zsuttle
5 Cubic Foot
Posts: 88
Location: Hampton Roads, Virginia
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Post by zsuttle on Sept 16, 2019 22:04:09 GMT
As I recall, there seems to be a lack of reproduction parts for monitor tops. I couldn't seem to get a light plug for my CK unit, and I've seen countless others missing them. Also, I've seen a lot of damaged knobs as well. I've begun rapid prototyping a light plug off of an original that was lent to me. My current plans are to finish that, do a couple of test prints on a resin printer, and then make a mold to begin injection molding. If successful, I should be able to do knobs, and any other plastic parts if all goes well.
I know this was done previously, but as I understand it, that's currently on hold. Not trying to step on any toes, just offering to anyone who may need parts in the future.
I decided on injection molding because filament 3D printing layer by layer creates weak points, and I'm not sure how good that would be for knobs. It's also difficult to replicate the color of the knobs as the black filament doesn't really match. The resin printer is better as it can print much finer layers, but they're sensitive to change over time, hence, they make good prototypes but not finished products. Also, the resins are pretty nasty chemicals, so the less handling I have to do, the better.
Just wanted to get some input.
~Zach
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Post by ckfan on Sept 17, 2019 10:44:30 GMT
I think anyone who wants to try to reproduce these unobtanium parts should be commended! Thank you! I will love to see the results. One thing that is really needed and has already been made before is the back plate / carrier for the parts of the tall control DRs. There are also lesser needed parts like the little door buttons for Westinghouse fridges but that’s getting off topic slightly.
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Post by turbokinetic on Sept 17, 2019 12:05:54 GMT
Hi Zach - it's great that you're working on reproducing these parts. Injection molding is interesting. Do you have the machinery to do that at your shop, or will you farm it out? Anyway thanks for putting forth the effort!
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btfarm
7 Cubic Foot
Posts: 103
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Post by btfarm on Sept 17, 2019 12:13:51 GMT
What are your ideas for the female threaded insert? I have some experience with thread inserts but not in such a small size as the #6 or #8 that's used in this application.
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zsuttle
5 Cubic Foot
Posts: 88
Location: Hampton Roads, Virginia
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Post by zsuttle on Sept 17, 2019 15:12:37 GMT
I'm planning to do all of the work myself, I thought about farming out, but the overall cost would just be too much for the low volume of parts. Currently I have a small setup that I've used for projects and such, though I haven't used it in years. It's a homebuilt unit that I fabricated off of plans. I's pretty crude, and I'm not sure if it would be able to do enough plastic at a time. I'll probably build a larger one. I've purchased plans for a few, so we'll have to see.
As far as the threaded insert, it looks like a press fit insert, though I haven't given it much thought. I haven't worked with anything that small either, but I'm sure I can work through it. McMaster has a pretty good scelection, I should be able to find a few and try them, it appears to be a #6.
For a timeline, I'm pretty busy until december, so that's when I'm planning to get most of the manufacturing equipment done. I've already gone throught a few iterations in CAD to make the plug look as original as possible. Still not completely satisfied, mainly with the interior of the plug. Hopefully that should be done in a couple of weeks. I've also been working on making the copper connectors for the plug off of #26 copper sheet. I'm hoping to have everything finished and accepting other pieces by early next summer. (We'll see how everything goes.) If worst comes to worst, I can always have it farmed out, but still trying for now.
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Post by ckfan on Sept 17, 2019 17:38:18 GMT
Excellent! Keep us posted on the results!
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Post by Travis on Sept 17, 2019 21:35:25 GMT
The DR tall control back got made, but I never saw the result in person. I would love some of the female cord connectors for the short control.
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Post by coldspaces on Sept 17, 2019 22:18:56 GMT
Cool, will be interesting to see how this goes! There sure are plenty of parts that can't be bought new. Good luck!
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zsuttle
5 Cubic Foot
Posts: 88
Location: Hampton Roads, Virginia
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Post by zsuttle on Sept 23, 2019 4:11:12 GMT
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Post by Travis on Sept 23, 2019 23:06:23 GMT
It looks good, I am happy with it!
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zsuttle
5 Cubic Foot
Posts: 88
Location: Hampton Roads, Virginia
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Post by zsuttle on Sept 27, 2019 23:01:20 GMT
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btfarm
7 Cubic Foot
Posts: 103
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Post by btfarm on Sept 28, 2019 3:12:21 GMT
Wow! That looks great for the 1st trial run Zach.
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Post by ckfan on Sept 30, 2019 16:36:34 GMT
Wow, that is fantastic. Thank you so much for your work on this.
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Post by ChrisJ on Oct 1, 2019 10:52:43 GMT
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zsuttle
5 Cubic Foot
Posts: 88
Location: Hampton Roads, Virginia
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Post by zsuttle on Oct 1, 2019 16:49:56 GMT
Yeah, I've got that and Inventor |
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