3D printer CAD files

[topher5150]

There's talk about getting a 3D printer at work which got the gears turning about a new project, which got another idea going. What if we made a library of Solidworks, Inventor, etc...3D files, to scale, that everyone can use. Example if I wanted to do a Ford flathead, and wanted to use the original intake, and fuel pump I just go to the site pick the parts that I need download them and print them off. I was thinking this would be especially helpful to the larger scale modelers who's parts can be rather limited.

[doctor phillips]

Excellent idea!!! Where do I sign up?

[Jordan White]

There's a site, grabcad.com, where people can post their files, like your idea, and people can use them for free. All we would need to do is make an account there (when I say we, I mean each person), and post the files with a certain tag or tags that would show that they are for scale models and from MCM members.

Edited November 19, 2015 by Jordan White

[topher5150]

I was thinking too that if someone had some 2D drawings they could put them up so one of us could draw them up

[Foxer]

That's a lot of work you're talking about. Even with a good 3D file it will take some time to make it suitable for a 3D printer ... adding the inside surfaces, for instant. Even more work if you start with 2D files. I'm not trying to discourage, it would be great if something like this was available.

I've done a lot of work in 3D Studio Max, but consider myself an amateur at best. I've tried making a 3D mesh from 2D views and never got to far. I just didn't have that kind of time.

I have hundreds of 3D meshes of cars as that's what got me interested in 3D. The trouble is, most of these are proprietary and couldn't be used on a site like is proposed.

I see the future in places like Shapeways.com that sell 3D files you can download and print.

[Lownslow]

I already do this

 

[Foxer]

I already do this

 

and you do great work! It's just that many think this is something you can learn overnight and it's not so. I'm sure it's taken you time to learn to make the wheels and things you do, Frank.

[Lownslow]

and you do great work! It's just that many think this is something you can learn overnight and it's not so. I'm sure it's taken you time to learn to make the wheels and things you do, Frank.

I did the basics in 2 weeks took 2 years to get where im at practice is why i keep improving