I'm making custom car parts with a 3d printer

[darcane]

Originally Posted by Daox

I'm sure we can figure something out guys. It'll be a little bit though. I'm still getting used to the printer and how to design parts for it.

The shift knob is getting closer. I added a little tweak to the knob. I'm liking it.

Is the knob 1-piece or two halves? How do you get the button inside? Can you 3D print around the button and encapsulate it permanently?

[Daox]

You can do either. To encapsulate it, I'd just have to pause the printer part way through and insert the parts. I can then continue it and print around them. I haven't tried this yet. The first go around will be two halves.

[Daox]

I finished up the design today. I rotated the switch so its a bit more ergonomic looking, and added some countersunk holes for the two #6 socket head cap screws that'll hold the halves together.

I'm not real fond of having the holes on the side of the knob. The next version will probably do an upper and lower half so the bolts can go in through the bottom.

[cowmeat]

That looks pretty cool!

If you can make it with three buttons, one a little to the left of where you have it (90 degrees), one next to it at like 45 degrees, and one directly forward, I'm all in!
Thumb would be kill switch, middle finger could be brake regen, and pointer finger would be for the yet-to-be determined button.

[Daox]

Thanks cowmeat.

I'll see what I can do once I get mine printed out and know it actually will function nicely (no binding on the switch, goes together well, etc). I'm sure there will be tweaks.

I also ordered a handful of NC tactile switches today. I already have a few NO types.

[MetroMPG]

Only the passenger has to see the screw holes. And you have a passenger how often in this ol' beater??

[pletby]

Looks great Daox.

Makes me think of fighter jets and the HOTAS (hands on throttle and stick) concept where the pilot never has to move his hands around the cockpit and can keep his eyes on the opponent, while being able to activate various systems with buttons on said stick and throttle. Neato!

[Daox]

Thanks guys. I haven't been home at all. I'm hoping I can get the two halves printed up tonight and see how it all fits up.

[OG VX]

New design looks great! If need be, I certainly don't mind the holes on the passenger side at all. No big deal. How will the green be painted? Will it come un-painted?

[Daox]

I updated the design today to be top and bottom half. I just think it'll be nicer.

As for the green, I'm not really sure yet. I could leave it unpainted if you'd like. I think some dabbed in enamel paint would look real nice. I'll mess around with mine once I get it printed up. Suggestions are welcome.