Putting the 3D printer to work
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,088
Likes: 145
From: NJ
Putting the 3D printer to work
Finally after a few years of rolling the dice without one, I made a front license plate bracket. I wanted something that would be out of the way, secure and quick to remove for the trails. With all the crap on my front bumper, that was a tall order. I took some measurements and went through the process: Fit templates, proof of concept, prototype and finished part. Enjoy!
Sketch for the final product. "Final" product.. It's never final when it goes on the Jeep, especially when it's so easy to modify..
Mid print:
Fresh Parts! Hot off the printer!
Mounting: I used an existing hole in the BFH bumper to secure the mounting bracket. The bracket is a tight fit on the bumper, the pin just holds it in place. I printed a custom cotter pin because why not.
And mounted with all stainless hardware. Not dangling under the bumper, angle adjustable, out of the way of the light and winch. The whole thing comes off in a few seconds and goes back just as easily. This is my second design, I shifted the plate to the left to keep the bumper logo visible
Sketch for the final product. "Final" product.. It's never final when it goes on the Jeep, especially when it's so easy to modify..
Mid print:
Fresh Parts! Hot off the printer!
Mounting: I used an existing hole in the BFH bumper to secure the mounting bracket. The bracket is a tight fit on the bumper, the pin just holds it in place. I printed a custom cotter pin because why not.
And mounted with all stainless hardware. Not dangling under the bumper, angle adjustable, out of the way of the light and winch. The whole thing comes off in a few seconds and goes back just as easily. This is my second design, I shifted the plate to the left to keep the bumper logo visible
Thread Starter
Super Moderator
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,088
Likes: 145
From: NJ
Just PLA so far. I like to get all the bugs worked out with the cheap stuff before I print with quality filament. It's been on a few days with no signs of problems. I've tweaked the design for nice things like a recess for the hinge bolt head and a bigger handle on the cotter pin, but I haven't had the need to print yet. I'd actually like to see if this one fails first so I can put any structural changes into the next round. Plus it's working which has me already auto piloting to the next project..
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JK Newbie
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 84
Likes: 1
From: Gilbertsville PA
That's amazing!!!! I wish I had access to such an awesome tool, have project that it would be perfect for. However looks like I'll be playing with fiberglass this spring, since I don't have a fancy dancy machine like that, maybe I'll start saving my pennies
However looks like I'll be playing with fiberglass this spring, since I don't have a fancy dancy machine like that, maybe I'll start saving my pennies
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: Windsor, ON
Just PLA so far. I like to get all the bugs worked out with the cheap stuff before I print with quality filament. It's been on a few days with no signs of problems. I've tweaked the design for nice things like a recess for the hinge bolt head and a bigger handle on the cotter pin, but I haven't had the need to print yet. I'd actually like to see if this one fails first so I can put any structural changes into the next round. Plus it's working which has me already auto piloting to the next project..