TheSamba.com :: View topic - Anyone thought to 3D print license plate frames?

Wed Apr 15, 2020 2:36 pm

Including myself, there are a lot of WTB ads and discussions for the vintage style license plate brackets. Typical was the kind with the checkerboard at the corners and the strange "parenthesis" as background for the letters, like these ones:

Although it may not be as shiny, I wonder of someone with the skills has thought of making templates for plates, with customizable text. I bet they would sell and be worth the effort to prepare the files, not just for VW nuts, since they were very common in the '60s and '70s.

Wed Apr 15, 2020 3:06 pm

I've looked into it. A license plate frame is slightly bigger than 6X12. That is pretty big for a 3d printer, mine maxes out at 8.5x8.5. You'd have to split it in 2 somewhere then glue it after the print. Other than that, you'd definitely be able to do it.

Thu Apr 16, 2020 8:57 am

what about 3D printing the frames to use as a pattern for a foundry to cast them out of zinc?

Thu Apr 16, 2020 10:47 am

I''d even be fine with a plastic frame, hand-sanded to smoothness where wanted, and then have it spray-chrome plated like plastic model bumpers. It will might be pretty affordable.

Thu Apr 16, 2020 10:57 am

Ive used Shapeways to print plastic parts recently with good results. They do have metals as an option to print in as well. They have an online quoting system so all you have to do is upload a 3D STL file.

I think if you could find a blank frame, so you would only have to add the letters would be the best bet. Id love to make my own brand plate frame. I know there are a couple companies that make custom car club plaques so 1 off designs dont seem cost prohibitive in the grand scheme. Cool idea