Follow up on modified 3d printed xts5000 knobs

[ptolemy9200]

I thought I'd share the wear and tear photos on the xts 5000 custom 3d printed knobs I got around 8/14/14 and installed one on that date on a xts5000 work portable. Mostly from in and out of a vehicle on the typical /\/\ holster hitting door panel on drivers side and a center console on passenger side. Almost a year it lasted but is still usable and hasn't come off. I got spares so will be adding a new one. It was interesting to see the 3d printing pattern on the inside. On this one I had painted the raised mark with white to indicate where volume was at but it was more of a for looks then actual looking. Then clear coated it. But it turned into a stub almost perfect except for side that came off after more wear and tear. Anyway thought I'd share the pictures.

 

[discombobulated]

Do you know if it was printed with 100% infill?

 

[ptolemy9200]

Not sure the exact used on it or I would say if I knew. I got them off wiredwrx, a member here while he was experimenting with it and had got ahold of someone to do some prints which some of us pitched in to get some. The original thread was here below but is closed to replies I believe so you'd have to pm wiredwrx for details on what was used.

http://communications.support/threads/7202-Modified-XTS-5000-Volume-Knob?highlight=printed+knobs

Original thread link photo:

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:409077

 

[wiredwrx]

Thanks for posting the pics. I thought they might stand up better. I have one on my unit that is still in perfect condition, but I am a casual Ham user.

 

[wiredwrx]

I will have to check with the printer guy, I think some were 20 percent, and some were 100 percent. I would have to review the P.O.'s and see.

 

[ptolemy9200]

They are decent I think for 3d printed. First 3d printed item I ever had. There's always a first for everyone. Makes the radio look different and nice to me. It actually lasted allot longer then I expected being knocked against a console hard in and out mostly on drivers side door, hitting the door jam getting in/out I think may have contributed to it in a gear holster over time. ""Big boned"" so getting in and out isn't gentle when it hangs out more past the hip. I got the several incase and next ones doing good. I can't complain. I lost a oem knob a couple times. Week later on last one I was driving and seen it laying by the curb a block down from where I think I had originally lost it. Stopped right there in the road and got it. Picked these 3d ones shortly after. So I'm sure your 3d knob is getting "heavy duty" use lol if the oem came off also on me. Second one is doing good. The first had finally had it a couple days after posting getting knocked real good. I kept a spare on me incase it popped off so no biggie. The other 3d knob I gave to another is still doing good.

Should add the 3d printed never popped off on me as the oem has before. I believe since the oem gives a little it just popped off where the 3d is more solid and taking the force. But never did it pop off or become loose. The final knocks Basically shattered the top and in end left this, which it slid up and off.

 

[wiredwrx]

Thanks for the details. Glad you are happy overall.

 

[Avery Johannssenn]

So full disclosure here, are you the person selling the 3D printed FDNY knobs on ebay?

 

[wiredwrx]

Nope, not me. Just found the guys auction. 30 effing dollars? WOW. I think I sold my version for a couple of dollars each. THose pictures are a different design than the ones I had. Also, the Ebay version looks like a different material, something more along the lines of Ninjaflex or something like that. Mine were more rigid.

 

[Gtaman]

Nope, not me. Just found the guys auction. 30 effing dollars? WOW. I think I sold my version for a couple of dollars each. THose pictures are a different design than the ones I had. Also, the Ebay version looks like a different material, something more along the lines of Ninjaflex or something like that. Mine were more rigid.

Do you plan on producing more of your versions? I would like to purchase a few to try.

 

[wiredwrx]

I certainly could. I don't want to turn this into a for sale thread, but anyone who is interested, let me know, and if there is enough interest, I can have the printer run a bunch.

 

[krustykrab]

There's two types of 3D printer plastic - PLA and ABS. ABS is the tougher material but it really stinks up the place when printing (think melting car panel plastic.) PLA is a corn-based plastic that has a lower softening temperature but it's also more brittle and is biodegradable - that is, it degrades with UV light and oxygen. So if you use your 3D-printed knob outdoors a lot or leave it in bright sunlight, it will fail earlier.

 

[EOTechHWS]

There's two types of 3D printer plastic - PLA and ABS. ABS is the tougher material but it really stinks up the place when printing (think melting car panel plastic.) PLA is a corn-based plastic that has a lower softening temperature but it's also more brittle and is biodegradable - that is, it degrades with UV light and oxygen. So if you use your 3D-printed knob outdoors a lot or leave it in bright sunlight, it will fail earlier.

ABS would work better. Pretty strong material to work with in consideration of a 3D printer.

 

[Tower241]

I would be interested to see the 3-D Printed FDNY knobs. If you do decide to do the project, please post and let us know. The only question I have is would they fit on other versions, such as an XTS 3000, and XTS1500?

 

[Alpha]

AFAIK the XTS3000 knobs are the same as the 5000. The 1500/2500 are totally different.

 

[Tower241]

AFAIK the XTS3000 knobs are the same as the 5000. The 1500/2500 are totally different.

Well, in that case I guess I would be interested in FDNY knobs for both the XTS3000 and the XTS1500. Always something..

 

[Alpha]

By different, I meant they are 1 piece. Further, there is no "FDNY" knob for the 1500/2500. Only for the 3K/5K.