[NTLK] MP2x00 Battery Tray STL - 3D Printing

[Davis Remmel]

On 11/5/2011 12:40, Lord Groundhog wrote:

> Assuming this works, have you any idea what kind of price point we're
> looking at for this mode of production?  I ask because I doubt that I'm the
> only one thinking this could be a solution to the problem of replacing the
> door (or whatever we should call it) on the MP2100, to protect the screen.
> But affordability is going to play a rôle here.

Hopefully, some form of crowdsourcing can be initiated with Newton 
community members, or supporters, who have access to rapid prototyping 
machines.  Theoretically, the price of these trays will be next to 
nothing (cost of plastic + shipping + manufacturing tip).  These parts 
shouldn't be sold at a profit, because that's just not kind. :)

In addition, the economics of this system should also be hypothesized: 
if the current market is flooded with inexpensive parts that work just 
as well as official ones, those first party parts are going to drop in 
price significantly to stay competitive.  Everything will become more 
affordable.

Not only will things become more affordable, but I believe they will 
become better, too.  Take the battery tray, for instance.  The original 
one had to be designed with mass manufacturing constraints in mind.  The 
two rectangular holes on the side were made by metal arms that pushed 
upwards to form the 'clip' curvature.  These holes, for me, were a point 
of weakness which caused my tray to break.  Since that method of 
manufacturing isn't going to be used, these holes can be omitted, thus 
strengthening the part.

Right now, I'm working to model the entire 2x00 body.  However, the 
'screen protecting door' has a spring component which will be difficult 
to replicate.  In the end, I'll probably end up implementing some 
locking latch system.  It won't be better than the spring, but it might 
come close.

-- 
Davis Remmel