How hard is it?

[drummerdad]

How hard is it to make a 3d file for printing an engine? I know very little about 3d files. I know I had one made when I filed for a patent, and it cost me about $2500. I provided all the dimensions, and figured out all the issues, he put it in the computer. But if a person wanted to have a 3d file made for, say an LS1, or any engine, how hard is it? I have searched for a 1/8 scale LS1, and even PMed a guy who used to cast them, and cant find them. Im sure there is a demand for this engine in several scales, as well as other engines. There just seems to be a lack of options for aftermarket engines, especially in the larger scales. 

BTW, Im not trying to complain. Im willing to pay for one of these engines. I have seen 3d printed bodies going for over $1k, and most engine cost $150+ in 1/8 scale. I did find a 1/12 die cast, in a triple engine pack. I thought about buying that, and casting a few for other projects. But I really want one for the 1/8 iroc. I would pay $150, give or take. 

[Ace-Garageguy]

If you're interested in broadening your horizons, google SketchUp is a free 3D drafting program that you can learn on your own. Files developed in SketchUp can be translated into 3D printing-compatible form, or once you're comfortable working in this media, you can go on to more powerful drafting programs.

http://www.sketchup.com/

Scale-able drawings of the outside dimensions you'd need to create a file for the LS engine are available online.

Or search "STL file LS engine"  or "CAD file LS engine" for existing files.

I found these CAD files in 30 seconds, downloadable. 

Plenty of opportunity to learn how to go from CAD to STL for printing, if you really want to. 

https://grabcad.com/library/ls1-race-engine

http://www.3dcadbrowser.com/download.aspx?3dmodel=95292

 

Edited April 14, 2016 by Ace-Garageguy

[Harry P.]

When I read the title of this topic I had a completely different idea of what it might be about...

[drummerdad]

So, Im not too good with this 3d stuff, but it is possible to get these files in the links above, and then have these parts printed at a 3d printing service? Is it really that easy?

I was also browsing at TDRinnovations, and they have dimensions for "print it yourself" tires. Not a 3d file, but if you found the engine files that fast, the tire files should be there also, right? 

[Ace-Garageguy]

When I read the title of this topic I had a completely different idea of what it might be about...

Depends on what you're printing, and in what scale, I guess...

[Harry P.]

To quote Ralph Kramden...

hummana hummana hummana...

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Ace-Garageguy]

So, Im not too good with this 3d stuff, but it is possible to get these files in the links above, and then have these parts printed at a 3d printing service? Is it really that easy?

It'll take some effort, but it's not curing cancer.

There's a lot of free information out there, and all you have to do is search it and read what you find until you understand the concepts and processes.

Here's an engine block, LS3  

Here's the web address to download the CAD file.  https://grabcad.com/library/ls3-engine-block-1

Once you have the CAD file, you need to be able to manipulate it, or have someone convert it to an STL file, which is what 3D printers need.

Here's a printable PDF article on doing that with various CAD programs, including SketchUp. The info is out there.

http://www.cimetrixsolutions.com/downloads/SSYS-BP-CADtoSTL-10-11.pdf

 

 

[High octane]

When I read the title of this topic I had a completely different idea of what it might be about...

You too Harry? LOL!

[drummerdad]

Perverts.  

 

I asked my son to look into this, and help. He looked at me like I just climbed out of a cave. He said its simple. I just need a computer with solid works, and a 3d printer. Im going to look into this more. I emailed a company about having an LS1 engine printed. And my son says with solid works, scaling is easy, so I could have a 1/8 scale, and a 1/12 scale, and a 1/16. Plus there are a bunch of engines and things on that site. I could even get the ford coyote 5.0. 

[Ace-Garageguy]

I asked my son to look into this, and help. He looked at me like I just climbed out of a cave. He said its simple. I just need a computer with solid works, and a 3d printer. Im going to look into this more. I emailed a company about having an LS1 engine printed. And my son says with solid works, scaling is easy, so I could have a 1/8 scale, and a 1/12 scale, and a 1/16. Plus there are a bunch of engines and things on that site. I could even get the ford coyote 5.0. 

Yup.  You don't necessarily need SolidWorks, you just need a CAD program. But since HE works in SolidWorks, it ought to be a piece of cake for him to download the existing CAD files of the parts you want and convert them to STL format.

Once you have your STL files tuned to the degree of resolution you want   https://i.materialise.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-perfect-file-resolution-when-turning-your-3d-model-into-a-3d-print/

you simply email the file for each part to somebody like Shapeways.    http://www.shapeways.com/

They print it in any scale you want.

The effort on your part was going to be getting a real handle on how this stuff works, getting a CAD program installed in your computer and learning what to do with it. You've neatly sidestepped the learning process. Congratulations.  

Edited April 15, 2016 by Ace-Garageguy

[drummerdad]

Haha. Yes, I sidestepped it. I tried working with a few CAD programs in the past, and didnt have very much luck. I just cant get excited about CAD. I know its necessary, and this 3d stuff is crazy, but I dont want to spend hours in front of a screen building a digital picture or file. I spend enough time looking at this thing already.

[Ace-Garageguy]

You might be amazed at how fast you can design something in a CAD program these days once you get used to using it, especially something that doesn't have to actually WORK, or suffers from pre-3D printing manufacturing constraints.

For instance, it's possible to design a hollow part in CAD and print it...a part that couldn't be manufactured any other way without at least having seams or glue joints, etc.

There are even printers now turning out human body parts from living cells.

It's pretty magic stuff and I LOVE it...which may seem odd perhaps, considering that some of the younger guys here seem to think I'm a past-it old fossil, stuck in the past somewhere. 

[my66s55]

If you're interested in broadening your horizons, google SketchUp is a free 3D drafting program that you can learn on your own. Files developed in SketchUp can be translated into 3D printing-compatible form, or once you're comfortable working in this media, you can go on to more powerful drafting programs.

http://www.sketchup.com/

Scale-able drawings of the outside dimensions you'd need to create a file for the LS engine are available online.

Or search "STL file LS engine"  or "CAD file LS engine" for existing files.

b

http://www.3dcadbrowser.com/download.aspx?3dmodel=95292

 

.The grabcad file is only jpegs, not a 3d cad file usable for printing   

[my66s55]

Depends on what you're printing, and in what scale, I guess...

I printed a girl like this. The only thing is, I can't post up a picture because the only thing she's wearing are the high heals. She's 1/25 scale too and the detail is 

[my66s55]

It'll take some effort, but it's not curing cancer.

There's a lot of free information out there, and all you have to do is search it and read what you find until you understand the concepts and processes.

Here's an engine block, LS3  

Here's the web address to download the CAD file.  https://grabcad.com/library/ls3-engine-block-1

Once you have the CAD file, you need to be able to manipulate it, or have someone convert it to an STL file, which is what 3D printers need.

Here's a printable PDF article on doing that with various CAD programs, including SketchUp. The info is out there.

ttp://www.cimetrixsolutions.com/downloads/SSYS-BP-CADtoSTL-10-11.pdfThis is a perfect example of a good cad file to print. I printed a 1/24 th version when I first got my dlp printer working.

 

[astroracer]

The GrabCad site allows you to download PDF's, IGES and X_T (parasolid) files IF the files exist for that model.

 Having NX6 here at home I can download and convert any 3D file as long as it is in an IGES or X_T format.

If any of you were watching my Pro-Touring tire and wheel thread ( http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/101196-124th-scale-pro-touring-tires-and-wheels-gauging-interest/ ) you will see what can be done with a good 3D design program and a high end 3D Printer.

Mark

Edited April 15, 2016 by astroracer