Getting 3D parts printed

AnotherJoe

I'm looking at getting a small 3D part printed, I'd need three. They will be very small and very simple in shape, 3cm by 0.5cm by 0.1cm deep with a lip round the outside 0.1cm deeper. Think of a tiny box lid shape.
Any idea where to start looking? If I search for 3D online printing I get companies who expect CAD files for complex shapes and runs of hundreds, and prices to match, I'm looking for something that an amateur at home could produce given a line drawing with dimensions and I would pay a reasonable price but it's not worth me spending more than a few quid .
is this just something not realistic to expect? I've no experience of the costs of 3D printing.

Chino

AnotherJoe wrote: »

Any idea where to start looking?

There was the following thread earlier in the year which might provide some inspiration:
3d Print online for small jobs?

stator

If you don't have the CAD files then it will be difficult, people expect to be paid for the time creating the CAD Files.


Local companies that offer 3d printing are your best bet, instead of on-line ones.


When I had this problem in the end someone on an internet forum kindly offered to do my printing for me.

spadoosh

Have a look to see if there is a makerspace in your area.

https://www.hackspace.org.uk/

They typically house geeks and 3d printers and theyre normally quite willing to do small print jobs for a fee. If you need a CAD file, they should be able to offer help in that too if you need it.

Takmon

Can you post a pic of a dimensioned sketch of what you want?

forgotmyname

FreeCAD Its err Free. You can make your box from adding simple shapes.

I started my 3D models using that and still use it for simple shapes.

Simple job to add boxes and circles to build a shape. Got the dimensions? Sketch?

3D printers are so useful but dont forget that often you dont get a finished product. You can see layer lines that you may want to sand down or fill etc.

amberhen49

Speak to your local college and see if this is a service they offer. We have a 3D printer and allow local companies to use it for a fee.

As mentioned, you'd have to have the CAD files ready to go. It's just access to the printer that we provide.

AnotherJoe

Thanks guys, this mini trunking from amazon might do the job

I just need something like the bit protruding from the left, which is the cover, not the whole trunking (the bit with a blue face)

At £1.19 I'll buy something like that and give it a go, a bit of silver paint it should look OK and its a lot easier than trying to learn a CAD app, though thanks for the suggestions.


To put this in context I have screwed a L shaped bracket to a wall, the bottom bit of the L being uppermost, and I want to conceal the two screw heads.

forgotmyname

FreeCAD is easy. Its generally laughed at by those who can do proper CAD.

But if you can build with lego or wooden blocks it works. Made all sorts using it. Hinges for a shower screen. Upgrades for the 3D printer itself. Soap dish that fitted around the handle on the bath. Door runners for a metal shed. Extension for my soldering iron station that allowed me to fit a better power socket and fused switch. Parts for a lathe and milling machine.

Love my printer.. Wife says its the only sensible thing i have ever bought. And thats high praise indeed

droopsnoot

AnotherJoe wrote: »

Thanks guys, this mini trunking from amazon might do the job

Pity you don't know a local electrician, plumber, data cable installer - we used to throw out loads of short off-cuts of that kind of stuff.

forgotmyname wrote: »

FreeCAD is easy. Its generally laughed at by those who can do proper CAD.

That's frustrating - I downloaded it a while back to try to knock up a drawing for something I wanted to be laser cut in steel, but although I like to think of myself as reasonably technically competent, I struggled to find out how to do what I needed to. For example I knew the dimensions of holes, so I was hoping I could roughly draw a circle, then edit the "object" and provide diameter, x and y positions, but couldn't see where to do it.


I ought to give it another try, however I found someone to do the laser cutting who was prepared to do the drawing for free - a relatively simple shape he was able to run off in a few minutes.

forgotmyname

Use Part not Part Design. Part just adds simple shapes but you
can add a circle to a box and then cut the circle from the box giving
you a through hole.

Or you can add a circle to a rectangle which can give you a hinge with a pin. Experts will laugh but it works