prototype wheels

[Lownslow]

figured this would be a worthy enough investment the site is called

http://www.shapeways.com/

you upload a 3d part file and for a price you can make your own in a lot of materials in various prices, you can also sell through their site.

heres the first wheel i drew and purchased this one is a generic 4 lug 4 spoke Cragar SS(the centercap has ODD extruded on it now but not in this pic) the wheel is around 13"

Edited May 11, 2012 by Lownslow

[Dr. Cranky]

It makes it in plastic or metal? Interesting possibilities.

[Lownslow]

It makes it in plastic or metal? Interesting possibilities.

depending on the volume and size yes. im thinking of scaling this up and getting a nice glass paper weight

[Dr. Cranky]

Oh, I misunderstood, I thought you were making a set of these for a model.

[Lownslow]

Oh, I misunderstood, I thought you were making a set of these for a model.

i am lol i ordered one then im gonna mold it and cast it but it would be fun to have a glass wheel replica like those avon glass cars

[Lownslow]

So, how much did it cost to have one wheel made ?

about 8$

[TurboKitty]

what exactly do you need in order to make a set of 4 wheels? I have some 16" that I would love to have machined in aluminum (or another metal as long as it could be polished).

Edited May 11, 2012 by TurboKitty

[Erik Smith]

This concept is very intriguing. I would love to see the results.

[Lownslow]

what exactly do you need in order to make a set of 4 wheels? I have some 16" that I would love to have machined in aluminum (or another metal as long as it could be polished).

they dont machine the wheels they use a extrusion process

[Lunajammer]

This concept is very intriguing. I would love to see the results.

Ditto. Please follow up with good pics.

[Mooneyzs]

Shapeways makes their parts with a rapid prototype machine. It is basically a 3D printer. TDR is a company that does have some model parts drawn up and they sell thru Shapeways. If you go over to the Drag racing and big boys sections you will see many of us drag car builders using the TDR parts made by shapeways. There is a '69 Camaro Pro Mod body that they sell there to. Comp1839 who builds 1/8th scale drag cars worked very close with a designer and the guys at TDR to get the body produced. It is an awesome piece of work too. I have personally bought parts from them and have been happy with what I have got. I will be buying more in the future as well. I would say they probably aren't for the beginner modeler because they require a little work as far as cleaning up. the accuracy is just amazing on these. I could post some pics of some of the parts I have bought. just let me know.

here is a link to TDR:

https://sites.google.com/site/tdrinnovations/

Edited May 11, 2012 by Mooneyzs

[Lownslow]

[crazyjim]

I'm going to try and look further into this. In the meantime, it's Friday and that means pool, pizza, popcorn, and WWE Friday night Smackdown. YESSSSSSSSSS!!

[Lownslow]

i switched to a different site after seeing this smoother material cost is more or less but the site allows you to scale the file to get different wheels on the fly so to speak.

[Fat Brian]

[Erik Smith]

Frank - what site is that from? That looks pretty smooth compared to some rapid prototyping I have seen.

I need an explanation with the wedding cake.

[Lownslow]

Frank - what site is that from? That looks pretty smooth compared to some rapid prototyping I have seen.

I need an explanation with the wedding cake.

http://i.materialise.com its called prime gray, when i get the cragar ill place an order for the 24" chopper wheel to them

[Lownslow]

I presume I need some form of CAD or 3D drafting program. Anyone know where I can download a free one to get started?

yep

i use inventor 2012 i got it from here, you do have to register.

www.students.autodesk.com

Edited May 13, 2012 by Lownslow