News • Celtic3d

Posted on 7, October, 20218, October, 2021 by Gavin Bain — Leave a comment

Parts for sale- Reproduction right-hand drive clutch pedals for Ferrari 360’s and 430’s

Ferrari 360 / 430 RHD Clutch Pedal non-OEM

Ferrari 360 / 430 Right Hand Drive Clutch Pedal

Using high-resolution digital scans and working with brogenville, a local Ferrari expert and enthusiast, we have been producing parts that are no longer in production and that are very difficult to source.

Producing the parts is made possible by the expertise and hands-on experience brogenville has in converting Ferraris with automatic transmission to manual. This is a continuation of a fruitful collaboration that started with a clutch pedal for another model of Ferrari.

The original OEM parts are cast in aluminium with selected faces machined flat and threads tapped. The industrial process to create castings requires minimum production quantities to make it worthwhile. So, for small batches, we find it more economical to machine the parts from a solid aluminium block.

Our aim is to produce a part that could simply be bolted in. To achieve that, we include the press-fit bearings and bushings. Because the bushings and gearings are already fitted for you, you don’t have to source and fit these yourself.

We had a number of pre-orders for these parts and, after running a small batch through production, we have some stock that is available for sale and shipping worldwide.

How to buy

If you are interested in purchasing these parts, contact us here, or on this thread on the Ferrari Chat forum.

If you are converting your late model Ferrari from automatic to manual, and are looking for parts, get in touch, we may be able to help.

Posted on 6, April, 20207, July, 2020 by Gavin Bain — Leave a comment

Hard to find Ferrari parts

Making hard to find Ferrari parts

Every now and then, an unusual challenge drops into our inbox. So it was when we were asked if we could help make a clutch pedal for a Ferrari. This was needed for a project to convert a rare right-hand-drive Ferrari from an automatic gearbox to a manual stick-shift.

To be clear, car mechanics are not our strong suit. So this project would require a lot of input from our client. Luckily, in this case, our client seemed to know what he was asking for. His long-term project was to convert a Ferrari “612 Scaglietti” to a manual transmission. He would be the first person, worldwide to complete this. Apparently, only 27 right-hand-drive versions of this car were ever made, and whatever stocks of spare right-hand-drive clutch pedal arms were originally manufactured, none are currently available on the market.

Safety First

Our first discussion was on whether the clutch pedal was a safety-critical part. If it was, then a whole lot of testing and assurance would be needed that would have likely made the job uneconomic. While a clutch pedal failing during operation would be annoying, it would not affect the safe control of the vehicle or the ability to bring it to a stop. So, we were happy to proceed.

General approach

In very general terms, the job split into two phases. First to recreate the CAD (digital) version of the design, then Second, to select the most appropriate way of manufacturing the part and get it made.

As with any job that initially looks fiendishly complex, it’s a case of decomposing it down into small tasks that can be accomplished, and then make a start and work your way through your list of tasks. Our assessment of the job was that, although it looked complicated, we had enough contextual information and known measurements to figure out the design. It was an interesting challenge in reverse engineering. And, who doesn’t want to work on a Ferrari?

Recreating the design in CAD

We did not have access to the Ferrari CAD files for the clutch pedal. The reference available to us was some 2d drawings from a maintenance manual, photos from a car with manual transmission, and the bracket that all the foot pedals fit to.

Using these references, we would need to create our own CAD design. Our design had to meet some key design criteria:

The location of the pins and pivot points where the part joins to the bracket needed to match the actual bracket.
The location in space, angle and range of movement of the socket that accepts the connecting rod from the clutch mechanism needed to be correct – as seen in the 2d drawings in the manual.
The max and min range of travel for the pedal arm needed to match the drawing in the maintenance manual.
The location in space of the clutch pedal relative to the other pedals needed to match the photos of existing manual transmission examples.

Although we have never actually seen a clutch pedal arm for a RHD Ferrari, and the only drawing we had consisted of a single side-view, as long as we met these criteria, the bearing points and interfaces were at the correct angles, we were confident that the part would work.

We created a new CAD version in Autocad Fusion 360. A big advantage of using Fusion 360, is that we were able to give our client online access to the project so that we could both see progress and comment on the design as it developed. This gave our client some confidence that the part was evolving in the right direction and that progress was being made, but also allowed us to tap into the knowledge and experience of our client to resolve tricky aspects of the design.

Manufacturing the part

To reduce the risk of wasting money on parts that were not quite right, we ran two iterations where a plastic versions of the pedal arm was 3d printed as a test-fit. Final tweaks and adjustments from the test-fit fed back into the CAD design.

Having confirmed the correct size, shape, connection points and angles, we were ready for final manufacture. Three main options were explored to create the final part. Each with its own pros and cons.

Direct 3d printing in metal. Pros: Quick. Underhangs and voids easily done. Cons: The size of the part meant that it would have to be 3d printed in a few pieces which would bolt together to form the full-sized shape. Some machining of bearing surfaces would be needed to finish. Cost: £££

Investment Casting. A sand mould would be made around a 3d printed plastic master, then cast in aluminium. This is how Ferrari made the original parts. However, when trying to find a company to do this, we were not able to find a foundry that could handle the size of the part. We learned that the larger the wax master, then the hotter the furnace needed to successfully melt it out. Pros: Would result in a single piece, Cons: Some machining of bearing surfaces would be needed to finish. Some voids would need to be filled in and cut out later. Unable to find a foundry that could handle the part. Cost: N/A

CNC Machining from metal stock. Pros: Best surface finish. Bearing surfaces would be finished in a single process. Cons: Quite a complex shape – would require advanced tooling. Cost: ££

The final process was to send the CAD files we developed to a CNC machining shop via 3D Hubs. For this project, our client chose to send the files to 3D Hubs himself. For other projects, we can take care of this as an end-to-end service. The key part of the process where Celtic3d can add value is in creating the digital files that can then be sent to manufacturing.

The Results

These images show the CNC machined part received from 3D hubs. It was a complicated shape to machine. To be honest, we were prepared for a request to modify the design, perhaps splitting it into a few different parts to make it easier to manufacture. But, the machine shop found via 3D Hubs, had a 5-axis CNC machine and no problems with it.

“It was a great experience working with Celtic 3d. This is obviously an unusual project, so when I emailed about the project I was pleasantly surprised then that Celtic 3d was willing to have a go. Seeing the design come to life via the web interface was really helpful, and allowed me to make comments as the design evolved. Gavin really couldn’t have been more helpful and accommodating.”

Making your parts

It is always rewarding to see a digital creation you have worked on, produced in physical form. We are particularly pleased with the way this job turned out. As an example, this job perfectly illustrates what is possible if you combine the ability to create 3d content with flexible on-demand manufacturing capability.

If you would like to learn more about our lightweight CAD capabilities, or if you are trying to figure out how best to get something made, please contact us to discuss your needs.

Posted on 6, April, 20204, July, 2020 by Gavin Bain — Leave a comment

Service Status

COVID-19: Service Status

Update 2nd July: Open for new orders.

Some materials, especially acrylic/perspex sheet are in short supply (because demand in shops and workplaces is understandably very high at the moment). Most materials are at near-normal availablility.

Posted on 6, December, 20196, December, 2019 by Gavin Bain — Leave a comment

Creating Content for 3d Printing

Software for designing 3d objects

We are often asked what software we use to create 3d models for printing. The answer depends on the type of project. This potted guide explains some of the software we use in the production of our 3d models.

The basic workflow for any 3d printing or CNC project is

create a digital 3d model.
break this down into commands the machine can understand.
send the commands to the machine.

In this article, we are mainly concerned with the first step, creating the digital 3d model.

The right tool for the job

If the model is driven by dimensions, say it has to have a specific pattern of holes, or a specific size, we use CAD (Computer Aided Design) software.

Some projects involve more organic shapes, or a highly detailed surface. For these, we use mesh modelling tools.

Repairing issues with mesh files is a specialist job for mesh analysis and repair tools.

