3D Printing: Another Cup Holder Coming

[Stl-986]

Looks like you changed the design some. Having the cup holder go into a slotted hole will be better then original design.

You going to have something for the cup/bottle to sit on at the bottom?

Still think the part at the L is going to be your weakest point. Instead of it being a square on that inside corner, make it an inside filet (sp?) Will give it more strength.

[Tweetdriver63]

Yes, I changed the design somewhat. Your advice had a lot to do with that. For now I'm going to stick with the L shaped bottom support, but I'll be testing everything for strength once I print it all out with the ABS. I may decide to add some to the inside of the corner on that L shaped piece though. It can't be much or it might get in the way of whatever can/cup is placed in the holder.

As far as the L shaped piece staying in place, it's such a tight fit that I had to tap it into the slot with a hammer. I didn't use any kind of glue, but there's no way I can get it back out.

Here is what the latest iteration of the bracket looks like (upside down, of course). It will be nice if this all works like I hope, and we have two very usable and accessible cupholders:

[Tweetdriver63]

The previous post showed the last prototype I had made. It was made the largest size I can fit a single piece on the bed of my printer, and as a result wasn't big enough to fit in the car where it goes. To make it the right size, I have to print it in three pieces, as shown in the first picture.

I nailed it this time. :dance: This is the final prototype. Next up will be the final product, printed in black ABS for strength and longevity.
Here's how it will look installed (except for the color). I only made one prototype of the cup holder itself, and it doesn't have the bottom support installed for the pictures. Also, I forgot to remove the support structure on the ends before I checked the fit and took the pictures. That bit on the arm sockets, just above the cupholder slots, will be removed on the finished product. That's just there to provide support during printing.

Oh, and I may make a small trim piece to go across the front and hide the fact that it's three pieces, and I'll take more care removing the support structure from inside the slots, so as not to mess up the edges.

[Tweetdriver63]

Originally Posted by Stl-986

Looks like you changed the design some. Having the cup holder go into a slotted hole will be better then original design.

You going to have something for the cup/bottle to sit on at the bottom?

Still think the part at the L is going to be your weakest point. Instead of it being a square on that inside corner, make it an inside filet (sp?) Will give it more strength.

I also did a slight redesign of the bottom supports.
What do you think?