Slate is a 3D Printer's Best Friend

[jwocky]

Video and pics just posted by Slate Auto - "Your 3D printer's new favorite build."

You guys planning to 3D print your own stuff? I just got a Bambu P1S last month and looking forward to being able to print some parts for the Slate.

 

[OliverW17]

You bet, I’m waiting to get the full dimensions before I print… but I have a design I like waiting.

 

[nevermindkid]

My brother has a 3D printer and needs an excuse to use it.

 

[jferg_89]

I have 5 3d printers, is there any cad info out there so i can start designing things to print for my Slate? This is the perfect vehicle for someone like me. I started cnc programming and 3d printing a little over a year ago. I use mastercam for all my designing and work. I am super stoked for this release

 

[Luxrage]

I'm hoping someone makes just a set of simple frame surrounds for the turn signals because the huge square is growing on me:

 

[Mr. Slate]

I've been playing around with creating some key fobs/plaques/fridge magnets, etc. Can't wait for the official models etc to be released. Will be fun

 

[thommeigh]

I'm hoping someone makes just a set of simple frame surrounds for the turn signals because the huge square is growing on me:

That jumped out at me, too. I could see myself using covers, taking them off for a while, popping them back on... The simple, clean look definitely appeals to me though.

 

[OliverW17]

That jumped out at me, too. I could see myself using covers, taking them off for a while, popping them back on... The simple, clean look definitely appeals to me though.

I would be happy to post 3D print file for that once they release actual measurements.

I was considering creating a website for Slate 3D prints, or seeing if that was an option on here.

 

[thommeigh]

I would be happy to post 3D print file for that once they release actual measurements.

I was considering creating a website for Slate 3D prints, or seeing if that was an option on here.

As someone with a 3D printer who is always looking for excuses to use it… I love this idea!

 

[KevinRS]

Slate may themselves add a section of their site for hosting user created print files. They are already planning to post their own, hopefully they will post not just STLs but the source files that are easy to import into an editor.
I can easily see people doing all kinds of things with those light covers. For holidays: jack-o-lanterns, skulls, christmas trees, etc, could probably do whatever silhouettes you wanted, letters, anything.
With the proper source file, you could even do it in tinkercad as a very basic beginner. Just bring up the shape you want "cut out" of the solid light cover, move it over the cover, and turn it into a hole, merge and export.

 

[jferg_89]

.stp files would be preferred here.

 

[zipn]

I've been a casual 3D printer for a couple of years. I'm not at all interested in making or printing trinkets, figurines, vases, masks, or other stuff like that. I've instead found it much more challenging and rewarding to design and build practical/functional gadgets. Nothing complicated, sometimes just a custom sized holder for a TV remote, a replacement center cap for a wheel or a dust cap for a hitch. It's pretty amazing all the stuff you start to print once you get a 3D printer. Most of my builds are either things I designed from scratch, or tweaks to someone's else's public build. It's rare that I've printed something exactly as someone else shared, but it's a nice treat when I can. I also make public the builds that I design that come out good.

My suggestion is that anything that's going on the SLATE be created with ABS or perhaps PETG filaments. I'd avoid ABS PLA and maybe resin prints. You want something that's strong and most important, won't warp at high temperatures. Sometimes a bent metal bracket from Lowes is a better solution than a 4-hour plastic print.

Hopefully SLATE will provide files for blank covers for the interior dash panels, as well as provide mounting and attachment points inside and outside the vehicle for add-ons.

PS: I've been very happy with my new Centauri Carbon printer.

 

[KevinRS]

I think you meant avoid PLA. Though there are some HT-PLA formulas now that might work.

 

[zipn]

I think you meant avoid PLA. Though there are some HT-PLA formulas now that might work.

Yes, TYPO on my part. Avoid PLA as it doesn't like very warm temperatures.

 

[KevinRS]

Yes, TYPO on my part. Avoid PLA as it doesn't like very warm temperatures.

The HT-PLA I mentioned is supposed to go to 150C without sagging or losing form, while still having the other benefits of PLA. I'll have to wait for summer heat and print some tests and leave them in my car and see how it goes.