Sometimes, mainly for CNC and laser cutting, we just need the outline, or a path to follow with an engraving or cutting tool. For these we need drawing software that can create paths or vectors.

CAD (Computer Aided Design)

CAD software is all about dimensions. If you know that something has to be a certain thickness, with specifically sized holes in exact locations, these can be created in CAD software in a matter of seconds. In CAD software, if the dimensions change later in the design process, you can quickly find the parameter, and change it. The software will apply the change and update all the downstream characteristics that depend on that parameter. So, if you placed a feature in the center of an object, but later change its width or length, your feature is still in the center.

This ability to drive the design by defining and updating parameters is known as parametric modelling, and it is very powerful. Especially when working in an iterative design process where changes are frequent.

CAD File Formats

CAD software has been widely used for decades. Over the years, several industry standard file formats have emerged. It is usually straightforward to import and export files between different CAD packages using these formats. IGES and the newer STEP format are the most common. These file formats preserve all the dimensional data in the design.

For 3d printing however, files need to be exported in a mesh format. The most common format is STL (Simple Tesselation Language). The STL format describes the surface shape like a digital lump of clay. STL files contain no information about units, colour or materials. While you can still take measurements, the STL format does not contain any of the parameter information from the CAD version. Converting to STL format creates a series of triangles for the surface. A flat plane can be described using a few of these triangles. A sphere may use thousands. If you zoom in on a curved surface in an STL file, it will be made up of many small flat surfaces. If the resolution of the surface is not high enough, these will show in your final print.

While editing CAD designs by updating parameters is fast and easy, making changes once it has been converted into STL format is difficult and time consuming.

At Celtic3d, we use Autodesk Fusion 360 for design work on a daily basis, and occasionally SketchUp which is popular among some of our architectural clients.

Mesh Modelling

When working with organic shapes, say a landscape or a figurine, it is more important to have precise control over the overall shape and form rather than just be driven by dimensions. More like digital sculpting than engineering design. It may also be necessary to make changes to an existing STL file where the original CAD version is not available. In these cases, you need to use software that allows direct editing of the surface mesh.

Mesh software breaks down into two main categories, analysis and fixing of issues with the mesh, and authoring tools to create your own mesh from scratch.

What's a Mesh?

A mesh comprises of a series of vertices (points in space), connected by edges (connecting two vertices) and faces (enclosed by three or more edges). While the STL file format works with triangles, Faces with four edges (quads) are easier to work with when editing. It is also possible to work with faces with more than four edges (polygons).

For 3d printing, the mesh needs to have thickness and volume, fully enclosing a space without any holes. A mesh that successfully encloses a volume is known as watertight or “manifold” and is essential for 3d printing. If 3d printing software comes across holes in the mesh, or a face that does not enclose a volume, it will either fail or have unpredicted results when trying to print.

Fixing Issues

Getting the mesh right is critical to a successful 3d print. This applies equally to files that have been exported in STL format from CAD software and to files that have been created from scratch in mesh modelling software. It also applies to 3d models that might have come from another source – like a 3d scan.

Scanning software creates thousands of reference points from an object, known as a point cloud. Many scanning packages can convert these point clouds into a mesh. Essentially this involves treating the points as vertices and joining them together with edges and faces. The resulting mesh often needs clean-up to fix holes in the model where the software found insufficient points to join together.

At Celtic3d we use several industrial strength tools to analyse and fix mesh issues prior to 3d printing.

MeshLab (http://www.meshlab.net) is available as Open Source under GPL licence and is an invaluable tool to find and fixing issues with your 3d model file. It has features to automatically find and fill holes as well as fix the most common mesh issues.

Creating Your Own 3d Models

While exporting from CAD, downloading STL files from the web or scanning objects are all viable ways to get your 3d model file. Often 3d modelling from scratch is the best option. Our go-to software for creating 3d models from scratch is Blender. It is not just a great tool for digital sculpting and mesh modelling. It is also a full-featured 3d authoring environment. Blender covers everything from CGI (Computer Generated Images), animation, video editing, physics simulations, materials, textures and lighting.

