This IS 3D printed...

So my 3D printed TSS mount showed up today. I'm receiving my TRD Pro grill tomorrow and it's going to a buddies shop for paint. I'll be throwing this thing on my truck this weekend after I install my King Coilovers.

This thing is NICE. If only I could use a 3D printer I'd think about getting my own. I'm very surprised how well this came out.

https://imgur.com/a/GPkpR0Q

 

Looks well made! Don't forget to give us a report on how well it works, or doesn't work.

 

I will keep everyone updated. Worst case if I doesn't work, I'll order the 2019 TRD setup and plate.

 

Was able to get it in without removing the grille.

 

I just got mine today also! Can't wait to install it.

 

Just curious if that part has been tested to hold up to radiator heat. I'm not sure how hot it gets there but anything over 200f will be a problem.

 

Where did you order these from?

 

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3061300

 

I have a printer, but never printed ABS. Seen a lot of people say how tough it is to keep from warping during print. I wonder if you can coat it with some sort of heat shield or sealant to keep it from melting/warping from the heat...

Saving that file though just in case... hope it works out for the long haul!

 

as far as warping goes, remember, there's lots of plastic in and around the engine bay and radiators. I think the horns are plastic and they seem fine, as well as a lot of clips, the grill itself, the actual TSS sensor, and a host of other things. I think you'll be fine. Let us know how it works out.

 

About 1,000 miles so far and no warpage. I'm stationed in Miami, and it's hot, and just drove back to NC to be with my wife during hurricane Florence without issues.

Before those in the "know" talk, maybe a little research should be done about the strengths of ABS before they start spreading rumors about something they think they know. ABS is some of the strongest and most durable plastics used in 3D printing. https://www.simplify3d.com/support/materials-guide/abs/ You know those Legos that you step on and it feels like you just walked on a ninja caltrop? Made of ABS. This plastic is extruded (melted) just like form injection. If you're REALLY concerned you can have it made to 100 percent and there will be no internal voids, it'll be a solid block of ABS plastic. As far as heat: you know those plastic knobs and side panels on a toaster oven? What about the plastic casing of a toaster? Guess what they're made of.

For those without a vested interest in alternative methods of mounting, this is a substantially cheaper alternative. If you search posts you'll find that an almost 300% markup for parts that can be purchased at Lowe's to be absolutely abserd. R&D consisted of bending brackets to get the correct angle. This bracket was designed by an engineer that's worked for Ford, Chevy, and Dodge, AND can be printed for very cheap and then $10 in a shield and hardware and you're done.

With that I'm done. If you want to save money, go with this. If you need a more expensive alternative that you can make for $5 go with that then. I don't mind paying a premium when it can be justified, but to me it's not. Now I have to continue making preparations for the storm.

 

I don't have time to look up your old posts, but I did in the past . You admitted that your first setup was right $5, but I'm not going to grasp at straws.

I inquire about a lot of things. I'm not going to throw on just any home made item without knowing what it is. I'm an engineer in the Costs Guard so I'd like to think I know how things work. Just because I ask questions doesn't mean that I'm going to pay what I consider to be an unfair amount for your first setup. Your 2019 setup is different. I'm not the developer of the 3D printed device nor do I even have one. I have a lathe and milling machine here at home, so I know how to fabricate (not bend metal and have it powdered). Your first reply to the original thread where someone had posted up the files was to say that you didn't think it would work. Why? Because it's cheaper than yours and would take a bite into your profits?

You are the first one to make a viable alterative, and congrats on that. I see you the same as Isee the people that will rush in here after the storm with water, fuel, and generators and charge $1000 for a $500 generator. You, as the first person to make something, can charge whatever you want. Now, there are alternatives that were made cheaper (remember Henry Ford) and work.

 

Glad to hear your bracket is working for you Cuban. Keep us posted on your experience, this sounds like a great alternative for mounting the sensor.

 

I will Blair. Thank you.

 

I'm stationed in Miami, I said I was home in NC. That's where I have my tools. Can I make something myself? Sure, but not from that distance. But again smarter not harder.

You never sold anything for $5. You said it cost you $5. Your first setup was strap steel been at an angle (if I recall).

Yes I do have time to reply to the thread, I'm waiting for a storm to pass.

I'm glad you enjoy it. I'm going to enjoy suggesting that others look at their options that are cheaper but work just as well.

Right after this I'll post a picture of my lathe and mill. They're smaller but run about $1,000 for a full setup per unit and are used to make watches and small parts with 0.001 tolerances. I have a larger lathe bed with head that's under the work bench.

And if I have to order a 2019, I'll do it. I have 2,500 miles and already have spent $3K on King suspension, airbags, and done a liner in the bed. From what I've priced it to be, it's cheaper than that when your price or out, but if it's 1K, I'll do it.

Don't worry about me blowing away. 18 years of service so far, and 10.5 at sea has me a little bit used to angry storms, but thanks for the concern.

I'm glad you're volunteering. If you're in NC, swing by, I'll give you a cookie. I'd wager you're a lineman based on your picture. I've saved lives at sea throughout my career. Bring me a cookie too. I'll bring the milk.

 

There you go.
https://www.sherline.com

 

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The rest of us:

 

That made me lol. Thank you

 

And further clarification about warpage:

".....Not really basically think of it this way it's like warping on a metal pan. As you lay down a very hot layer of plastic on top of a cooler layer as that hot layer tries to cool it'll contract and actually pull the part up from the bed and warp it."

There's no warpage after it's cooled, rather it's extremely strong and able to withstand sitting in front of the radiator that has a pull through fan pulling air across it.

 

A 3D printed ABS Parts should be able to handle at least 350F with no distortion. It's over 450 degrees when we print it.

 

This is good!.lol. So now what?..

 

This has nothing to do with the reason it warps or doesn't warp.

The reason ABS warps is because it's printed at such a high temperature and because it contract so much when it cools. Basically you have the hot layer or the current layer pulling against the cooler layers below it that are contracting as it gets cooler causing the corners or any high-stress area to lift off the bed.

This can be corrected for with a heated bed a closed enclosure like you were pointing out and a sticky bed surface. You can also do things with the design such as add filited corners so that there is no stress Riser when the lower layers cool.

Basically I'm trying to say if it doesn't Warp during during the process it will not warp after it is built and installed. It has to do with the way the process works and not the post process environment.

 

Again ABS ONLY WARPS during the printing process and will not Warp after it is cooled initially!

 

https://youtu.be/9CS7j5I6aOc

 

And for those not in the know powder coating can be done super cheap with aftermarket guns, say like Eastwood. Taking strap steel, bending it and using one doesn't justify the price being asked.

 

I have and I don't have that issue... If your speed, acceleration, dwell times, and most importantly temperature setting's are correct the process is very robust! I don't have any issues anymore with warping and abs. Material brand and oddly enough color have a huge play in it as well.

Honestly I'm not trying to be a dick I just want people to understand that this is a lot more robust than what you're making it out to be.

Also I'm curious to why you bother with heat treating it. ABS is nice because it has a bunch of residual stress in the part which makes it stronger.

 

Done. Thanks for the grammatical correction. Now you should be able to see it's powder I was trying to say

 

Thought you were busy volunteering.