Info needed: 3D printers and laser engravers

[Matthew P]

I do this in both the model and the 1:1 world. We have used 3D modeling and both resin and filament printing as part of our process to make our replica battery cases. Right now the most effective way is someone proficient in CAD draws up the part, I print it, then we use that as a master to cast more in resin.

Both the scanners and the data processing power to create a file are beyond any hobbyist means. A scanner good enough to do the job, not some toy app you can download to your iPhone requires way more data processing then most of us have in our home computers. On the other hand I can send some photos and dimensions to friends who can render in 3D effectively and cost me $50 for say a battery vent cap. Even if the scanner and data processing was within reach, you would still have to be versed in computer rendering to fill in gaps, set up wall thicknesses of various aspects of the part, reinforcements in other places etc etc. The scanner cannot do for you what it cannot see.

Here is an example of applying 3D resin printing technology along with "traditional" urethane resin casting.

Matt

[Mike K]

Nice job with the Willard battery case. That is a impressive result. Quite a lot of time and effort is involved in a project like that.

1945 Australian advert depicting a Jeep

[Matthew P]

Mike,

Thank you. It was countless hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars. But we have sold over 50 of them so far without even trying. Interesting that the 1945 Adverts in Australia are for a battery that in the US was succeeded in 1939 or so by the Safety Fill, patented in 1938.

As to laser cutting/engraving:

I've drawn up CAD files and sent them to our local metal supplier to have tail lamp brackets or blackout switch covers made. I then did the bending on a shop press. At the other end of the spectrum, with a home/hobbyist laser cutter a friend has been making the Canadian 24-hour ration boxes to fit in the mess tins and use the laser at the lowest setting to put the lettering on the paper. As long as it's black you want it's an alternative to letterpress.

Matt