Fenders Flare - 3d Printing option - Page 2

BenJJ · 03-13-2019, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bfolens

I think the easy way to start would be to 3D scan a bush version and clean it on the desktop. After it is just a 3D printing;-)

I have a brand new set of rear flares in my garage I am trying to sell. You could borrow them (or buy them

) for a 3D scan if you want.

dirtanddogfur · 03-13-2019, 11:22 AM

I do a lot of 3D printing at work. PLA is not a terribly strong material and the melting temp is also quite low. For example, if you were to paint a PLA part black and put it in the sun, it would deform.

Also, unless you have access to a 3D printer (as in for free), it is probably cost prohibitive.

ABS would be a better option but, is pretty bad when exposed to UV. Paint might help here.

If you can find a printer that prints ASA, you might have better luck. Strong like ABS but UV stable.

In terms of glueing parts together, I have found good ol super glue does a great job and even a thin coat 'painted' over thing sections can increase strength immensely.

I 3D printed some rack pieces for a Rhino Rack tray to hold oars. They were ABS. I did a thin coat of epoxy, threw them under vac, sanded and painted them. They have been in the sun for about 12 months and still going strong!

EDIT: Another possibility would be to print an overmold and use fiberglass/carbon fiber to form the part.

86Scotty · 03-13-2019, 12:50 PM

Bushwacker would be foolish not to have strong patents on $20 pieces of plastic they charge several hundred for. They probably have a great corner on ice water in Alaska as well.

bfolens · 03-13-2019, 01:46 PM

I checked this yesterday via patent google search. There is technical design there.

Anyway, the plan is not to sell it (at all) or really copy paste it. Just starting from a model helps.

I need to figure this a bit more but will update this thread if i a coming to something.

I google this a bit too, much ne I found a guy doing this for Toyota.

Just need to find the time;-)

TomsBeast · 03-13-2019, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bfolens

I think the easy way to start would be to 3D scan a bush version and clean it on the desktop. After it is just a 3D printing;-)

Do you work in that field?

dirtanddogfur · 03-13-2019, 03:39 PM

I am wondering if it might be easier to start from scratch. Typically, scanned models come in as 3D point fields (mesh cloud) or STLS. Those can be tough to work with.

Might also be easier for patent protection if you can document a new(-ish) design.

bfolens · 03-13-2019, 04:28 PM

I do not work in that field but kind a good tech oriented;-)

I have some printers at home and play with it a bit, but nothing to professional level.

**Gooseberry** · 03-13-2019, 09:21 PM

If you have a sliding door I have a set of rears I need to find a home.

bfolens · 03-13-2019, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gooseberry

If you have a sliding door I have a set of rears I need to find a home.

Thanks for your generous offer but I have passenger doors.

Poptopper · 03-14-2019, 08:52 AM

Bushwacker has a monopoly on E series flares...nobody else makes any kind of flare for them, and the market is small, thus the high pricing. That said, they do occasionally go on sale. I've never paid more than $450 per set of 4 shipped and taxed. Put them in your Amazon wish list and you will get an alert when the price drops.

I think it would be cool (and perhaps profitable) to 3D print a variation that looks more off-road ready than the mild, stock-looking Bushwackers. Something with exposed screw heads like these Tacoma flares: