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PuYang · 06-02-2018, 03:52 PM

Sorry to bump this, but I thought I'd chime in a bit.

Typically, when it comes to an actual product that already exists (in this case, a wheel cap), it would be more cost effective / practical to just buy one.

Unless you have a 3D digital model of the cap, the artist (or whoever) would have to create that from scratch, and spend time matching the details exactly. (A highly detailed and accurate replica, both aesthetically, and measurements).

Until 3D scanning technology gets better / more accessible. Unless you already have a perfect digital model of it, then it isn't too difficult.

A while ago, I helped a RS member here (Thumper) make a car badge. I charged him 50 bucks for it, but it took me a few hours to create the model digitally, and then a few more hours printing, testing, and reprinting.

If I were to charge him my typical hourly wage, the final badge would have costed him a few hundred bucks. I also did not charge him material costs (although the ABS plastic I used doesn't cost that much).

IF you already have a perfect digital model, I suggest sending it to a company or someone professional enough to print it PERFECTLY. By this I mean a good printer, good slicing software, and a good technician to set up the files and finish the final print to proper specifications. (This of course is assuming you don't have the knowledge / experience to set up a print).

When I am not printing my own models at home for fun, I send them to a company called SHAPEWAYS. They are based in New York, and will occasionally have free shipping coupon codes. They offer tons of materials such as steel, aluminum, and high detail plastics. Of course, they do all of the quality checks, and finishing, so the product you receive is generally as close to perfect as you'd expect. Their prices seem in line with the industry (compared multiple printing companies).

I've used them to print jewelry (rings, necklace pendants, cuff links), buckles for my watches, and some other nick nacks.

When ordering from a company like Shapeways, I, the artist, create / model that I want myself, following their material guidelines (different materials have different tolerances on sizes, thickness, etc). I then upload it to their site, and order it in the material I want. They set up the file orientations, print the model, and QC / polish the print, then ship it to me.

Anyway, hope this helped shed some light on the whole process.

06-02-2018, 03:52 PM	#7
PuYang I Will not Admit my Addiction to RS Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Burnaby Posts: 578 Thanked 254 Times in 101 Posts Failed 6 Times in 4 Posts Member's Picture Albums	Sorry to bump this, but I thought I'd chime in a bit. Typically, when it comes to an actual product that already exists (in this case, a wheel cap), it would be more cost effective / practical to just buy one. Unless you have a 3D digital model of the cap, the artist (or whoever) would have to create that from scratch, and spend time matching the details exactly. (A highly detailed and accurate replica, both aesthetically, and measurements). Until 3D scanning technology gets better / more accessible. Unless you already have a perfect digital model of it, then it isn't too difficult. A while ago, I helped a RS member here (Thumper) make a car badge. I charged him 50 bucks for it, but it took me a few hours to create the model digitally, and then a few more hours printing, testing, and reprinting. If I were to charge him my typical hourly wage, the final badge would have costed him a few hundred bucks. I also did not charge him material costs (although the ABS plastic I used doesn't cost that much). IF you already have a perfect digital model, I suggest sending it to a company or someone professional enough to print it PERFECTLY. By this I mean a good printer, good slicing software, and a good technician to set up the files and finish the final print to proper specifications. (This of course is assuming you don't have the knowledge / experience to set up a print). When I am not printing my own models at home for fun, I send them to a company called SHAPEWAYS. They are based in New York, and will occasionally have free shipping coupon codes. They offer tons of materials such as steel, aluminum, and high detail plastics. Of course, they do all of the quality checks, and finishing, so the product you receive is generally as close to perfect as you'd expect. Their prices seem in line with the industry (compared multiple printing companies). I've used them to print jewelry (rings, necklace pendants, cuff links), buckles for my watches, and some other nick nacks. When ordering from a company like Shapeways, I, the artist, create / model that I want myself, following their material guidelines (different materials have different tolerances on sizes, thickness, etc). I then upload it to their site, and order it in the material I want. They set up the file orientations, print the model, and QC / polish the print, then ship it to me. Anyway, hope this helped shed some light on the whole process. __________________ <:D Last edited by PuYang; 06-02-2018 at 03:58 PM.