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mdlbldrmatt135

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Posts posted by mdlbldrmatt135

  1. There's still issues even doing that right now,  Depending on the filetypes you deal with.   .STL (Stereolithography) files  DO NOT like to scale nicely (this is the filetype most 3D printers use for printing).    Optimally you need some sort of Native CAD filetype to work with, and last I checked the full "reverse engineering" software was around $20k per license.    I did this because I may soon have access to a Professional Grade Industrial  3D scanner.

  2. Jim nailed it.  Even for the 3d printing guys,  it's all based on ROI.  First I have to research (find pics & measurements, or even drawings w/ Dimensions of the stuff if possible), then modeling the components into 3D can be time consuming.  Just for the fun of it, I uploaded (to Shapeways)  an assembled helper/pusher axle, we'll say it took me 20 hours to model in 3D and make it 3D Printable.  So,  based on a Median wage of 50k/yr for a CAD designer... that's about $25 per hour.   that's $500 I need to recoup, on something I don't know how well it'll sell.  For the sake of time I uploaded it fully assembled....  the Shapeways cost alone is $45.   Where do I set my break even point?   20 units?   how many people are going to spend $70 on a Helper/Pusher axle??  Even if I only charge say $10 per hour..... the cost per is still $55 based on a 20 unit break even point.

    helper.jpg

  3. All,  I finished the set yesterday.  I opted to go with an assortment of sizes for now, because of Shapeways new pricing model.  You can find a link on the Shapeways product page to the actual ones I used, based on model number.  There's 5 different ones total, with 20 each of the longest and like 42 each of the smallest.  Right now they're in 1/35 and 1/24 scales.  if you'd like a different one, just ask and I'll add it.

    https://www.shapeways.com/product/HMT9GN76D/hood-rubber-latch?optionId=85444747&li=marketplace

  4. I'm working on some more 3D printed detail parts.     What Size (length) Hood latches are most common?    I have the Short one (about  2.5" long) about finished, but figured it's not gonna work on Hoods....

    It looks like the smallest scale that will be readily printable will be 1/35.      I know other styles are used too...   if you can find a Sierra Pacific P/N  it'd make things happen quicker as I can find models to start with of most of their stuff.

    Matt

    220-100SS (2).jpg

    220-100SS.jpg

  5. All,

    Shapeways is changing the way they calculate the pricing for the 3D printed stuff they do.    In effect, the smaller sets I offer are going to go up in price because of their new "minimum charge" per file.   If the files have parts that are not attached they're going to add even more.   I need to go thru all my sets and see what I can "sprue" together to help the cost,  but on smaller stuff like the hook sets, the cost will go up.  Do I add more to them to the set try to offset the cost increase, do I try creating different combo packs (like the chain binders and adding more hooks for the chain ends?)

     

    Existing models have the price locked till Jan. 1 2019, but anything I add will get the new pricing.

    Looking for your opinions as you guys are the customers.

    Thanks!!

    Matt

  6. Still working on stuff.   I've added Snatchblock sets as well as some more Clevis' (with separate pins)

    https://www.shapeways.com/shops/downrangeproductions1-35th-scale?section=Hooks%2C+Casters%2C+%26+other+sets&s=0

     

     

    I will be tweaking the ratcheting binder set as I've been informed it's too small (it was modeled after one I measured but apparently it's smaller than thew more common ones)

  7. Looking for some non electric Diesels for a couple of projects in the planning stage.  I know the Cummins 4BT and 6BT are some of the more common smaller ones. Or any others???

    TIA!!!

     

    Edit... I believe Trailer Trash has the 6BT, as it's also known as a 5.9 12 valve engine.... Depending on the year he modeled it after... 

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