3D Printed Console Cup Holder Insert

[cstanley]

It’s been a while since I’ve been on the board, I kind-of dropped off the map for a while. Sometimes necessary.

But, I thought I’d share a small victory and tell a story.

Essentially, though my console was (and is) beautifully restored by a board member here, I managed to break some parts off the cup holder insert. And the cost of a repop was a surprise, to say the least.

Only slightly bummed, though because I’ve been wanting to experiment with customized designs, especially for improvements I could make to the layout. But before I can can get into design improvements, I wanted to make sure my 3D printer at home would reliably handle the original configuration.

So that’s all this is. I thought I’d share my success with this small project.
Mind you, this is only the first version as proof that my equipment would successfully recreate the design. I hope to make actual design improvements next.

1. I started by taking a few quick measurements, and whipping out the design in Autodesk Fusion 360. This was about a five minute exercise all-in.

2. I dropped the design file into my home 3D printer, a Prusa I3 Mk3. A good inexpensive consumer-level printer.

3. Went to bed.

4. Woke up and my part was done. Cool.

I used a glossy black plastic, and even though the resolution wasn’t at its finest, I’m pretty happy with it as a conceptual test print.

Anyway, here’s some pics and a link to my original design file on Thingiverse.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2988571

As a post to the experience, I have plans, now that it works. I plan to make some design improvements, particularly with the center cubby and adding some mounting bosses for maybe integrated lights, mounting switches or USB ports for my radio, or something. I haven’t decided yet. I might make a modular mounting system so that I can have several things, and swap them in/out as desired.

Once refined, I’ll probably send to a service like Shapeways to be printed in better plastic on a nicer printer.

Anyway, on with the pics...

[cstanley]

looks like this double-posted. can any mods remove this post without pics?

[Copper116]

Wow... those are great. Are you going to be making/selling these for orders? If so, do you have a price in mind?

Thanks.

[87Skier]

Those look good. Any concerns over durability? There was a member that made some 3D printed parts a while back that didn't hold up well, but I think you could probably sort that out by putting some good plastic-weld or similar glue type material on the underside for added strength.

[davepfanmiller@yahoo]

Are you selling any of them? if so, where do i sign up?

Thx,
Capt Dave