Alternate to Trailing Arm Sensor Guards: 3D Printed

[CaptAngry]

Like many others here with a RRaptor, I was kind of appalled at the location and vulnerability of the trailing arm height sensors. There are tons of great options out there in steel, aluminum, and plastic. Since these don't really need a skid plate, but more of a stone-n-stick protection, I decided to try my hand at modeling up and 3D printing some of my own.

I printed in ASA with a lot of walls and heavy infill. Here is the final product (that is completely untested other than being bolted to the sensor bracket)

I will either paint the bolt heads black or add a small TPU cap

Once I test these for a few weeks and make sure they aren't total garbage I will post the files so anyone can print them (or have a print house do that for them)

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[OxygenMask]

I'm curious. I know that 3d printing can make many things in many materials, but that's about it.

If I were take the files to a print house, what sort of price would I expect?

 

[gdc]

Send to shape ways for SLS to have it printed in 316.

 

[gdc]

I'm curious. I know that 3d printing can make many things in many materials, but that's about it.

If I were take the files to a print house, what sort of price would I expect?

In ASA? $10 each

In PAHT-CF? $40 each

In PEEK, probably $120 each.

 

[OxygenMask]

So now I'm googling those.....

How about stainless steel?

 

[gdc]

So now I'm googling those.....

How about stainless steel?

You can print them in 316.

 

[OxygenMask]

You can print them in 316.

Holy crap! I'm impressed.
I had no idea....

 

[CaptAngry]

Don't overthink it. If you can't get them printed for like $10 or $15 each, I would recommend buying one of the commercial offerings. I use ASA for all my vehicle parts because it is UV resistant, tough AF, cheap, and easy to print.

I got both installed now. Added washers and some TPU caps. It was dark so no additional photos but I'll snag those tomorrow. They seem to just clear the lower bracket at compression so I might have to tweak them a bit. If they do contact, I assume they will flex, shave some plastic, or break.

 

[TxArch]

Don't overthink it. If you can't get them printed for like $10 or $15 each, I would recommend buying one of the commercial offerings. I use ASA for all my vehicle parts because it is UV resistant, tough AF, cheap, and easy to print.

I got both installed now. Added washers and some TPU caps. It was dark so no additional photos but I'll snag those tomorrow. They seem to just clear the lower bracket at compression so I might have to tweak them a bit. If they do contact, I assume they will flex, shave some plastic, or break.

Well, I learned something (which I strive to do daily)!
Good stuff & I'm impressed!

 

[noswttea4u]

Don't overthink it. If you can't get them printed for like $10 or $15 each, I would recommend buying one of the commercial offerings. I use ASA for all my vehicle parts because it is UV resistant, tough AF, cheap, and easy to print.

I got both installed now. Added washers and some TPU caps. It was dark so no additional photos but I'll snag those tomorrow. They seem to just clear the lower bracket at compression so I might have to tweak them a bit. If they do contact, I assume they will flex, shave some plastic, or break.

If you have the desire, you could open a small shop on Etsy. I'm sure a handful of folks here would rather pay you to print vs finding someone else, if they don't have their own printer.

 

[scrappyisbe]

Looks good! Only issue i see is that they will hold mud. I have a set of someone else's and I constantly have to dig mud out of them. Can the topside be enclosed?

 

[CaptAngry]

I have zero desire to set up a shop to sell this kind of stuff. I will, however, post the models for others to print.

Here are the completed covers w/ TPU plugs covering the bolts:

 

[smokinjoe64]

Another 3DP idea, a cool designed plug for the forward 'rectangular' hole on each side step...perhaps an ABS candidate?

 

[CaptAngry]

I've seen a few of those designs already out there. Haven't seen a need yet, but I also haven't taken the truck up to the cabin (and those dirt roads) yet.

 

[smokinjoe64]

I've seen a few of those designs already out there. Haven't seen a need yet, but I also haven't taken the truck up to the cabin (and those dirt roads) yet.

After posting, poked around a bit, and found a couple.
Seems like all Aussie products which is fine, but pretty pricey after shipping...then there's lack of 'instant gratification' with int'l shipping delay.

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