3D print of a cupholder lid

Post by **simonc** » Fri Jun 13, 2025 12:10 pm

Hi fellas. It's arrived and a bit disappointing as the toothed wheel, as per the photo has been damaged in transit. Overall it looks good but I haven't been able to go down to the car park as I have clients in right now.
The finish is a bit smoother that I'd like, the grain pattern doesn't seem pronounced and although I'm not in the car, the black colour seems a bit too black. However once I get in the car and put it into position, then I'll really get to see it.
The edges are nice and smooth and it certainly feels solid so this is all a good start. Anyway, I'm a bit stuck as I have to schmooze these clients for most of the day, so it won't be till later this afternoon till I can make a break for it and get down to the car park to do the look-see in the car.
I'd be interested to hear your thoughts.

Post by **vanzep** » Fri Jun 13, 2025 1:19 pm

The plastics in the lude will have faded a bit over 30 years so difficult to say ifit is too black....
Pity about the damage in transit - part should be shipped out in a box to avoid this.
One of my friends says he thinks he has a couple of broken cupholders or bits of them in his lock up so I have asked him to bring them round - will get a lid for you if he has a spare.
I managed to get fit a new spring to my cupholder so it now opens. Still need to fix the little wire latch at the side so that it stays closed and opens when pushed down.

Post by **simonc** » Fri Jun 13, 2025 1:25 pm

@vanzep. Hi buddy and yes, you're right on the blackness. I'm being a bit too critical. I'm sure it'll look good once I've seen it in situ.
I'd love to hear if your friend has a lid to spare, that'd be a fab result. And speaking of results, congrats on getting that fiddly job done on your cupholder.

Post by **vanzep** » Fri Jun 13, 2025 1:37 pm

yes very fiddly job took me a few hours but every job i do seems to take me longer than Id like

From looking at the photos the top of the 3D lid looks ok to me but the underside edges and wheels at either side are where the detail needs to be spot on. Thats the tricky bit.

Post by **simonc** » Fri Jun 13, 2025 2:15 pm

Yup. And with that damage, I don't know how it'll work as it should. Anyway, I'll be able to have a good old tinker with it over the weekend.

Post by **Vtecmec** » Fri Jun 13, 2025 3:22 pm

Do you have the printer file? Since i've just bought a 3Dprinter, I might have a go at printing one myself.

Post by **Vtecmec** » Fri Jun 13, 2025 3:24 pm

@vanzep if you know of a spare metal insert knocking around, the curved bit that holds the cup, please let me know.

Post by **simonc** » Fri Jun 13, 2025 3:46 pm

Vtecmec wrote: ↑
Fri Jun 13, 2025 3:22 pm
Do you have the printer file? Since i've just bought a 3Dprinter, I might have a go at printing one myself.

I do have the stl files and would be more than happy to share them with you. They're pretty big files and had to send them via WeTransfer to the 3D printing company.
Is there a preferred way of getting them to you?

Post by **simonc** » Fri Jun 13, 2025 5:12 pm

@Vtecmec. Sent via WeTransfer a few minutes ago, buddy.

Post by **Vtecmec** » Fri Jun 13, 2025 5:14 pm

Got it thanks.