Upper and Lower M Console Trim redesign and development! Taking over a dead thread.

[MarketMaster]

That seems a bit high. You can still buy these for close to that price new from stores like ECS tuning. https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...e/51162491400/

printing it from china would probably cut some of the cost but the realization, if 3D printed, at decent quality, isn't that cheap. If people want a cheaper part, they will need to pay for tooling which is very high.

[BimmerBreaker]

3D printing should be cheaper than that though. I could buy an SLA printer for like $1400, if pieces from it sell for $125 id buy a printer and start churning stuff out tomorrow.

Parts like this get expensive when companies ask for labor hours for running the machines. If a fellow enthusiast does it we shouldnt have to pay those labor hours. Materials-wise these parts dont use a lot

[MarketMaster]

3D printing should be cheaper than that though. I could buy an SLA printer for like $1400, if pieces from it sell for $125 id buy a printer and start churning stuff out tomorrow.

Parts like this get expensive when companies ask for labor hours for running the machines. If a fellow enthusiast does it we shouldnt have to pay those labor hours. Materials-wise these parts dont use a lot

Everyone makes 3D printing sound easy. I encourage you to give it a shot and try it out. The good quality stuff does require time and effort.

[Mr Bingley]

Well, it seems clear that the answer is that 3D printing is not a feasible solution to simply buying the part new. It is probably a good idea to buy a spare now while they're still available, as they will no doubt be NLA soon enough.

This thread has really been informative though--I had no idea of the serious limitations of 3D printing--I thought the technology was much further along than it is. After what I've seen here, I would call 3D printing a nice parlor trick, but not a serious solution to DIY fabrication. We are still apparently a very very long way off from fabricating parts locally from digital scans.

[Venom13132]

Well, it seems clear that the answer is that 3D printing is not a feasible solution to simply buying the part new. It is probably a good idea to buy a spare now while they're still available, as they will no doubt be NLA soon enough.

This thread has really been informative though--I had no idea of the serious limitations of 3D printing--I thought the technology was much further along than it is. After what I've seen here, I would call 3D printing a nice parlor trick, but not a serious solution to DIY fabrication. We are still apparently a very very long way off from fabricating parts locally from digital scans.

3D printing should be cheaper than that though. I could buy an SLA printer for like $1400, if pieces from it sell for $125 id buy a printer and start churning stuff out tomorrow.

Parts like this get expensive when companies ask for labor hours for running the machines. If a fellow enthusiast does it we shouldnt have to pay those labor hours. Materials-wise these parts dont use a lot

I think BimmerBreaker made the point. The tech is there but paying a company to make these isn't going to make it feasible. 3D printing tech is definitely there. I get amazing parts 3D printed in Metal for work but they are super expensive because you have to pay for the company that makes it's overhead and hourly rates for their employee to make it plus the cost of actually making it. This is going to take someone to spend some money on a printer and donate their time. Or find someone with a printing hook up. I used to work with a guy who was going to help print these but he got let go and I didn't get his contact info before he left. I'm sure with some effort I could get back in contact with him. I have toyed with the idea of buying a printer (I think it would be cool to have one any way) but I just don't have the money right now.

[s8ilver]

Surprised more haven't gone the carbon fiber skinned route...mine look exactly the same as when I installed them over a year and a half ago.

IMG_4513.JPG20160506_202338.jpg

[Venom13132]

Surprised more haven't gone the carbon fiber skinned route...mine look exactly the same as when I installed them over a year and a half ago.

IMG_4513.JPG20160506_202338.jpg

I tried to do that myself but didn't like the results. I guess its practice makes perfect. Skinning works if you don't have broken parts. But people wanting to replace broken console trim pieces or to have a custom piece with fewer switch or custom switch mounting holes need a printed pieced. Those could be skinned afterwards.

[MarketMaster]

sorry for reviving an old thread but was the file taken down? Is there anyway to reupload?

[Venom13132]

sorry for reviving an old thread but was the file taken down? Is there anyway to reupload?

https://grabcad.com/library/lower-console-trim-1

https://grabcad.com/library/bmw-z3-m-upper-radio-trim-1

[MarketMaster]

Thanks!

https://grabcad.com/library/lower-console-trim-1

https://grabcad.com/library/bmw-z3-m-upper-radio-trim-1

[alquazi]

https://grabcad.com/library/lower-console-trim-1

https://grabcad.com/library/bmw-z3-m-upper-radio-trim-1

I'm not familiar with 3D printing but know a company that does a lot of it and might be able to get them to print these for me. Are these final designs?

[Venom13132]

I'm not familiar with 3D printing but know a company that does a lot of it and might be able to get them to print these for me. Are these final designs?

those are not "final designs" they are 3D scans of actual parts. Printing directly from those files you will have to do a little cleaning up of the threaded mounting holes. Because the scanner couldn't see down in them.

[Sr20Tz3]

I would love to see this bacl in the works

[milamookie]

I actually have those scan files and have plans to 3D model over it for a proper file that can be printed. It’s on my long list of M coupe projects i have to do. There would have to be some post print hand work done to get a proper finish but I think it could be done. I have a black interior so paint matching for me won’t be an issue.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Sr20Tz3]

Please prioritise this

[JDKotulak]

Venom13132 are you fabricating these console pieces now?

[Wcumoron]

I would love to see the radio trim reuploaded, if anyone here still has it. TIA!

[Venom13132]

I am not working on this at all. I don't have an M any more. The scan files are still there on GrabCad for someone who has the time to work on modifying this.

https://grabcad.com/library/lower-console-trim-1

https://grabcad.com/library/bmw-z3-m-upper-radio-trim-1

[magnetchief]

I’m going to take a look at these myself.
I’m a competent cad jockey.

I’ll take a look at then using Autodesk Inventor.

I have a couple of resin printers. Maybe I can fit the model onto the plate.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Venom13132]

I’m going to take a look at these myself.
I’m a competent cad jockey.

I’ll take a look at then using Autodesk Inventor.

I have a couple of resin printers. Maybe I can fit the model onto the plate.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm not sure you can really use these models as solids. You can use them as references to recreate a Solid body that is modifiable. You should be able to print from these files though.

[magnetchief]

I'm not sure you can really use these models as solids. You can use them as references to recreate a Solid body that is modifiable. You should be able to print from these files though.

Yea I see that. Been playing this am.
I have a solid model and can ‘modify’ it.

Can print without an issue. Except the scale.

Tried the parameters at 1” and it’s tiny.

I’m going to have to investigate further.

I’m using a Form3 printer and Preform software.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[PhilPhil]

Watching this thread, for reasons I don't think I need to explain.

[Venom13132]

the parts were scanned with GOM software. You might be able to download some of their free software to help with the scaling.

GOM Inspect Pro: Making quality easily visible | Software for 3D inspections

[Shubacca]

Id be interested if you get it solved. That's about as much help as I can provide

[magnetchief]

Need to figure the scale out




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk