Laser Cutting CAD files

[crogthomas]

Inspired by the thread for 3D printed parts for the RWD Volvos, this is a thread for collecting together various CAD files for laser (or water jet) cutting metal parts for the same. By their very nature, most of these parts are going to be performance parts, so I thought it ought to be in this section.

There are many companies out there that will laser cut parts from flat sheet metal from CAD drawings at very low cost. It’s often cheaper and quicker than purchasing the material and cutting things out yourself. Some will quote by email and then post the parts out to you. I find it minimises errors if I include the quantity, material and thickness required in the filename. I also remove any other layers from my drawing files (like dimensions and the border) to reduce the likelihood of me ending up with a neat rectangle of metal representing my drawing border, with a hole in the middle that looks like my part.

The TurboBricks forum software allows files to be attached to posts, but not any of the common CAD file formats. However, if the file is zipped up first, it can be attached. Alternatively, there are many file sharing sites that could be used, although the downside is that the links will probably eventually disappear.

What have you got?

 

[crogthomas]

I'll start:
240: Rear Tow eye. 6mm mild steel
Most 240s in the UK have had the factory rear towing eye removed for the fitting of a tow bar for shed dragging (caravaning). I needed a tow eye for the opposite, being dragged backwards out of the gravel at tracks. Mounting holes 160mm apart (interestingly different to the 140), a big loop for a hook and a lower hole for mounting one of those seat belt type fabric loops should it be necessary.

 

[crogthomas]

 

[crogthomas]

240: Front lower control arm reinforcement. 2mm mild steel
Has to be thin enough to be bent into place, the control arm is not completely flat. Holes for lightness and access to the ball joint bolts. If using this with camber extenders on the ball joints extra access holes might be needed.

 

[crogthomas]

240: Camshaft seal retainer
Self explanatory really, but for those not in the know, when the distributor is driven from the front of the aux shaft the rear of the head has a rubber/metal seal filling the hole used by the distributor on 700/900 models. This can sometimes pop out. Et voila, a retainer.

Could be made out of anything I suppose, but 4mm aluminium seemed a good compromise.

 

[Jack]

I got access to cnc plasma. I can cut these out for cheap for locals

 

[volvosruinedmylife]

Should we be able to send these to a place like send cut send and get them made?

 

[Jack]

yeah or bring them to your local laser cutter or cnc plasma place

 

[Jack]

240: Front lower control arm reinforcement. 2mm mild steel

2mm is really thin. you can make it thicker and just bend it into place after welding it on in few spots

but your file isnt right

 

[culberro]

2mm is really thin. you can make it thicker and just bend it into place after welding it on in few spots

but your file isnt right

2mm is plenty for boxing the control arms. The file is fine, turn off the "white" layer
Edit: hide the "defpoints" and "0" layers as well.

 

[crogthomas]

2mm is really thin. you can make it thicker and just bend it into place after welding it on in few spots

The control arms themselves are only 3mm or so. Remember that the brace/boxing is creating strength through its shape, so 2mm seemed plenty thick enough to act as a brace. Weight is bad, so I wanted to add as little as possible. I'm always happy to listen to other opinions though.

2mm is plenty for boxing the control arms. The file is fine, turn off the "white" layer
Edit: hide the "defpoints" and "0" layers as well.

Ah, yes, I forgot those layers were still there, the defpoints layer contains all sorts of measurements taken from bits of cardboard cut up to try and match a peculiar shape of the control arms. I'd do well to heed my own advice about removing other layers before sending it off for cutting.

 

[cwdodson88]

I also have access to CNC plasma, and waterjet. Soon to have powder bed laser and added capacity in the machine shop. Feel free to reach out if you need anything.

 

[Cwazywazy]

Pressure plate spacer for flat flywheels. Cut to desired thickness. Could've gone tighter on the dowels so it doesn't flop around as much when installing, but oh well. It's like using washers but fancier.