How to 3D print Switch Panel

[Tayschrenn]

Has anyone done a 3D printing of something to fit inside this 'holder'?

My thought is to either 3D print something to fill in the gaps of an existing NiLight switch box (I have one that fits inside but is loose) or else custom print one. My biggest unknown is how to get the measurements right for some of the curves inside of the holder.

I have access to CAD programs and 3D printers (my company has a couple that employees are allowed to use) but the actual measuring I'm unfamiliar with.

Of course if someone has already done the work that'd be even cooler =)

 

[85Hokie]

I have 3D printed a ton of stuff - the printing part is easy ! NOW as you mentioned the measuring part can be rather tricky on rounded items.

You want a panel that covers the top? And then add the switches to the panel?

Would it be better to start from scratch and leave the OEM tray OUT and construct a new "box?"

 

[xrocketengineer]

Your best bet might be to try some of these, particularly the freebies. There is not much to lose and it might be a good learning experience. Let us know how it goes.

https://all3dp.com/2/best-3d-scanner-app-iphone-android-photogrammetry/

 

[Tayschrenn]

I have 3D printed a ton of stuff - the printing part is easy ! NOW as you mentioned the measuring part can be rather tricky on rounded items.

You want a panel that covers the top? And then add the switches to the panel?

Would it be better to start from scratch and leave the OEM tray OUT and construct a new "box?"

The problem with leaving the OEM out is that it has the 12v outlet as part of it; i'd rather not risk messing that up. But, it's possible! That tray is clearly designed to come out / be replaced.

 

[85Hokie]

Create the flat plate and then place this in a created hole !

https://www.amazon.com/Cigarette-Mo...099381&sprefix=12++volt+plug+,aps,219&sr=8-12

 

[Tayschrenn]

Your best bet might be to try some of these, particularly the freebies. There is not much to lose and it might be a good learning experience. Let us know how it goes.

https://all3dp.com/2/best-3d-scanner-app-iphone-android-photogrammetry/

Not a bad idea, I'll see what I can do - I have an S21 Ultra so it's more or less the most advanced camera/optics on the market.

 

[Oil pan 4]

That's pretty cool. Being able to fit inside of , go around any obstacles and arrange the switches any what way you could want is sweet.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

If you want just a 'lid' for that 'holder', getting accurate dimensions will take about 15 minutes and $4.
Geta thin sheet of plastic,like a cheap plastic bag, place in holder, shake a can of spray foam real good and fill the holder, wait until cured, remove the foam 'template'. Remove excess to get 'top line' . Use bandsaw or bread knife. It'll be 100% accurate. As for getting the dimension into your 3D machine, yer on your own. My guy simply takes 4-5 pictures,imports into his program,adds2,3 dimensions, then program does the 'math', sends data to his CNC machine. He cut all the code himself as well as design/build the CNC machines.Biggest is 5by9, feet, accurate to .01 thou, cost less than $500 for parts.

 

[mikester]

My car has a Qi wireless charging tray for my cell. The tray is so big that the phone slides arounds while driving and stops charging. I made a drop in tray liner that lets me drop the phone into the right position and hold it there.

The tray worked good until the heat from parking the car in the sunshine caused the tray to shrink and warp. It no longer holds my phone due to the shrinkage.

3D plastic printing is nice for making 3D mockup models but is useless for real world parts.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

well if you use the proper plastic, you can fire 22 rimfires from 'plastic guns' all day long....
it gets kinda HOT inside a car on a sunny day, so you have to read the plastic material specs.
for my 'good everywhere' products, I spec and use 'automotive rated' computer chips instead of industrial or commercial. Cost isn't much more, maybe $2/board but ZERO problems.