Does anyone have a 3D printer for dash vents?
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Bennington, NE. USA
Thanks. The picture were simply to provide Dave with context as he hasn't purchased his XK yet. I know more detailed measurements are necessary
I've thought about injection molding, carbon fiber, Fiber reinforced panels, (laminate is a new one). All share the same issue. Custom made = cost prohibitive.
I've tried contacting JLR to find out who makes the part to see if I can buy from them directly. No response. Jaguar only sells them with the dash.
Please keep the ideas coming.
My world won't end if this isn't doable and I'm picking nits, but anyone who's attempted dash repairs know these parts are as brittle as potato chips so we're all going to encounter it sooner or later.
I've thought about injection molding, carbon fiber, Fiber reinforced panels, (laminate is a new one). All share the same issue. Custom made = cost prohibitive.
I've tried contacting JLR to find out who makes the part to see if I can buy from them directly. No response. Jaguar only sells them with the dash.
Please keep the ideas coming.
My world won't end if this isn't doable and I'm picking nits, but anyone who's attempted dash repairs know these parts are as brittle as potato chips so we're all going to encounter it sooner or later.
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Veteran Member
Joined: Jun 2013
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From: USA
OK so this is a big fat no from me. I am unable to remove the vents with the windscreen installed. They are making too many cracking sounds and I'm not willing to risk it. Sorry if I got anyone's hopes up.
Dave, thanks for volunteering. AJ as well.
Sorry guys.
Dave, thanks for volunteering. AJ as well.
Sorry guys.
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Joined: Sep 2013
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From: NY
Just some out of the box thinking ,how about a group of folks chipping in and buying a used dash. Then extract the vents and who ever has the 3D printer could make up multiple sets. It sounds like based on the dash shrinkage issues that pop up maybe some would like to have an extra set.
Back in the Ferrari group we had a guy that started a small business on Ferrari 308 parts that were NLA. He called his company "Unobtainum Supply Co."Look up his web site. This is something/someone who we might need. Just thinking out loud.
Back in the Ferrari group we had a guy that started a small business on Ferrari 308 parts that were NLA. He called his company "Unobtainum Supply Co."Look up his web site. This is something/someone who we might need. Just thinking out loud.
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From: USA
Not a bad idea. Dave mentioned he was a month or so out from getting his XK. Perhaps he can re-address it when he has one in his hands, assuming he's willing and more successful that I am at pulling it.
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Joined: Jul 2013
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From: Northern Virginia
I have a quality FDM Printer that can print ABS. I also have a spool of black ABS on hand.
I can print a few to see if I can get a model (STL File). Probably would want it post processed though.
I can print a few to see if I can get a model (STL File). Probably would want it post processed though.