It has superb 3d modelling capabilities and has an included 3d printing add-in (enabled via User Preferences) to export files in STL format. Like any software of this breadth of capability, you will need to invest some time to get to grips with it. However, the payback is enormous. Health warning: if you get the bug, it can take over your life. But, you will be joining a massive online community of artists who have created a large library of tutorials and resources to get you started.

Blender is Open Source, available at blender.org and is a free download. We encourage you to make a contribution if you find it useful.

Celtic3d is a member of the Blender Professional Network.

Quick Tips

Creating a guide to using Blender for 3d print projects is beyond the scope of this article. For those of you who have already dipped a toe in the water, some quick tips for using Blender specifically for creating 3d printable models.

Sort out your scale from the outset. The STL file format does not include any information about units, however most software assumes 1 unit = 1 mm in the real world. Blender, by default, uses it’s own unit scale when exporting STL files. The easiest way to handle this is to adopt a convention where 1 Blender unit = 1 mm.
Pay attention to real-world sizes and thicknesses. It is easy to get sucked into spending hours on details that turn out to be too small to see in the 3d print.
Use non-destructive modifiers. A quick way to ensure that all your wall thicknesses are 3d printable is to model using planes and add a “solidify” modifier to make them a defined thickness. (Remember to “Apply Scale” when modelling and turn on the “Apply Modifiers” option in the 3d Print utility.)

Vector Art

Although strictly not relevant to 3d printing, we frequently combine 3d printed parts with 2d CNC machined components in the same model. CNC machines and laser cutters need a defined path to follow. These paths, or vectors, are created in 2d drawing software. We use Adobe Illustrator for this purpose, mainly because we can also then use Illustrator for other graphics work.

There are Open Source vector drawing tools available but unfortunately their functionality generally lags behind Autodesk’s.

Closing

Preparing and creating files for 3d printing involves a whole toolbox of software. Fortunately, much of what you need is readily available and often free to download and try. Choosing the right tool depends on the type of job in-hand. We have hopefully given you some pointers. If you found this article useful, please link and share.

Posted on 17, October, 201917, October, 2019 by Gavin Bain — Leave a comment

Celtic3d’s support for PrototAU

Celtic3d Teams up with PrototAU

Celtic3d are delighted to announce that we are supporting The University of Aberdeen’s PrototAU team for their entry to the Shell Eco-marathon 2020 with their prototype hydrogen fuel cell powered car.

In 2019 PrototAU entered the Shell Eco-marathon as first time participants, picking up an award as “Most Innovative Hydrogen Newcomer”. We were please to provide some practical assistance in making their hydrogen fuel cell enclosure.

PrototAU

PrototAU are a team of business and engineering students from the University of Aberdeen. They have set themselves the challenge of designing, building and manufacturing an efficient prototype hydrogen fuel cell car. Remarkably, the team of students work on the car as extra curricula activity rather than as an integrated part of their course.

The announcement on the PrototAU Facebook page:

Shell Eco-Marathon Europe

The Shell Eco-marathon Europe is an annual competition between over 130 teams from across Europe and Africa. There are several categories, for example Internal Combustion Engine, Battery Electric and Hydrogen, in which teams compete. As well as on-track performance in terms of economy, speed and distance, participants must pass a stringent technical review of their design and build.

Practical Help

Celtic3d’s CNC capability can cut sheet material while our 3d printing capability and expertise can produce custom parts in a range of materials. We are really looking forward to working on parts for the 2020 car. We can’t wait to see what the design team comes up with.

Posted on 16, September, 201917, September, 2019 by Gavin Bain — Leave a comment

3d Printed Augmented Reality baseboard

We find the interaction between 3d printed models and mixed / augmented reality a fascinating area to explore. An opportunity came up for us to explore this further when ASCO approached us with an exciting project for the Offshore Europe exhibition in Aberdeen this year.

A quick note on terms. Virtual Reality (VR) is where you strap a brick to your face that completely obscures the real world. Augmented Reality (AR) sometimes called Mixed Reality (XR) lets you see the real world while at the same time, projecting virtual 3d objects into your view. This can be via a tablet or phone, or a headset like Microsoft’s HoloLens or Magic Leap.

