Hi all, So I'm kind of a gadgety guy and recently designed and 3D printed this CRF250L dash plate as a place to mount my USB/voltage charger and my accessory switches. (Its "off season" here in the Midwest so we gotta do something to keep busy) Before I spend any more time on this (although its nearly done) does anyone else offer something like this? Any great ideas I should incorporate? I'm designing it to be snap-on so I can take it on and off and I prototype it. THanks for any feedback.
Initially it was but I have since improved the design to actually snap in around the computer and even added a logo.
Wow, that is awesome! Most stuff that guys manufacture at home to save money look like they were manufactured at home. Not your dash plates. Nice work.
Thank you for the kind words. It was a fun project. Actually listed them on our website with options to customize the size and locations of the holes. I don't expect to actually sell any but what the heck.
Here's the product: https://alconkits.com/electrical-and-charging-systems/honda-crf250l-dashboard-wide-detail Feedback is greatly appreciated and would be rewarded.
It's an excellent idea for using that space! It has lots of potential for mounting a voltmeter, switches, and USB sockets. I'm not sure how expensive 3D printing is but $50 plus shipping to Canada puts this mod a bit out of reach. You might be able to sell the plan for those that have access to a 3D printer. Just a thought...
I agree with superfunkomatic, US$50 plus shipping puts this mod out of reach for me as well. I would love to install one however. It's a brilliant use of space.
Thanks for the candid feedback. I've mounted a Voltmeter/USB port and a switch for my LED projectors on it. You can see that on the second post. So regarding price - what do you feel makes this reasonable? The material cost is negligible ($4-5). It's labor time. What do you feel is a fair price? I set it at $50 because there is considerable labor time in setting up custom hole locations. I could make it solid instead of a matrix fill to make it "drillable". That makes setup time just 5-6 minutes each (vs. 30-40) but increases print time from 7 to 13 hours. BTW I have some extras. If you are willing to test and provide me feedback - happy to send them for a nominal cost. (Shipping and $5 in material cost)
You can see here a "Traditional" print where the inside is a matrix instead of solid. This saves material and print time but then you cannot drill your own holes.
If I print it solid instead of matrix fill - I can make it thinner and modify some support areas to reduce print time. THat will make it drillable so I don't need to charge for much setup time and reduce material cost and print time. Thanks for the suggestions. This reduces the print time to 5.75 hours from 7.5 ; I'm going to print one and see how drillable it is. If you want to try a version out, let me know.
I think that $20-25 would be reasonable. I agree, it's always labour and time put into the project and shipping organization that would be the most costly. I didn't realize they were so time-consuming to print - that's a lot of time to print them for sure. I have a voltmeter tucked up in that top spot already but having a more finished and drillable place would be better. I could put a hole in it for the cabling for my voltmeter (likely a tiny 3-5 mm hole). I'll take you up on your test deal if you like for a drillable one. I can send you payment by Paypal when you're ready. Just send me a DM. Mike
Give me a few days. I'm trying to print this a little more efficiently using some better material. No charge for the part, just pay postage and, if you like it, share. If you hate it, just share that with me.
Verified that the new material is easily drillable to size with a stepper bit. Slimmed it down from 4mm to 3mm stick. If that works I'll be good to go by tomorrow. Do you want a CRF logo on it? White or Red?
Hey Chris, I had no idea that there was that much labour involved. I liked Mike's response above. I too would be interested in trying a prototype and paying for postage. I would provide positive feedback here and would provide you with any "suggestions" privately. My daughter is fine with either red or white "CRF" logo. Cheers, Duane.
This has been good feedback. I've revised this to not offer the custom tooled mounting holes. That makes almost all the labor out and cut the price in half.. Done some optimization to cut print times down by 20%. Can you guys send an email to me at sales@alconkits.com?. I'll give you link to purchase directly at 100% discount. Not trying to make this overly formal - but ease/simplicity of ordering from the website is part of what I'd like to get some feedback on.
