So, instead of modifying the wheel to fit the center caps i have/want to run, im thinking maybe I can have a properly fitted cap printed. Id need to do 8 of them as id like to do both cars on rotas.
Will it hold up? Car will be autocross and street driven. Actually would be on the previously challenged miata, and the new challenge neon.
Also, can 3d stuff be painted?
yes and yes. How long is another question, but if made from ABS and painted right it should be good for a long time.
Would not take on the track though.
It's doable, you'll want to print in ABS or a tougher material. They can be sanded and painted. PLA is will deform in a hot wheel.
Shapeways has a versatile plastic material that they say can withstand up to 325F. They can also print metals but that gets expensive in a hurry.
"Factory" center caps on aftermarket wheels won't stand up to the heat of track use either, so I wouldn't take that as a design requirement. Autox should be no problem.
The ones we use usually have a series of tabs on the back side with a big springy ring behind to provide the hold. I can get you some pics if that would help.
Yeah, "real" plastic center caps melt on track, so as long as you're okay with not taking them on a road course I'd print them out of ABS and see what happens. They should hold up fine.
Cool!
Now to find a print shop. Just wanted to make sure I was going the right way.
Anyone here want to make some and make some money? Before i go to Google or craigslist.
Keith: thats the way ive seen factory ones as well. So, we should be good there! Granted, the caps on the duster wheels are held on by o rings.....
I'm sure someone here could print some for a few bucks. Looks like models of them are readily available. I could help with the CAD side if you need.
If it's a standard 67.1mm center bore, you may be able to get a generic off-the-shelf one and just put a sticker on it. That's how Advanti center caps come, you even get to put the sticker on yourself. I might look to see if I have some.
I came up with 61.2mn with the calipers. Closest i could get due to not actually owning a bore gauge and my calipers hitting everything. Mu Google search shows them at 2.4xx inches, so i know im close.
The caps i want Re a dome. Just a simple dome like the chain link fence post caps i run on the duster wheels.
Id be more than happy to do buisness here at home than going to some strangers!
Digging the fence parts.
In reply to Keith Tanner :
Thanks! Someone made a comment about it at a car show once. I went and did it...
I've done it a couple times. It's difficult to get the strength and resolution needed with filament printers but I've done a few sets on my resin machine. I do a couple light coats of rustoleum primer and then what ever color spray paint is needed and they've held up pretty well.
What about making a buck, getting some casting sand, and casting some aluminum ones on a home forage?
RacetruckRon said:I've done it a couple times. It's difficult to get the strength and resolution needed with filament printers but I've done a few sets on my resin machine. I do a couple light coats of rustoleum primer and then what ever color spray paint is needed and they've held up pretty well.
Wanna do a few more? Those would be perfect, and you already have a file....
In reply to Dusterbd13-michael (Forum Supporter) :
Shoot me a pm. I can probably help you out.
In reply to RacetruckRon :
Done!
I printed some for a guy from PETG. That was almost 2 years ago. He said they are holding up great.
Dusterbd13-michael (Forum Supporter) said:Cool!
Now to find a print shop. Just wanted to make sure I was going the right way.
Anyone here want to make some and make some money? Before i go to Google or craigslist.
Keith: thats the way ive seen factory ones as well. So, we should be good there! Granted, the caps on the duster wheels are held on by o rings.....
If you're still interested, sent you a message (email?) through here. I've done several sets with my filament printer for customers and they're holding up great.
RacetruckRon also made me a set before I got my own printer with resin and they're super slick!
In reply to engiekev :
Replied!
I bought a set made out of PETG from someone this summer for the daisy's on the Miata I bought. After I plastidipped the wheels black, the black caps look great. See if I can find a photo on my phone. (He contacted me a few weeks ago, said he finally lost a cap after 2 years, and updated the file. He sent me the file after I promised not to resell.)
There is a guy on the neon pages 3d printing "trunk kit" wheel center caps
I made wheel-spacer centering rings out of PLA. (The spacer ID was slightly too big and I just needed something to keep them centered until they got clamped in place by the wheel.) I assumed they would melt and have to be replaced every time I removed the wheels, but they have not. I probably am not hard enough on the brakes.
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