The challenge: to create a 1.2 meter diameter 3d printed and CNC machined baseboard to be used with augmented reality via tablets. Oh, and the exhibition is in three weeks!

Design

ASCO’s in-house design team came up with a beautiful stylised design. Their design incorporated the main elements of their supply chain. On land the design has a pipe-yard, a supplier’s facility, the main ASCO base with it’s sophisticated logistics systems, an airport and the new ASCO HQ building. On sea, an offshore installation, wind farm and shipping.

The model needed to be in colour and fit into a transit case for transport and storage.

A key difference between modelling for 3d printing and digital only 3d models is that we need to fully resolve all design decisions before we start 3d printing. There is no undo button once you have committed the 3d print or started to cut material on the CNC machine.

We decided on three sections for the base. Making the sea removable would avoid having any of the sections joins being visible on the sea surface. Also, the offshore platform was to be removable to simplify storing the sea surface in the transit case. Because some of the surface objects like wind turbines and cranes were fragile, we these made removable for their protection. So that the model could be used to show a range of scenarios, we left some of the containers the vehicles and the ships unfixed

3d Models

We took the graphics design that ASCO produced and refactored the 3d models to make them physically printable.

Some models were simplified, but for others we added more detail. The warehouse buildings were made hollow with door openings rather than with closed doors. For the offshore installation, we added fine strut work to the simplified model.

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) uses layers of powder which is selectively melted by a laser to form the object. An inherent advantage of SLS is that due to the presence of unmelted powder it does not need additional support during printing. This makes hollow buildings and intricate strut-work possible. We used this characteristic to define fine struts for the drill tower and cranes. These extra details add intricacy to the model without detracting from the client’s design. Intricate details are what makes people take a step closer for a better look – exactly what we want for an exhibition stand.

In making the offshore platform more delicate created a new risk. Having it so close to the edge of the board made it vulnerable to damage. To mitigate against this, we made the drill tower detachable, fixed in-place with a magnet. So, if anyone leans against the drill tower, it detaches rather than breaks.

Machining

We chose polyurethane model board for the terrain. We carved the model board using our CNC machine. Due to the size of the model (1.2m diameter), we machined it six sections. We permanently joined these sections in pairs to create the three sections for the base. We used a translucent blue Perspex to simulate the sea which we also cut on our CNC machine.

Test Version

The main deadline for the project was set up day for the exhibition. However, it was important to test the augmented reality against the model at least a week earlier than this in-case there were adjustments needed to make the AR work properly. Although the model had not yet been painted in it’s final colours, we took the assembled model to ASCO’s Dyce headquarters for testing. It was reassuring to find that the AR was working as expected.

Final Assembly

In the final week, the last major task was painting the model and finally, adding the grass. We were able to accurately match ASCO’s corporate colours on parts of the model and, guided by the Graphics Team, applied a limited pallet to the remainder. For grass, we used green flock with a few scale trees from a model maker supplier. We made water-slide decals to add the ASCO logo in a few strategic locations.

Conclusions

At the exhibition, the model, combined with Augmented Reality on a tablet proved as successful as we had hoped in attracting and engaging visitors to the stand. Having a large and intricate model drew people in for a closer look. From there the AR played it’s part in engaging and telling the stories behind the supply chain.

In AR the viewer could see floating labels over key aspects of the supply chain. With a tap they could bring up further detail and animations with several layers of information.

The overall model could be used with or without the AR display as a prop to explain key aspects of the supply chain and ASCOs services.

We have since seen some comments that people liked the model but did not realise there was an AR element to it and had moved on before finding out. A lesson here is to perhaps add a sign or some indication to the model or nearby that there is more information available in AR.

This project successfully combined the advantages of a model in attracting interest to an exhibit with the ability of digital media to convey information.

Check out Mark Coull’s post on LinkedIn for a look at the AR content and some reactions to it.

If you would like to explore how a 3d printed model can help you engage your audiences, contact us to start the conversation.