(Topic ID: 172605)

Just putting this out there: 3D printing pinball parts

By Nomad

7 years ago



Topic Stats

  • 7 posts
  • 6 Pinsiders participating
  • Latest reply 7 years ago by swinks
  • Topic is favorited by 2 Pinsiders

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    #2 7 years ago

    Not for pinball stuff but I have colleagues who have ordered a few random bits through them.

    I'd personally just print them myself and deal with any precision issues with hand filing and finishing of the part.

    I'm not sure I'd use anything on the playfield. Printed parts dont look like injection molded parts unless you do a lot of finishing.

    #3 7 years ago

    Most of the parts that you might see there labeled swinks, is from our very own pinside member Jady Swinks!

    They are professionally done, and are of great benefit, if it fits your need.
    Cyberkni is correct that some/many prints can show print or scinter lines needing some extra work,
    but Swinks models are top notch in precision measuring needing minimal adjusting.

    I have no other experience with other files, and didnt check the whole catalog, so there may be other quality models there too.

    #4 7 years ago

    I have one very simple part on there that was my first attempt at 3D modeling. Since then I have bought a 3D printer, and for most things I believe the printer is the better value. The Shapeways parts do look nicer, however, and there are choices for materials that you can't 3D print. This tool, I 3D printed the bottom part myself and had Shapeways make the top part in metal (Polished Bronze Steel).

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    It depends on what you're doing, but they're a great option to have. They are very easy to order from, and prices aren't too bad. Since they are custom making items for you, it does take a while.

    #5 7 years ago

    There are also a variety of parts on Thingiverse: http://www.thingiverse.com/search/page?q=pinball

    I haven't found myself needing them yet. I could see using my 3d printer to recreate the gears for a stepper unit. Everything is big enough that it should be fine.

    #6 7 years ago

    I've just ordered a couple samples of Swink's diamond post for old Genco machines. I'll see how they are before I order the rest, as I need 8 total. Mine were all melted and I have found no other source. They are different than the similar shape posts that Bally used on its flipperless games so I am hoping these come out good enough to use.

    1 month later
    #7 7 years ago

    cheers OLDPINGUY & @Toyguy, just came across this thread and thought I would chime in.

    I have a home 3d printer myself and it is great for proto-typing parts for fit and function but it has some drawbacks as often larger parts may lift and or not stay perfectly flat, show alot of lines and are hollow. Also another drawback is that they don't like heat and direct sun.

    Shapeways and imaterialise provide a great service and their products are laser bound and therefore are solid filled and not hollow so more stable especially in heat and sun. They offer alot of variety but with somethings like nylon, the finish is not glossy - hopefully that will come one day. In edition the prices are not the cheapest but when looking at the perspective that they are making a one off piece specially for you it isn't bad and in some instances the parts there are keeping some games alive. As for me I do it more for the fun and challenge and I like to help pinheads with no longer available parts along the way. As for me my cut from any sales is only 15-20% for my efforts and the remainder is shapeways.

    as a example my Snackbar mods are made from parts printed by imaterialise as they offer a better deal on batches of larger parts but are much more expensive on smaller one off parts. I undercoat these and then give 3-4 coats of colour and they are solid and look great.
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    then you can print custom polished brass plunger knobs - not cheap but no other way to get this done for the same price, not even a machine shop can match this
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    sat dish (slightly modded for Goldeneye) - was getting real hard to find and then this has panel lines for a more subtle modded look
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    to then making custom tools - bulb tester and for comparing bulbs - wedge 555 and #44/47's and Comet Matrix gear
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    to fin mod combined 3d printed nylon, acrylic and polished silver just needing leds to add interaction to a game.
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    sorry for the self promotion but just examples of what can be done and looks great straight from the postage box from the print houses (except the snackbar mod - is painted)

    cheers

    Jady

    ps - latest pinball parts in order of newest
    https://www.shapeways.com/search?q=pinball&sort=newest

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