PT20J Posted June 24, 2021 Report Share Posted June 24, 2021 The best option for the GFC 500 yoke-mounted autopilot switches (trim and disconnect) seems to be to reuse the 25 year-old B-K cluster. However, I noticed a hairline crack in injection molded base piece. I think it can be repaired, but it occurred to me that this might be a good piece to replicate by 3D printing. However, the shape is a bit complex and I thought it might be easiest to 3D scan it to create a the model. I don't have any experience with 3D printing, but I know a number of you have done quite a bit of it. Any thoughts and/or recommendations of places that do this? If I got a 3D model, I could post it for others to use. Skip Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bolter Posted June 24, 2021 Report Share Posted June 24, 2021 I used Xometry.com and was pleased with the parts, and customer support when there was shipping damage. It was a completely automated process. I uploaded the solid model (I use Solidworks) a price was calculated, and I clicked "buy". This service is not unique, there are many competitors with probably equal performance. DO anticipate the manufacturing needs. Watch a few videos or read a blog. My learning lesson was adding structure to support thin walls, that I removed later, or else they may sag under their own weight during the manufacturing process. I am out of PAE, if you want any assistance. I can also help with making the solid model. I do not have access to a 3D scanner, however. -dan 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Niko182 Posted June 24, 2021 Report Share Posted June 24, 2021 Id personally do a cnc mold before a 3d print. It might be a bit more expensive, but it will lok considerable nicer with a smooth finish, than a 3d printed object. Just my 2 cents. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AH-1 Cobra Pilot Posted June 24, 2021 Report Share Posted June 24, 2021 I do not have a scanner, but I do lots of printing. If you can create a model, I would be happy to print it. Just make sure you use solids, not surfaces, when you create the model. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FloridaMan Posted June 25, 2021 Report Share Posted June 25, 2021 Resin 3D printers are game changers are now less than $200. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bradp Posted June 26, 2021 Report Share Posted June 26, 2021 Another option is to reskin the original part in carbon. Or to make a plug and start fresh. I needed the same part but no BK autopilot housing to start from - so I made a plug from pink foam and skinned half of it in carbon. Then I removed the first half from the plug, and skinned the second half to close it in. Then micro and finish work. Result was perfect for what I needed. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bradp Posted June 26, 2021 Report Share Posted June 26, 2021 This is a simple design that has the same function as the Bk and would be very straightforward to make. if you make a 3D printed part make sure to use ABS or the like - nothing else will stand up to the environmental stresses in the cockpit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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