I've broken the Optima Mid.

[alcyon]

Originally Posted by Danf1275

3d modelling is now complete. I'll upload file to Shapeways tomorrow.

Screenshots to follow also.

cool, have you thought of making the c hubs too. I would suggest an improvement on the c hubs, increasing the height by 3mm so that ZX-5 knuckles can be used, as well as ZX-5 ball studs, that would help a lot, it would be good to have an option to increase the caster angle also from 5 to 8 degrees for very low grip and rough tracks.

[Danf1275]

Screenshot of model, uploading to Shapeways now.

[OptimaFan]

Looking good. I don't know how close the final product will look to the original arms, maybe add a little design twist, so it will always be clear this is a repro-item?

[HKS_TRD]

Originally Posted by OptimaFan

Looking good. I don't know how close the final product will look to the original arms, maybe add a little design twist, so it will always be clear this is a repro-item?

I have the OT-93 bumper from Shapeways and although its a perfect copy you can tell the difference from the surface finish, its not smooth like an injection moulded part.
I might have to get a set of these in blue.
Any chance of doing a Mid front gearbox or LA-26 Lazer wishbones?

Is it possible to dye the parts from Shapeways and/or sand the surface smooth?

[Essex2Visuvesi]

Originally Posted by J77MYF

I've read something yesterday about a guy 3D printing in nylon. It will be interesting to see how strong the arms are. If the material is strong enough you could pretty much make any hard to get part replacement

Has anyone tried one of these ebay 3D printers? Some of them are under £500 but I can't see them being much good?

I Have this one:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3512665475...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

And this filament
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2011315206...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Testing is ongoing.... the resolution is not that great so some final surface finishing is required, but its looking promising.
The biggest issue is printing time, to get good resolution prints can take hours.... even for a quite small part

[J77MYF]

Originally Posted by Danf1275

Screenshot of model, uploading to Shapeways now.

That looks brilliant Dan. Do you have the link for it in shapways?

[Essex2Visuvesi]

Not showing on there yet.

[Danf1275]

Small issue with file, surrounding notch between pivots on inboard edge - should get it sorted tonight.

Link to current file - can't yet be printed.

https://www.shapeways.com/product/E8...shop-inventory

[Danf1275]

File now live on Shapeways.

If anyone does try items, please forward any feedback - I don't have an Optima (Schumacher man myself), so have no means to test.

https://www.shapeways.com/product/E8...ionId=55960019

[Essex2Visuvesi]

if you can send me the STL file I'll try it on my printer this weekend

[J77MYF]

Hi Dan,

I've ordered a pair and I'll let you know how they perform. Thanks again for making the file

Originally Posted by Danf1275

File now live on Shapeways.

If anyone does try items, please forward any feedback - I don't have an Optima (Schumacher man myself), so have no means to test.

https://www.shapeways.com/product/E8...ionId=55960019

[Danf1275]

No problem - do you want broken original back?

[J77MYF]

Originally Posted by Danf1275

No problem - do you want broken original back?

Hi Dan,

no it's OK, just chuck it out.

[J77MYF]

The replacement printed arms arrived today from Shapeways. My first impression is they are very light compared to the original ones. Not sure if this will make them weak but I'll give them a good test in a racing environment and let you all know how they perform. The picture is a close up and they don't look anywhere near as grainy in the flesh.
Optima Mid Arms.jpg

[Essex2Visuvesi]

Run some test prints on my Home 3d printer and its seems pretty good. I only used PLA for the tests and the only issue I was found was that the current orientation meant that the hinge joints were very weak. This was due to the strand orientation (Not an issue with the kit shapeways uses)
This was fixed buy rotating the piece on the bed

[fredswain]

I make lots of rc parts on Shapeways for the RC10 and soon the JRX2. I only offer them in white polished. All of Shapeways colored parts are actually white inside with only the outside layer being colored. None of the colored parts is polished. The white polished parts have a much nicer finish to them and they can easily be dyed to any color. Printed parts take dye very well and just soak it up like a sponge so scratching them doesn't easily result in white showing through.

[alcyon]

nice to see you are on here too fred !

[Mugenbulldog]

A friend of mine just bought a couple 3d printers and offered to print me a part or two. Would someone mind sending me the file? It will be a while before I can try it on a car as all my r/c is in storage but i will post a pic once it's printed and share any details from my friend about the printing process itself. Thanks!