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      02-05-2018, 05:15 PM   #67
ooshnoo
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Ok guys. I just got my TPU pieces in the mail, and just installed them in my F32. I got TPU, as it's flexible and needs to curve with the door trim of the F32.

While they are an improvement, it's still not as bright as I'd like, and I think I owe that to just how non-bright the LEDs are.

Cost was $43. PM me if you'd like info on who printed them for me and I'll refer you.

P.S. the night time pic makes them look brighter than they actually are.
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      02-06-2018, 03:00 PM   #68
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Thanks to awmenard for the files, I was able to get started on this as well. Like many on here, I also went through 3Dhubs.com. I ended up working with Brandon from HartSmart. Great guy and very informative if you are still looking for a 3D printer.

My order hasn't arrived yet, so I'll update with more info when it comes. But, there are a few interesting things I picked up. I'm far from an expert, mostly just reciting things that I was told. But, just in case it's helpful:

First, in terms of material, I decided to try clear TPU for its flexibility (and since that seemed to be the material most of the earlier posts mentioned). However, Brandon mentioned to me a couple other alternatives - PETG or nGen. They are more rigid, but can still have a little bit of flex. I didn't look into these other materials so I can't compare.

Also, when I asked for "clear" TPU, I was told that it is never really clear. The clarity depends on how many "layers" you print. The more layers (more opaque), the greater the ability to "diffuse" light and refract it since it has to pass through more layers. The less layers (more clear), the better for light to pass directly through it, but you won't see it as much from the side.

Number of layers is related to the layer "height." The taller the height, the less layers you can fit into your print. I originally selected 500 microns, but was told that was an overly thick layer and the printer would not be able to print the thin "fins" at the top with that setting. So, I lowered it to 300 microns. Not sure it that will achieve the desired effect, but I'll have to wait and see when it arrives.

My guess is with the varying combinations of layer height / # of layers / clarity, one can foreseeably play around with some settings and get an ideal amount of light passing through vs. diffused light.
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      02-06-2018, 03:10 PM   #69
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chuckles01 Great info.

It's interesting to see how many are using different techniques, I think the more these are the the better chance we have a finding the perfect combination.

I will change mine soon however I'm just waiting on others results.

I find that this is a relatively cheap upgrade that adds a little something special.

I'm sure if we could slide I little mirror or reflective piece in the bottom of the trim we could get a lot more light.
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      02-06-2018, 07:09 PM   #70
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Quote:
Originally Posted by awmenard View Post
chuckles01 Great info.

It's interesting to see how many are using different techniques, I think the more these are the the better chance we have a finding the perfect combination.

I will change mine soon however I'm just waiting on others results.

I find that this is a relatively cheap upgrade that adds a little something special.

I'm sure if we could slide I little mirror or reflective piece in the bottom of the trim we could get a lot more light.
Agree, I'm curious about what settings others are using to print theirs as well. I have a feeling mine will be too clear to diffuse the light nicely, but we'll see. I'll get mine in this week hopefully.

Your earlier version (with 3 per door) seems to diffuse the light nicely. Do you remember what thickness you used?
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      02-07-2018, 02:48 PM   #71
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This seems like a very easy mod that can be produced and sold. I am sure someone is working right now to make this as their own product. Patiently waiting
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      02-07-2018, 05:25 PM   #72
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Quote:
Originally Posted by frenchfries View Post
This seems like a very easy mod that can be produced and sold. I am sure someone is working right now to make this as their own product. Patiently waiting
Yeah I could of perfected it and sold it I suppose.

