Practically Classics Forum

Okay with the advent of 3d printers and 3d printing services, who has
actually taken advantage of this technology and had parts made to order
and what have that been like when fitted?
(photos if you have them please!)

I have mentioned this elsewhere. It would be perfect for producing those parts that are no longer available. One example I can think of is the outer front wings and outer panel of the Triumph Dolomite. Heritage has the original toolng but it would cost ££££ to refurbish it and if even if it was done the panels would be prohibitvely expensive for the costs to be recovered. A 3D printer on the other hand, would be a fraction of the cost and once the exact dimesnions of the parts were determined by scanning one it can be reproduced many times over with the same result. An added advantage would be that there would be no stock to be held. They can be produced on demand. This is manufacturing on the next level.

Small trim parts are surely the prime candidates for this technique?

Yes my dear fellow you did mention this briefly in a different thread,
I just thought it might be an idea to see if someone has actually done
this for themselves and with what results!

So we all can get ideas on long sort after replacement or customised
parts that we might need!

could someone do me a lhd Bedford ca van with sliding doors & modern diesel engine?

Amazing technology this. Saw something the other day where they are talking about printing human body parts...possibly even internal organs!!

DoloMIGHTY wrote:Amazing technology this. Saw something the other day where they are talking about printing human body parts...possibly even internal organs!!

Surely those can be reproduced by a bog standard photo copier though? At least I assume that's why Debra from the admin block at work was taking some copies of at least one of her internal organs at the staff Christmas party last year. Poor machine hasn't been the same since, we had to get someone in to give it therapy.


Seriously though, I can believe that as - for example - the plastic that replaces the cartilage (sp? ) and the ball joints used in new hips these days could probably be "printed". If only they could find a way of installing them without cutting the telltale letterbox-style slots in one's buttocks, now that would be real progress. Imagine not being able to visit a naturist beach without people trying to post letters into your backside!