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Old 11-01-2015, 07:18 PM   #1
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3D printing a window latch

Here's something a bit different. Like a lot of busses, my charge has a few broken window finger latches. I did find replacements online, but thought "Hey, I have access to 3D printers. How hard can it be?"

And the answer is, "Not that hard!" An hours measuring, modeling, and printing gave me this new green one to test out...



I actually think the new one is stronger plastic and not nearly as old and brittle of course.

What gets interesting is the potential to redesign the part you push on to project out more so you aren't pushing with fingertips only.

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Old 11-01-2015, 07:30 PM   #2
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Cool man.

How about some pics?

Nat
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Old 11-01-2015, 07:40 PM   #3
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Hit reload - I had the link wrong
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Old 11-01-2015, 07:43 PM   #4
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Now I see it.

Sweet use of the technology.

Nat
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Old 11-01-2015, 08:14 PM   #5
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thats so cool, google sketch up has a 3D model mode that ive always wanted to use and get a cheap home 3D printer so its sweet to see someone using it for a bus piece. very clever.
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Old 11-01-2015, 09:44 PM   #6
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I just published it on Thingiverse if anyone wants to mess with it. See Collins Bus Window Slider by holtt - Thingiverse

Transportation Accessories Company's Window Latch Finger Actuator - 359121 looks identical, though it doesn't mention Collins. I'm guessing it's the same.
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Old 11-02-2015, 08:18 AM   #7
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very cool
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Old 11-02-2015, 03:26 PM   #8
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Here's one advantage of printing - you get to tweak stuff if you get an idea!

Here's "Mark 2", now with a bigger whatzit to hook your finger on that's hopefully easier to manipulate, plus a small fillet to reinforce the place where vertical cracks seem to happen.



One other change I'm considering is beefing up the thin sides and bottom of the main body. From what I can see, it's not necessary that they be so thin.
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