It's never too late I guess
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      02-07-2018, 09:10 PM   #73
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Did anyone try any other settings or materials?
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      02-08-2018, 11:02 PM   #74
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I would be willing to pay someone for this for my F30... im In california..
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      02-09-2018, 09:41 AM   #75
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ooshnoo Did you also get the piece for the rear armrests? is the piece flexible enough to work back there too?
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      02-09-2018, 09:50 AM   #76
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Quote:
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ooshnoo Did you also get the piece for the rear armrests? is the piece flexible enough to work back there too?
Yep. Sure did. It was actually harder to install them in the rear as it was a much tighter fit, even for something so thin. Had to leverage my trim tools to push it in.
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      02-09-2018, 10:36 AM   #77
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ooshnoo View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by BeFantastic View Post
ooshnoo Did you also get the piece for the rear armrests? is the piece flexible enough to work back there too?
Yep. Sure did. It was actually harder to install them in the rear as it was a much tighter fit, even for something so thin. Had to leverage my trim tools to push it in.
Any night pics?
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      02-09-2018, 06:08 PM   #78
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Quote:
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Any night pics?
Rear seat pic
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      02-10-2018, 10:18 AM   #79
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I submitted the file through 3dhubs but the only person who can do it in the US said he can't print anything more than 15 inch in length.
Does anyone have any recommendations for a printing service that can print it in 20 inch?
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      02-10-2018, 11:30 AM   #80
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OMSdoc View Post
I submitted the file through 3dhubs but the only person who can do it in the US said he can't print anything more than 15 inch in length.
Does anyone have any recommendations for a printing service that can print it in 20 inch?
This is the guy who did mine on 3dhubs. He was able to print up to 20. I'm still waiting for mine in the mail though so I haven't tried it.

https://www.3dhubs.com/service/50057
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      02-12-2018, 04:42 PM   #81
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chuckles01 View Post
This is the guy who did mine on 3dhubs. He was able to print up to 20. I'm still waiting for mine in the mail though so I haven't tried it.

https://www.3dhubs.com/service/50057
I'm very interested in this. How much did he charge?
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      02-12-2018, 07:31 PM   #82
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Quote:
Originally Posted by frenchfries View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by chuckles01 View Post
This is the guy who did mine on 3dhubs. He was able to print up to 20. I'm still waiting for mine in the mail though so I haven't tried it.

https://www.3dhubs.com/service/50057
I'm very interested in this. How much did he charge?
Your price will vary by material you choose, how thick each printed layer is, shipping options, and more, etc. but mine was about $50 bucks shipped.
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      02-16-2018, 09:04 PM   #83
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Got the strips and installed them this past week. Overall I'm satisfied with the effect, especially for the price. The lighting is not as even as I thought, but I think that's more an outcome of the 3D printing layer thickness I chose and the clarity of the TPU. You can see little "dots" of light, as if it's a bunch of little bulbs. Not quite the single light tube effect as on the new 5 series. It doesn't bother me, but perhaps more opacity will achieve that desired effect?

Here are some pictures:
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      02-18-2018, 09:03 PM   #84
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Nice result!

just got an email confirmation that mine were printed as well so hope to get this week
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      05-29-2018, 07:50 AM   #85
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I order those strips from my local 3D printing store wand they said that they couldn’t print them in 20inch long but only 10 inch but they were nive enough to gloue them down for me for a total of 28$. Now my questions is how do you guys insert those strips in the door panel? I saw the video on YouTube and seems like he is putting them in form the front of the door panel!do they stick enough not fall ?
Thank you
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      05-29-2018, 12:26 PM   #86
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mega8489 View Post
I order those strips from my local 3D printing store wand they said that they couldn't print them in 20inch long but only 10 inch but they were nive enough to gloue them down for me for a total of 28$. Now my questions is how do you guys insert those strips in the door panel? I saw the video on YouTube and seems like he is putting them in form the front of the door panel!do they stick enough not fall ?
Thank you
It's hard to explain, but the design has a little groove that will make it sit like it should.

Mine have been on for a few months and have not moved an inch.

Once you have them you'll see how it fits.

Post Pics with your results.
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      05-30-2018, 12:20 AM   #87
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Quote:
Originally Posted by awmenard View Post
It's hard to explain, but the design has a little groove that will make it sit like it should.

Mine have been on for a few months and have not moved an inch.

Once you have them you'll see how it fits.

Post Pics with your results.
Ok I should get them tomorrow, as soon I get them I’m gonna post pictures of them so I you can tell them how should I put them in . Thank you so much
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      06-01-2018, 09:10 PM   #88
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Just received my two pieces of clear tpu for the front seats installed them was apiece of cake !
That’s the results couldn’t be happier with the result really add a nice touch of a premium !
Now I’m gonna order the two pieces for the back seats!
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