3D Printed Tailgate Hole Caps

[P99Guy]

PETG was my first choice, but PLA filament was free and the maker told me that as a learning activity it would be fine, and I can bring some PETG filament and print the covers out with that if the designs worked.

The designs seem really excellent, so I will probably order some PETG in the new year. Unless you strongly recommend some other filament to me that would be a better medium or longer lasting for hot, dry weather?

PETG is the best filament for this project.
nylon is too stiff. Pla will not do well in the heat. Unless you really thicken it tpu is too soft. Asa/abs might be good but I have not tried them due to the odor they produce when printing.
also masking tape helps but I can recommend a textured PEI plate. They rock for this type of print and leave a nice textured finish on the print.

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[P99Guy]

Anyone following this thread that did not receive a cover you ordered or if the cover was damaged in any way please start a conversation with me and I will get the issue resolved.
thanks!

david
@P99Guy

 

[mfergel]

The maker indicated that the blue painter's tape helps taller items adhere to the base platform.

Taller items apparently tend to slide or slip a bit on the X- or Y-axis without it, so that the elements that are higher on the Z-axis get out of position as the lower, base portion of the item moves on a slippery surface.

I was worried that the covers I printed would be difficult to remove from the bed, but they came off without any problem.

Interesting. My plate is already textured so I may not have to worry about that. I've heard of people using glue as well (I tried it once and removing the glue was a pain in the ass).

 

[P99Guy]

Interesting. My plate is already textured so I may not have to worry about that. I've heard of people using glue as well (I tried it once and removing the glue was a pain in the ass).

Welcome to the world of 3D Printing!

Yes it will take on the texture of the build plate so you got the texture of the masking tape.
I choose my plates based on what I need the surface to look like.
I just mention the PEI plates because they work so well.

I bought my first printer only 6 months ago. I now have 5. It is an addiction.
Enjoy!
David

 

[a_bartle]

To all those following this thread, I am happy to report that David reached out to me and is checking on my order; he is taking care of his customers! I'm sure he will get to the bottom of it, so no worries. I appreciate him taking on this project and for making these parts available to our Maverick community!

 

[Darnon]

PETG was my first choice, but PLA filament was free and the maker told me that as a learning activity it would be fine, and I can bring some PETG filament and print the covers out with that if the designs worked.

PETG requires printing slow or it gets very gummy especially at the temps to get good layer adhesion for thin bits like the tabs on these (conceivably they could be thickened, but they'd be harder to insert due to less flex). So my inclination would be towards ASA which can be printed at moderate PLA speeds, just requires more temp (250+) and less/no cooling. I haven't found it particularly bad for printing odor like P99Guy mentions.

 

[P99Guy]

I may give ASA a try but I have heard so many horror stories about ASA and ABS.
My work office is really small and my air-filters only do so much.....

Just FYI I print these at 250mm/s so not too slow. 260C with a bed of 60C, no part cooling.

You are 200% correct on layer adhesion. It took a lot (A LOT) of experimenting to make the tabs work properly. If I can figure out a way to print it vertically without expensive support material (PVA) I think they would be stronger and cook at a lower temp.

I'm pretty new to the 3D Printing world so any advice you want to share is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
David
@P99Guy

 

[Tterrag]

@P99Guy - Good to go on a 2024 Maverick? (apologies if this was already asked/answered!)

 

[mfergel]

Welcome to the world of 3D Printing!

Yes it will take on the texture of the build plate so you got the texture of the masking tape.
I choose my plates based on what I need the surface to look like.
I just mention the PEI plates because they work so well.

I bought my first printer only 6 months ago. I now have 5. It is an addiction.
Enjoy!
David

I'm there with you. Bought my first resin printer about a year ago. Just upgraded that last month and got my filament printer a bit over 2 months ago. I'm still learning all the ins and outs with that.

 

[P99Guy]

@P99Guy - Good to go on a 2024 Maverick? (apologies if this was already asked/answered!)

I don't think anyone has asked. I am pretty sure it will be the same. Several of my last orders were for 2024's and I have not heard of any issues. They may not have their Mavs yet tough.

I am happy to resolve the issue if you want to order 1 and it does not fit.

Thanks!

David
@P99Guy

 

[dhill59]

I got this cover and it’s GREAT. Perfect fit. Looks great too. Ford should be putting these on from the factory. Great price and fast shipping too. THANKS for supplying it.

 

[RichardCranium]

I got this cover and it’s GREAT. Perfect fit. Looks great too. Ford should be putting these on from the factory. Great price and fast shipping too. THANKS for supplying it.

If @Ford Motor Company wants to buy rights to the cad file, I am open to it. I would even be willing to trade for my maverick when it gets here and a new Maverick for @P99Guy. I will even throw in the one I was working on for F-150s but never finished.

 

[P99Guy]

Hybrid Lariat please!
Thanks for thinking of me!

D

 

[RichardCranium]

I wonder why they aren’t responding

 

[P99Guy]

I wonder why they aren’t responding

Probably reverse engineering it right now.

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