As I have people here who have/continue to generously give me and others their time and assistance, I've wanted to return the favors which is hard when you're an E46 noob.
I do have however, a bit of background in 3D printing, and have been active in helping new players get started in printing.
It seems there's some interest in the E46 on Thingiverse, which is the main repository for shared files.
www.thingiverse.com
I have 2 machines. One is a basic low temp PLA/PETG machine which is great for prototyping as it's quick and uses the cheaper materials. The other is a much more complex (and troublesome) custom enclosed machine which can run very high temps and exotic filaments, but is certainly not the first stop when designing prototypes.
If you want to get into printing, I can show you the absolute cheapest/best way to start, and help you dial it in.
If you want to design parts for the E46, I will run a few test prints for you and we'll see how they look. I use a free cad program that works well called "Design Spark Mechanical". If you use that you can email files to me that I can adjust etc with no losses or other issues with the files. It's actually a product selling tool from RS, but it's based on a very expensive program called "Spaceclaim". You just have to close the opening RS home page each time you open it. That's an Australian link, but it was Americans who put me onto this program years ago.
au.rs-online.com
There are limitations with these sorts of parts, like dimensions, strength, UV/temp resistance etc. No point asking me to print a set of diff mounts or something, they won't work. Think of things like window winder brackets, accessory mounts, that sort of thing.
If you've already got a printer and are not happy with the results, you can post some pics and I'll try to point you in the right direction.
With these cars getting older and with the known fail points, possibly we could reinforce/replace some of the silly little plastic bits that break?
Please feel free to ask anything, and if this is the wrong place for this thread could the Mods please move it to where it would be more suitable.
I do have however, a bit of background in 3D printing, and have been active in helping new players get started in printing.
It seems there's some interest in the E46 on Thingiverse, which is the main repository for shared files.
Search Thingiverse - Thingiverse
Search and download free 3D printable objects for your projects, from prototypes to home improvements.
www.thingiverse.com
I have 2 machines. One is a basic low temp PLA/PETG machine which is great for prototyping as it's quick and uses the cheaper materials. The other is a much more complex (and troublesome) custom enclosed machine which can run very high temps and exotic filaments, but is certainly not the first stop when designing prototypes.
If you want to get into printing, I can show you the absolute cheapest/best way to start, and help you dial it in.
If you want to design parts for the E46, I will run a few test prints for you and we'll see how they look. I use a free cad program that works well called "Design Spark Mechanical". If you use that you can email files to me that I can adjust etc with no losses or other issues with the files. It's actually a product selling tool from RS, but it's based on a very expensive program called "Spaceclaim". You just have to close the opening RS home page each time you open it. That's an Australian link, but it was Americans who put me onto this program years ago.
DesignSpark | Design Software | Technology Community
Your go-to design engineering platform Accelerate your design time to market with design software, access to CAD neutral libraries, early introduction to products and support from engineers and manufacturers
au.rs-online.com
There are limitations with these sorts of parts, like dimensions, strength, UV/temp resistance etc. No point asking me to print a set of diff mounts or something, they won't work. Think of things like window winder brackets, accessory mounts, that sort of thing.
If you've already got a printer and are not happy with the results, you can post some pics and I'll try to point you in the right direction.
With these cars getting older and with the known fail points, possibly we could reinforce/replace some of the silly little plastic bits that break?
Please feel free to ask anything, and if this is the wrong place for this thread could the Mods please move it to where it would be more suitable.
