3D Printing

If it can be printed, Would it not work out cheaper to buy a 3d printer and do it yourself ?
That said i know zero about 3d printers, But you could print the part and still have a printer for other projects.

I have a 3D printer and a couple of vac formers......I think for around £4 it could be printed.....but it's a poor method due to the layering.

I'd vac form it....you have the drawing already.....possibly I could machine a pattern and drop it in a gap next time I form some arches.

Thanks Keithy. So as not to make this thread overly boring, I will send you a PM with a few questions. By the way, the hurry to figure the best way was a joke. As I mentioned in my first post, I haven't even decided yet whether I want to integrate the face of my Yaesu FT7900 radio or keep it switches and gauge only.

Jezz: I'm definitely not an expert on 3D printing and I had initially thought about investing in a printer. What I have learned (come to understand) is that printers capable of doing the best quality parts are quite expensive. Unfortunately, the disadvantage of being produced through a layering process, although much less depending on equipment and method, is still there.

Thanks to all for the feedback.

I'd recommend having a 3D printer....great for prototyping.

I paid £150 for mine and if I use 0.1mm steps it's quite strong!

A friend has a company making mouldings and he bought an A3 resin machine for 15k.....that'd make a finished part strong enough......he has an injection moulding machine which would make a nice job of it too....spensive though lol

The hard part is the drawing up of the part....it seems you have that covered.

I may consider a 3D printer. Unless you are saying it is possible to produce a decent quality final part, I would be able to use it to make an initial pattern for doing a vacuum formed part. A two step process I guess. Print a pattern to use to create a mold. That way I could cast using a material that would be better in the vacuum forming process.

I will still send you a pm after doing a little more studying. Hopefully I can then ask an intelligent question. That would be a refreshing change.