torrents for sheer Internet efficiency, I don't disagree.

I'm happy to host large files here, even very large files, say 100s of MB in size. When it reaches GB size that's where the cost/benefit curve probably starts its decline in making sense for MVS.

We're already on Google Cloud Services, on a fast/high bandwidth Debian Linux VM. It's far from a cheap hosting setup. So for additional server storage, it's not a big ask. That's the IT side.

It's an IT + business decision to decide if this falls on the good side of the cost/benefit curve. The business side is asking "does it make sense?"

The answer to that is yes. MVS is about DIY Volvo. 3D printed Volvo parts are squarely inside that... as much as questions on anything Volvo. The SEO benefits -- that ultimately attract people looking for Volvo DIY subjects that concern us -- are substantial with 3D printing. It's in the MVS wheelhouse. That's why this is a Go for me.

But I need to know the filesize of these things.

Post by **ZionXIX** » 02 Sep 2021, 07:59

matthew1 wrote: ↑01 Sep 2021, 19:10
ZionXIX wrote: ↑01 Sep 2021, 15:45 It says invalid file extension on all 3 of those extensions. If I really start modeling more parts, I may have to make an account of thingiverse and just link my projects here. Some of these files can get quite large.
Sorry about that. I put those into a group, but didn't make the group "allowed in uploads". I fixed that, so they should go up.

This forum software is insanely granular. Which I like, but if it's something like this, which I haven't looked at for probably 15 years, I need a few tries.

Can you test again?

How big do you see these types of files being, say for a dash model? I'm not afraid of large filesizes... unless they're really, really big.

Ive uploaded my first volvo part model. My door latch trim was in pieces. I know these are cheap to buy but I wanted to try making one myself. It worked but I would advise using a UV resistant material such PETG, ASA or ABS. I made the first in PLA and it warped pretty badly and gave off an odd odor.

The original skp file is about 6MB and the stl export is 15MB. Not too bad but these are small models. If Im able to achieve a dashboard design I would estimate a few hundred MB. The uploads seem to be working.

Volvo 850 Door Latch trim Rotated.stl: (15.45 MiB) Downloaded 125 times

Volvo 850 Door Latch trim.skp: (6.63 MiB) Downloaded 101 times

Fusion360UploadTest v0.f3d: (19.77 KiB) Downloaded 105 times

Post by **matthew1** » 02 Sep 2021, 08:53

Even if these grow by a magnitude it's not a problem. Thanks for these examples.

Good work on the models. I did some in the 90s, and I know how much time and effort it takes.

Post by **BlackBart** » 02 Sep 2021, 10:47

Can someone explain to a layman the idea of 3D printing steel / aluminum car parts? I can see printing the shape in a resin, which becomes the master for a mold, where you then cast a metal part. But many have to be high strength, or even forged, to do their job.

Or you print a plastic part with the right material, but often it leaves a texture or ribbing on an exposed surface.

ZionXIX - what software tools did you use to make that shape?

Post by **ZionXIX** » 02 Sep 2021, 15:06

BlackBart wrote: ↑02 Sep 2021, 10:47 Can someone explain to a layman the idea of 3D printing steel / aluminum car parts? I can see printing the shape in a resin, which becomes the master for a mold, where you then cast a metal part. But many have to be high strength, or even forged, to do their job.

Or you print a plastic part with the right material, but often it leaves a texture or ribbing on an exposed surface.

ZionXIX - what software tools did you use to make that shape?

I used Google sketchup to model the part. I exported to cura for slicing before sending to the printer. I basically took all the measurements with a caliper and modeled it out one line at a time.

Anything high strength steel or aluminum is going to have be
A) purchased from volvo
B) refurbished from the junkyard
C) repaired/fabricated

3d printed metal is extremely expensive and not really as sturdy as forged parts but it's getting better. I dabble in various types of plastic 3d printing. Lately PETG has been my go to for strength, heat and UV resistance. For a smooth surface there will be post-processing with sanding to get that nice finish and then likely some sort of painting. I purchased the closest color PETG for my interior and I'm planning to use that and see how close it ends up being. In my example a dashboard only needs a nice finish on the front and top. Everything in between can be coarse as long as it's strong. I care more about performance than it's appearance.

I digress, your question was to explain the idea vs other traditional methods. 3d printing is about laying down plastic in incremental layers until the final part is achieved. I would need a lot more tools and equipment to achieve something like injection molding and so forth. Your design and printer calibration as well as brand of plastic filament will greatly affect quality and strength of said parts. It doesn't have to be the best replacement part, it just need to be good enough. Injection molded parts will always be better but I can make changes to my designs between every print rather than having to make a whole new mold and start over. It's also a lot cheaper for making 1 or 2 parts vs making hundreds or thousands.

Did I go off on too many tangents? I hope that helps.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 02 Sep 2021, 15:58

It may be possible to use a Maker space to get 3D scanner use. Also, 3D cad design software dealers (Autocad and Solidworks) may offer 3D scanning as a service at their offices. They want to promote their 3D software. They may also have high end 3D printing offered as a service.

For general information, GE jet engines are using 3D metal printed fuel nozzles. These are not cheap, but offered some benefits over machined parts.

Protolabs is a commercial provider of 3D printed parts in small to large volume.
https://www.protolabs.com/services/3d-printing/

volvolugnut

Post by **ZionXIX** » 02 Sep 2021, 19:34

The closest for me is the Dallas makerspace. Their website did not advertise it. I'll have to call and find out. I've been looking at the revopoint consumer scanner for $550. That puts within reach but it's gonna be pretty limited. If a maker space had access to a professional model I would jump at that. Or even renting one would be nice.

I can see it now.
Makerspace employee: "who is the guy dragging in an entire car dashboard?"

850oldschool · Post by **850oldschool** » 02 Sep 2021, 19:59

I'd throw some money in the kitty to get the dashboard scanned by a pro.

850oldschool · Post by **850oldschool** » 02 Sep 2021, 20:06

This type of machine might be able to print a dashboard.

https://blackbelt-3d.com

Post by **ZionXIX** » 02 Sep 2021, 20:39

850oldschool wrote: ↑02 Sep 2021, 20:06 This type of machine might be able to print a dashboard.

https://blackbelt-3d.com

I have wanted to play with a belt printer for ages. I was hoping crealitys (CR30) version would be able to do it but it's a little small. I'm waiting for someone to upscale it. A large Cartesian style is build able for the diyer but needs space and time. One of my favorite YouTubers has done exactly this and sells plans to build your own.

I'm aiming for something more like this