PDA

View Full Version : Electrical New 3D Printed Light Switch - Just About Ready



flux3d
12-02-2014, 06:01 PM
HI guys, I've been working on a little project that I'm just about ready to share with the wider community. Ever since becoming the owner of 10719 I've wanted to repair the actual light switch. There's nothing physically wrong with it, except the centre "illuminated" symbol has just about worn away, leaving white plastic behind. I've tried a few different solutions, but with no real success. However, recently I gained access to a 3D printer and I thought a perfect project would be to re-create the original switch. Well after many weeks of work here are the results so far. Not complete. I'd like to tweak a few things, but nevertheless I have created a well finished, working, and slightly upgraded switch.

The main part I've modelled up in CAD, tweaking it so it's a perfect fit to the main body, just like the original. It's moulded in hard wearing, ABS plastic, so it can stand up to anything the original can. I've also managed to get the surface finish looking pretty good as well. I might try a more matt black finish, but I'll post the results of that when they are done.

The centre "illuminated" symbol was a real pain to recreate, but I'm very pleased with the result. I've perfected a technique which will allow me to place a perfect replica of ANY symbol you want onto the centre section. In fact as you can see from the two DMC logos just about anything can become an illuminated symbol, for any flat surface. I've got plans to start modelling some of the plastic door sections near the mirror switch and incorporating similar "illuminated" sections for extra effect. I've always thought the door cards looked a little boring. :)

I'll post more soon, but if you want to see the early stages I've been posting results on the UK owners forum here. http://www.deloreaneurotec.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=4418&p=60145#p60145

Let me know what you think.

Mark

TTait
12-02-2014, 07:15 PM
I think this is brilliant - I had a similar problem for a long time as well - but Ed Bernstien has recently started selling a repair kit on ebay...

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?10822-Delorean-One-headlight-switch-replacement-logo&p=161956#post161956

The idea of putting in custom artwork is brilliant - and I think your solution is likely good forever - it shouldn't wear like the original.

Tillsy
12-03-2014, 04:32 AM
I've got plans to start modelling some of the plastic door sections near the mirror switch and incorporating similar "illuminated" sections for extra effect.

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=31951&d=1417599116

Domi
12-03-2014, 03:42 PM
Good job, I like the blue effect :)

Bitsyncmaster
12-03-2014, 04:16 PM
Did you 3D print the outlines in clear plastic and then fill with the black?

kajcienski
12-03-2014, 05:55 PM
I would totally love one of these! Along with the hazards!

SoCalDMC12
12-03-2014, 07:20 PM
Very cool... nice to know that someone is working on creating parts using 3D printing tech.

Side note: I own 10718... so your's came off the line right after mine!

flux3d
12-04-2014, 06:03 PM
Well kajciensk I'll have a hazard done by the end of tomorrow and I'll upload pics for you.

Originally it was mainly to replace my own switch. plus the challenge of getting it done, but I don't see why I couldn't make them to order. Either finished to the same high standard, or in the raw form if you wanted to do it yourself.

What else do you think would be great to reproduce in the car? Something fairly simple and small would be best. Any suggestions and I'll give it a go. I had a couple of ideas:


Centre console switches, with custom illumination
Door cards/panels
The centre boss of the steering wheel


If anyone has a cool logo or artwork they would like to see on an illuminated panel I'm all ears. Can give it a try. :)

SoCalDMC12, yeah we're DeLorean production like neighbours!

flux3d
12-04-2014, 06:05 PM
Oh, sorry Dave. It's kind of a combination of processes, but not 3D printed, well not yet.

Bitsyncmaster
12-04-2014, 06:38 PM
My old daily drivers are all showing switches with the black chipping off. The ultimate decal would be translucent white plastic lettering an solid black plastic around that. It's always been my goal to make a shift knob that way. Of course it would have LED lighting inside.

flux3d
12-06-2014, 01:56 PM
Just thought I'd update with the hazard switch logo I've done, plus one other. :) The red hazard seems to be harder to photograph for some reason. Well with my phone camera anyway. But the shots should give you an idea.
319743197531976319773197831979