lets get some iX mudflaps made. Who can help?

[mtnbimmer]

for making a new product, prototype, with some try and fail, and everything that goes with that, yes, that could be a price. This is pirating, copying...

Again, you better get schooled on modern production costs. It's got nothing to do with "new product, prototype, etc" Molds cost $, it's that simple.

[flyboyx]

i spent some time today doing a little research on digital printing.

it doesn't really sound very feasible by the conversations i had today.

we talked about materials. i figured the temperature range should be from around 0 degrees to about 130 degrees F. basically, it doesn't sound like there is a readily available material. something that "might" be available would apparently be pretty expensive.

it sounds like 3d printing molds/ or stamps might be a better choice.

apparently, 3d printed molds won't last as long as those that are machined. however, they are much cheaper to produce.

we talked about the cost of machined molds. he thought about 2k would be a reasonable price.

3d molds could be made for a few hundred dollars.

[2santiago]

The hunt continues for flaps. 😁

[325ixa]

then why dont you go out and find a cheaper price. Since we already have the part it shouldnt be a problem for you right?

we dont have a part, at least i dont and no one is willing to send it acros the globe, that is why i asked for 3d scan.

I was talking to a guy who is making all sort of rubber products and his price range for mold is around 300 euros. How and why is he more than 10 time cheaper, its beyond me. Could have something to do with knowlege and labour prices in poor countries.

and please, please, don't take it personally. I really want see this happen and not get ripped off in process.

[Alaska Ted]

Page

Got the page, unfortunately, I sold mine to stonea. Might try hitting him up.

[6A LDY]

for making a new product, prototype, with some try and fail, and everything that goes with that, yes, that could be a price. This is pirating, copying...

then why dont you go out and find a cheaper price. Since we already have the part it shouldnt be a problem for you right?

There are still a lot of problems to work out, injection speed, barrel temperatures, mold temperatures, polymer choice, # of injection sites, orientation of injection sites, cooling time

Each part is different and doesnt come with a manual on how to make it. Each half of the steel mold alone is at least 1.5ft wide x 2ft high and probably close to 3 or 4 inches thick. Thats a lot of metal to work with and keep the surface defect free

[flyboyx]

This is pirating, copying...

it isn't an issue if the company decided on its own not to produce the part anymore.

have you ever looked at a restoration catalog for an old mustang or camaro? they are full of reproduced parts. they fulfill a need the manufacturer no longer is willing to supply.

i believe this becomes a moral issue if, for example, a company like alpina offers a b6 3.5 intake manifold for around $4,000, but someone decided to reproduce it and offer to the public for say 800.00.....

[325ixa]

Better get schooled on production tools and costs. Sounds about right.

for making a new product, prototype, with some try and fail, and everything that goes with that, yes, that could be a price. This is pirating, copying...

[6A LDY]

I think that bracket could be made out of 1/8" aluminum and be strong enough. It shouldnt be too hard to make, I might try to make one up later this week. I might try out the rally armor basic flaps. $20 isnt too bad to test out

[flyboyx]

i was just checking realoem. it appears that you can still buy the fronts for a coupe/sedan and the rears for late models. this item is really hard to find on their web site. i am going to put the part number here so you guys can look them up and also, so i will have access to it easily when i go to look for it again.

late model rear 72609401168
early model rear 72601906956 nla
coupe/sedan front 72601906952
cabrio front 72601953292 nla
cabrio rear early 72601953291 nla (different than early coupe/sedan?)
cabrio late rear 72609401168 same as above
ix front 72601968441 obviously nla
ix rear early 72601968439 nla (different than early coupe/sedan?)

i actually have a set of cabrio front mud flaps that are nla. (i also have a set of pre facelift rears that i don't think are made anymore either.) i don't know if there is much market for flaps on a convertible, but i guess its another possibility.

if i can't get my hands on a set of ix flaps right away, perhaps i could even start with those first to get an idea on price and quality. they have a pretty good sized metal bracket/reinforcement that will need to be fabricated too.

[mtnbimmer]

3800 for the mold? its a joke, right? we are talking about mud flaps not cylinder head.

Better get schooled on production tools and costs. Sounds about right.

[flyboyx]

Thats a pretty interesting idea to use a 3d printer, a 3d printed part will (almost) never be stronger than an injection molded part, but I think it should be strong enough. You'll need to figure out how to print it as well (lateral vs vertical). My only concern with a 3d printed part is if it becomes brittle in the cold, the layers would be much more likely to snap apart or split.

I think this could be the answer though and I hope it works!

ill get a 3d file made and send it out somewhere for manufacturing. there are people that know a hell of a lot more about this stuff than i do which is nothing.

the cold weather issue is a good point. that would be a question i will be sure to ask.

[6A LDY]

Thats a pretty interesting idea to use a 3d printer, a 3d printed part will (almost) never be stronger than an injection molded part, but I think it should be strong enough. You'll need to figure out how to print it as well (lateral vs vertical). My only concern with a 3d printed part is if it becomes brittle in the cold, the layers would be much more likely to snap apart or split.

I think this could be the answer though and I hope it works!

[flyboyx]

3800 for the mold? for 4 pieces of rubber? its a joke, right? we are talking about mud flaps not cylinder head.

no....not 4 pieces of rubber. only 2. the rears are common to a 2wd car, are still available from bmw for around 70.00/pr.

fiberglass mud flaps would be something i would not have any interest in. i don't think they would hold up for the long run. the first time you hit something it will either break off or pull the bolt holes through.

i anyone willing to check how much would 3d scanning cost?

just doing a tiny bit of research, it sounds like the cost is between 100-200 bucks.

i would go a step further and ask if there is a flexible material for 3d printers?


edit: and the answer to this question is yes.

http://www.shapeways.com/materials/strong-and-flexible-plastic

this is how mud flaps are going to get made at an economical price. not by injection molding or fiberglass or any other traditional method.


ya know...i am going to start looking into this if i can sell a pair for less than 175.00 and still make a little bit to cover my troubles.

i know everyone and their brother asks the community to borrow a set of flaps, but i am going to need a set too.....paging alaska ted....???

[325ixa]

i anyone willing to check how much would 3d scanning cost?