Calling All Metal-Craftsmen

[JinormusJ]

I'm looking for some one with a special set of skills in metal-craftsmanship. I figured with all the gear-heads and machinists we have on r3v, someone might be able to help.

I've been searching for a while for someone who can design custom grille badges and such. Been looking for someone who can make something along the lines of a BMW CCA grille badge in finish, coloring, and quality (not necessarily in shape or engraving).





The finished design I have in mind is comparable to a Western-European Familial Coat of Arms (however, it is not nearly as detailed)




Anyone know anyone?

[JinormusJ]

Anyone?

[Jorgen]

Only place I have seen custom badges was from jewelers basically.. It won't be cheap.

[LateFan]

The old ones are "cloisonné."

Just some googlefu ideas..

http://www.emblemagic.com

http://www.arniebrown.com

http://www.lapelpinbadges.co.uk/cloisonne.html

http://www.aspinline.co.uk/pin-badges/cloisonne-badges

http://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/18129/Simulated-Cloisonné-Badges-and-Emblems

[freeride53]

LOL wanted to get my pops cloisonnés for his minty W124 Sportline.

But he returned "how old do you think I am?!"

[JinormusJ]

At this point I am open to any ideas. I know that because it is a one-off piece, it will be expensive, but I have two designs in mind: one for myself, and one that I plan on giving to my parents for their 25th anniversary.

Just wondering what kind of stuff is out there. Maybe I googled the wrong stuff because I couldn't find anything related to what I was looking for on google

[iflytii]

One or the local OKC clubs (BMWMOFO) made some a while back. Here is the thread where they were selling them. I believe Jed was leading the buy. He is a good guy and I'm sure he would share the info on who made them.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1761435-Anyone-Want-a-BMWMOFO-Grill-Badge

This pic doesn't really do them justice. They came out really nice!

[Liquidity]

I'm curious what people think something is going to cost when they say *I know it's going to be expensive but* because I'm guessing you don't actually have any idea. There is little money in the actual badge itself all of the money is in the labor. If you can't think of how something like this is made in the first place then obviously it's a very specialized process that requires true skill and experience and you can expect it to be anywhere from $500-1,000.

[dannyyisntt]

Could go the cheap route and have one done on a 3D printer or water jetted

[JinormusJ]

Calling All Metal-Craftsmen

I'm curious what people think something is going to cost when they say *I know it's going to be expensive but* because I'm guessing you don't actually have any idea. There is little money in the actual badge itself all of the money is in the labor. If you can't think of how something like this is made in the first place then obviously it's a very specialized process that requires true skill and experience and you can expect it to be anywhere from $500-1,000.

I was once a mechanical engineering student for 3 semesters: I am very well versed in basic mechanics, modeling, and production. I never specified the actual badge as being the expensive part: a few pieces of 10-12g steel is literally pocket change. What I KNOW being expensive is the time it would take to take my sketches into Solidworks, create a 3D model, direct a toolpath, cut the emblem on a CNC machine, inject plastic inlets, grind them down, insert them into the badge: so on and so forth.


You see, when I started the thread I asked others because I knew that what I was asking for was possible being very aware in the skills and equipment it would take to create the badge; I just no longer have access to the tools needed to do it myself.

I can guarantee you with how specialized the process is, it will not be worth more than $100-200 for a single one off piece. I don't know where you are pulling your quote from

Could go the cheap route and have one done on a 3D printer or water jetted

I was thinking about going this route, but I knew I would not be happy with how either of the finished products would turn out. Water jetting would work for the initial cuts, but for slots for laying of the plastic/glass inlets would require CNC machining

This pic doesn't really do them justice. They came out really nice!

Bob, If you could get in touch with him for his supplier, I'd really appreciate it!
The quality doesn't look half bad. Passes my test anyway :)

EDIT: Just PM'd him, thanks for the lead Bob :up: