AV-8B N/A UFC - 3D Printed

[obious]

Hi All,

 

Long story short, after buying a 3D printer over Christmas I thought I'd get to grips with how to generally design things and how to print them. I've learnt over the past 3-4 weeks that my 3D printer (Anycubic Chiron) can be a cruel mistress and be very unforgiving. :(

 

Before I tackle the F-18's UFC which is my main aim, I thought I'd have a go at the AV-8B NA UFC and see how far I get.

I know Brun has designed a UFC, and as great as it is, I've struggled printing it at home. I've printed it 5-6 times with various Cura settings and each time I'm not happy with the results. I think one of the main issues I've found is that it has to be printed with supports. Its worth noting that I bought it off Shapeways about a year ago and have been using it ever since then, it truly is a great bit of CAD.

 

From the images, it's pretty clear to see my progress; I fly mainly in VR so I don't have much use for panels etc to be back lit.

 

All the components (UFC housing, UFC itself, R & L cautionary panels, buttons & HUD control panel) are separate and can be easily printed without the need for supports.

I've decided to create and use my own buttons as I like the feel of 6mm tactile switches, it makes the designing process easier when trying to avoid printing with supports and I also think it makes for a more life-like reproduction (aesthetically). I've managed to find someone on eBay who's printed the UFC button stickers for me so I didn't have to create 25+ individual buttons which I think will be a real time saver. All other hardware that this is designed to be used with (toggle switches, rotary knobs and pots are standard off-the-shelf eBay stuff so they should be very easy to acquire

 

I'm planning on sharing the STLs once I've added a few finishing touches but wanted to share it here to get any feedback prior to publishing.

 

Anyhow, let me know what you think!

 

 

 

 

Av8B UFC Complete.zip

 

Thanks!

Edited April 25, 2020 by obious

[youngque]

Well designed! I would have never guessed you were only a few weeks into learning Fusion! I look forward to your progress.

 

Quentin

[Maclamule81]

Great Job

 

I try the same UFC with cure and my print 3d. But i use another dimension for my buttons

[reddox]

Eagerly following this. Really hope you'll share the STLs, or even the cad files, as I can then make them work with my preferred buttons.

 

 

I'm making my own prototype UFC right now. Got the buttons done, pots and rotaries next. It's just cheap buttons on a plexiglass for now...

[Dreadwing]

Following as well... Excellent work so far

 

Sent from my SM-N975U1 using Tapatalk

[obious]

I've finally managed to get around to 'finishing' this design (at least as much as I'm willing to put into it right now, I may revisit this at some point in the future).

 

I've made some changes since the original images I shared. I've split the housing/mounting box into two to make it easy to print (and to reduce overall print time and print-failure risk) and completely redesigned the button backing/matrix to enable a more even button press feel and just generally make the design a little nicer. I've also designed some knobs that I think work well.

 

Since a few of you asked, I've attached all the STLs in a zip to the original post.

 

If you're feeling generous and would like to buy me a coffee for my effort, I've shamelessly created this link :)

 

Also, if anyone is wiling to share feedback, I'm more than open; I'm not a professional 3D designer but I think the models (and even the prints) have turned out well so far. In case anyone asks why I created a button matrix instead of designing my own PCBs, the answer is purely down to time (more than willing to collaborate with someone on making this better by designing PCBs that tactile switches can then be soldered directly on to).

 

 

 

 

Edited April 25, 2020 by obious

[Lobinjaevel]

It looks really good! How did you print the text?

[Brewnix]

Wow awesome job! I feel like its a game with 3d printing trying to find the balance with making parts that can be printed with out supports. Finding the right position less over hang. Curious what brand filament you are using?

[SVgamer72]

That looks fantastic!

Edited April 27, 2020 by SVgamer72
I found the answer

[obious]

Thanks. Using an Anycubic Chiron and eSUN black PLA as I’m based in the UK and can’t get any of the good stuff folks in the US are using

[Maclamule81]

Great Job

[KidCharlemagne]

Thanks for sharing this!

[Sierra99]

Any Chance you can share your parts list so we can compare what we're getting with yours?

[Thaldar]

It's a really nice design mate, got most of my parts printed off, waiting for my switches to come in the mail and hopefully have an up and running UFC end of the week. Thanks for your efforts!

[obious]

Any Chance you can share your parts list so we can compare what we're getting with yours?

 

Sorry, I meant to do this a little while ago. Here's the list:

 

Mini toggle

Tactile Switch (for buttons)

Rotary Pots

Rotary encoders (for comms)

 

It's a really nice design mate, got most of my parts printed off, waiting for my switches to come in the mail and hopefully have an up and running UFC end of the week. Thanks for your efforts!

 

Awesome, any chance of seeing some pics? I'm curious to know how other people's prints turned out

[Thaldar]

Awesome, any chance of seeing some pics? I'm curious to know how other people's prints turned out

 

Of course mate once it's all thrown togther, switches should be delivered in the next few days.

[reddox]

I just donated 5 pounds for your effort :)

 

 

This is really great, and I'm gonna print it when my prusa Mini arrives. My current printer is too small.

 

 

A few questions:

 

 

 

• How do you fasten the matrix on the inside? I see there are some slots, but do you use glue or screws as well?
  
• How did you fasten and wire the buttons to the matrix? A picture of the wiring would be awesome, if possible.
  
• It looks like you forgot to include the I/P button in the files.
  
• Where did you get the measurements for it? Is it just approximations?
  I'm making my own MPCDs now, and getting the proper measurements is a pain.
  
• Would you be willing to release the CAD files for a fee or on a license?
  I realize this can be a touchy subject, but it would help out us with smaller printers and people who want to use other buttons. I'm also going to be making the buttons with writing on them, and having the original file would make it a bit easier.
  

Anyways, thanks for your great work, and for sharing it :thumbup:

[obious]

I just donated 5 pounds for your effort :)

 

 

This is really great, and I'm gonna print it when my prusa Mini arrives. My current printer is too small.

 

 

A few questions:

 

 

 

• How do you fasten the matrix on the inside? I see there are some slots, but do you use glue or screws as well?
  
• How did you fasten and wire the buttons to the matrix? A picture of the wiring would be awesome, if possible.
  
• It looks like you forgot to include the I/P button in the files.
  
• Where did you get the measurements for it? Is it just approximations?
  I'm making my own MPCDs now, and getting the proper measurements is a pain.
  
• Would you be willing to release the CAD files for a fee or on a license?
  I realize this can be a touchy subject, but it would help out us with smaller printers and people who want to use other buttons. I'm also going to be making the buttons with writing on them, and having the original file would make it a bit easier.
  

Anyways, thanks for your great work, and for sharing it :thumbup:

 

Thanks you!

 

To answer your questions:

1) I used M3 button head screws

2) It should be there but I’ll check

3) They’re approximations

4) Yes, feel free to PM me

 

Thanks again! :)

[reddox]

Thanks you!

 

To answer your questions:

1) I used M3 button head screws

2) It should be there but I’ll check

3) They’re approximations

4) Yes, feel free to PM me

 

Thanks again! :)

 

 

PM Sent :)

 

 

 

1. Where did you put the screws? I can't see any holes on the matrix, top plate or box?
   

[Corvidae]

This looks amazing, makes me wanna get a 3d printer to make one myself :)

 

What are you going to use for the small screens for the radio channels etc?

[reddox]

I've now started printing this. Had to wait a while for my Prusa to arrive.

Does anyone have a clue about how it should be put together?

 

The M3 screws you mentioned Obious, do they just go in the matrix from the back and screw into the plastic in the back side of the cover?

The dimensions of the screws mounting the cover to the box, and the two box parts together would also be nice to have.

 

[obious]

Sorry for the late reply, been away from DCS for a while due to a house move.

 

Yup, that’s it. The (either 10mm or 12mm M2.5 I believe) bolts go through the button matrix from the back and screw into the back of the UFC front plate.

[reddox]

Thanks :)

What about the screws fastening the front plate to the box? Have you embedded any nuts in the box? The holes in the front plate are smaller than the ones in the box.

(Edit: I've realized that you probably used threaded inserts)

 

Sorry for all the questions. I can figure out a way to assemble it on my own, but it helps knowing how you did it.

 

A pic of the inside of your would help too, if you've wired it up and it's not gone missing in the house move :D

 

 

I'm making all the buttons with recessed text now. The idea is to print them and do a color change in the layer, so the text will turn up white.

 

 

Edited October 19, 2020 by reddox
Epiphany

[reddox]

Ok, so I've made all the buttons with protruding text, so that one can print them and do a color change and get white text on black buttons.

I'll make them with recessed text as well, but that comes later.

Edit: I uploaded the recessed ones too.

 

I've published them here: https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints...er-ufc-buttons

 

[Xpendable]

This is really awesome.  I'd love to print this.  I was able to get the buttons but not the UFC itself.  Anyway to post this again / somewhere?  I dunno if the new forum system lost the attachments.  Disregard, after another day or two, the download link appeared and I was able to grab the files.

 

I'm planning on modeling the throttle handle will be happy to share that when I am closer.  I did start modeling the throttle handle in FreeCAD.  I would have loved to have used Fusion 360 but they recently removed features from the "free" version to try to force you into the $400 a year subscription - and I'm not going for that.  

 

My biggest roadblock is that I can't find dimensions of the throttle anywhere on the internet.  So I'm just "guessing" as best as I can and going from there.  The cool thing is, because everything is parametric, I can adjust every dimension and constraint until it looks like the real thing and "feels" right.  But it will still be a lot of guesswork.  Fun project, regardless.

 

Edited December 3, 2020 by Xpendable