3D-print model cars?

[jeffmorris]

I bought a 3D printer. How do I learn how to design and 3D-print a simple model car? I would like the model car to have working parts. Any suggestions?

[Khier]

Originally Posted by jeffmorris

I bought a 3D printer. How do I learn how to design and 3D-print a simple model car? I would like the model car to have working parts. Any suggestions?

You will have to construct a 3D Model of your car, convert it to a format accepted by your printer, export it to the printer and sit there and watch the magic.

This is of course an oversimplified summary of the process. You must be capable of using CAD construction/drafting software package. The process would mostly involve construction of the 3D model based on three or more views of your car - you can fine a lot on the net under "blueprints". You have to import, scale and adjust the views in the background of you construction area. Depending on the software package you are using, start construction of curves, surfaces of the car. When everything is finished, give them a thickness, convert, export, watch the magic as described above.

[Capri-Schorsch]

Hi, are you sure you did it in the right way?
Buy a printer and than learn how to use it?

Constructing a complexe 3d part is not that easy.
People learn that for years to get a good result.
Maybe you better try something easy like google sketchup first and see if this works before you pay lot's of money for a printer?

There are websites who sell 3d files ready for printing.
www.humpster3d.com
And many more.
But it's not that easy to load the file and press start and get a perfect result.

Good luck
Regards Christian

[MPWR]

Originally Posted by jeffmorris

I bought a 3D printer. How do I learn how to design and 3D-print a simple model car? I would like the model car to have working parts. Any suggestions?

My suggestion is that if you want a simple model car, don't bother with working parts.

[Khier]

Here is a video tutorial.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfPZKvHY5eE

It is intended for Catia, but since the process in other software packages is probably similar, you can have an idea how to build a 3D car model.

[chris24]

Originally Posted by Capri-Schorsch

There are websites who sell 3d files ready for printing.
www.humpster3d.com
And many more.

Wow, their data bank is impressive. Too bad their website doesn't show a gallery of realised projects. Or maybe I didn't search the right way ?

[Foxerjr]

Originally Posted by chris24

Wow, their data bank is impressive. Too bad their website doesn't show a gallery of realised projects. Or maybe I didn't search the right way ?

They do have an impressive automotive gallery. These are 3D files and are not made to be 3D Printed. It will take more work to make a 3D printer file. Mostly it needs thickness. These surfaces have no thickness, just 3D surfaces.

The 3D files are for sale. Most are $75 which is not a bad price.

[chris24]

Originally Posted by Foxerjr

They do have an impressive automotive gallery. These are 3D files and are not made to be 3D Printed. It will take more work to make a 3D printer file. Mostly it needs thickness. These surfaces have no thickness, just 3D surfaces.

The 3D files are for sale. Most are $75 which is not a bad price.

OK I get it, thanks