Fixing My Car With a 3d Printer

3D printing is incredible technology. We’re seeing some backlash from all the “3D printed crap” hitting the market. That doesn’t change the effectiveness of the tech itself.

For me the real joy in the hobby came when I started designing my own things. There’s something magical about almost “thinking” something into existence.

Usually I make art and silly stuff, but an opportunity arose to “fix my car” with a 3D printer.

I drive an ancient 27 year old Ford Taurus. She’s champagne colored, has hail damage, and a massive dent in the side from when someone smashed into me and then drove off.

Anyway, the heater knob broke off and I was using a pair of pliers to turn it on and off. After my wife made fun of me enough, I finally came up with a solution:

I started by measuring the post that the old knob connected to, then designed this knob around it in Fusion 360. I then printed it on my Ender 3 Pro.

I am pleased to report that this knob has been going strong for over a year now! It’s showing no signs of wear or damage.

See ya’ later fellow Makerinator!

Matthew