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Hey guys, I saw some Lazer ZX parts that nave been designed on the 3D printing website Shapeways and was wondering if anyone's had any Optima parts done yet? I tried searching but nothing came up.

I think the most wanted parts for the first gen chain drives would have to be the front bumper and the chain guides. I don't know anything about the 3D designing side of things so maybe someone on here who is could organize something?


Keith

Almost 50 views and nuthin. I thought someone might've at least expressed an interest in getting these parts done. Feel free to make suggestions of any other parts that you might want or need 3D printed.


Keith

3D printed parts would be great for runners. I would love to create an Optima Mid in white

A person in Sweden has started an Open RC project to test and share 3D models for RC cars. Anyone can download his work and contribute with changes.
https://plus.google.com/communities/112745535856143176146

One of his 3D printed cars:



"Optima House" has rendered models of the mid so he should have the 3D models also. Not shareware though.

I know printed parts are used in prototype models, just to check the size and fit of a design. But as far as I know the parts will be pretty weak compared to proper moulded or cnc items. I can only imagine a printed rc car would not last very long at all.

That depends on a few factors. They are not necessarily weaker. It depends on how you construct the internal structure and what your rig is capable of. I would submit that properly engineered, they can out perform regular injected parts.

What I need is a 3D printer that outputs aluminum parts. I'm not interested in installing plastic parts on my cars...but then again, I'm not into Tamiya.

I think the 3d parts should be used for like bones and body parts and stuff.I would like to see a shop offer more nice reproduction parts molded plastics. optima type gear sets .Ive been a machinist for 30 are so years I could see making some molds and making my own reproductions but I think its like taboo are something, maybe patent infregments,It sure would be nice to have unlimited supply of all the parts that wear out,But then I guess collecting and having all new classic optimas,ultimas,mids and lazers wouldnt be great and cool and fun. I do one day want all my cars having new parts so I can go run my cars and have replacment parts

Would a Javelin rollcage be possible? Plastic would work.

Wheels. I want the original spoke rims but in 2.0 or 2.2, and turbo optima or mid style in 2.2. Not sure if 3d printing is strong enough, but machining certainly works

There are a number of threads here on this topic. Seems like the general consensus is that the parts can't be made well/strong enough with the current technology.

LOHAS 3D printed shock collar

I recently purchased a pair of the chrome 2.0" front Optima rims from a seller on eBay. He was claiming that whilst the parts new in pack were the medium width he was also supplying the parts required to convert the rims to the wider rear type. When I received them in the mail the extra parts look printed. I am yet to fit them but they actually look rugged enough to do the job.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/300892823288

J.M. wrote:I recently purchased a pair of the chrome 2.0" front Optima rims from a seller on eBay. He was claiming that whilst the parts new in pack were the medium width he was also supplying the parts required to convert the rims to the wider rear type. When I received them in the mail the extra parts look printed. I am yet to fit them but they actually look rugged enough to do the job.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/300892823288

How is the plating on those?

rangerg wrote:Would a Javelin rollcage be possible? Plastic would work.

It'd be interesting to see how one would turnout actually, whether the piping/rod would be rounded properly or not.


Keith

Lowgear wrote:There are a number of threads here on this topic. Seems like the general consensus is that the parts can't be made well/strong enough with the current technology.

I think it'd depend on the part. If it was a load bearing part like a suspension arm or shock tower then maybe so. But I was thinking more of non load bearing things such as the front bumper and chain guides I mentioned in the first post. The bumper itself would need to be both strong and flexible which I think is one of the material options.

That said, the Lazer guys on Oople seem to be interested in trying printed parts.

http://www.shapeways.com/designer/Qimb528


Keith