custom diffuser in the works

[mokinbird87]

Originally Posted by IceFyre13th

Add more draft to the pins that make the holes, or post create then by drilling / machining. You could make the pins slide in / out of the mold too, then when you remove the part you first pull the pins then the part will come out easier.

If you use nut inserts in the mold the pins could be threaded and you would "un-bolt" them to remove.....but make sure there is draft on them (taper) so they will be easy to remove.

Judging from your renders your having problems with the two "boxed" notches, looks like you need at least 5 degrees of draft on those and a sliding mate to the front opening.

My day job is mechanical engineer (SolidWorks CAD), if you need help I can

I can export the CAD in STL or IGS, etc... I`m an industrial designer so I know how tooling works somewhat, but since I`m having to actually make the piece by hand (instead of handing it off to an engineer) I`m finding it very difficult at the moment I think it`s a good challenge for me.

I have the diffuser split up into four different parts and my goal is to do something like a lost wax technique... I`m going to create the female molds (probably wooden box with plaster inside), pour the material in (hot clay, etc), put all four piece together with epoxy and bondo, sand it, and then fiberglass the entire piece.

I think the biggest challenge at the moment is having to create multiple diffusers in great quality without having to pay for tooling. Making one piece for myself is one thing, but making multiples that some of you will pay money for, is another. My friend that runs a CNC shop told me I`m crazy and he wont be able to CNC the tool for me because the part is too complicated haha.

I`ll figure it out, but I can definitely use all of you guys' help!

Thanks!

[IceFyre13th]

SolidWorks will accept either stl or igs.....if you want I can show you what would work. I will sign a NDA if you need it

Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk

[mokinbird87]

Originally Posted by IceFyre13th

SolidWorks will accept either stl or igs.....if you want I can show you what would work. I will sign a NDA if you need it

Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk

hey thanks for the offer. I think I am going to try and create a mold out of plaster first to see if I can figure it out without tooling it in CAD.

[Gunman]

I've remember being told it would be impossible to machine a mould for a part I was working on, in a 3 axis mill. He ate his words, once he saw us pulling parts from it. I need to find pix of that part.

You'll have to do a multi piece pattern/mould setup for that part, but it's very doable.

[mokinbird87]

updated just signed a membership to an open workshop, and the owner has lots of experience working on race car parts and he is also excited to help me bring this product into reality! stay tuned.

[Sithspawn]

Originally Posted by mokinbird87

updated just signed a membership to an open workshop, and the owner has lots of experience working on race car parts and he is also excited to help me bring this product into reality! stay tuned.

Open workshop? Interesting, as there are a few things I want to do that are outside of the scope of Vocademy. Where is the open workshop and what is it called? Do they have lifts?

[mokinbird87]

Originally Posted by Sithspawn

Open workshop? Interesting, as there are a few things I want to do that are outside of the scope of Vocademy. Where is the open workshop and what is it called? Do they have lifts?

no lifts. it`s a place called Urban Workshop in Irvine. It is literally within 5 min walking distance from my office so it worked out nice for me. talk to a guy named Steve.

[mokinbird87]

chopped off the faux diffuser from the bumper... now just scratching my head on figuring out how the diffuser will be manufactured and install onto the bumper.

[Marusich]

Really liking this. Been wanting something along these lines for a while. Keep us posted on your progress, I'll be happy to throw my money at you when it's done.

[mokinbird87]

Updated

[BigFatFlip]

Nice sketching!

[Boxer486]

Looking good!

Just a couple thoughts:

1-Personally I would keep the new design but modify it to go back to just 2 fins like the original rather than 4. Seems too busy like they are fighting with each over space. Two fins lets you have a more balanced look similar that flows better with the car.

2-I know it's a rough draft but just wanted to point out the radius is a bit too large and sharp on the new render but I'm sure that's obvious as the sketches are right on.

[mokinbird87]

Originally Posted by Boxer486

Looking good!

Just a couple thoughts:

1-Personally I would keep the new design but modify it to go back to just 2 fins like the original rather than 4. Seems too busy like they are fighting with each over space. Two fins lets you have a more balanced look similar that flows better with the car.

2-I know it's a rough draft but just wanted to point out the radius is a bit too large and sharp on the new render but I'm sure that's obvious as the sketches are right on.

Hey great point. I should try the two fin design.

Yea don't worry about the quality of these sketches haha just tying to put my idea down on paper

[eyedeez]

I was looking over the F1 inspired holes/caps and I'm curious if that'll end up creating more turbulence/drag than downforce on the top side of the diffuser. Unlike the F1 diffuser, there appears to be obstructions to the airflow on the top side, no? I'm no aerodynamicist, but that seems counterproductive. Thoughts?