Toughbook Port Covers, 3D Printing and YOU!

IBM ThinkPad enthusiasts noted that 3D printing, which seems to be gaining traction, could be the solution to their old laptops' crumbling and/or otherwise broken parts, which are expensive to repair. Right now both of my Toughbooks have issues with port covers and even if buying from eBay were an option, that place is still filled with non-OEM port covers, some (most?) of which aren't waterproof, which essentially defeats the point of the port covers. One computer store in my city seems to be selling CF-19 power jack covers, but again, they're non-OEM and I'm somewhat skeptical about such spare parts.

3D printing would be a slightly more viable solution, given that the local library has such a thing. Now, I'm well aware that there's no repository of any kind that'd contain the files needed to 3D-print a port cover -- mainly because nobody has created such files. Alas, that's where my skills and knowledge end, so I figured I'd ask you whether this idea is even feasible and if it is, if there's any interest in creating such a repository. Surely someone here knows about the magic of 3D printers...

 

i dunno ... i am skeptical of 3D printers .
unless one has access to a very expensive printer and it can manage to *somehow* utilize elastomer-type compounds as well as the more conventional plastics , i feel that the results will not be what one would want .
the cost per part would be a factor ... for one or two at a time .
.
i will admit that finding good quality non-oem parts is difficult .
there are a lot of disreputable outfits selling parts that are not oem and passing them off (directly or by suggestion) as "genuine" .
some of the ebay sellers think that their *real* oem parts are made out of gold plated pressed unicorn dung ... i guess they have a new swimming pool to pay for .

you mentioned ebay (and such) as not being an option ...
in what way is this not a viable means of obtaining parts ?

 

I agree, I think the cost will a lot more. The only one that is selling OEM covers is this seller http://m.ebay.com/itm/DFHG1996ZA-0-...All-MK-Panasonic-OEM-/371545584143?nav=SEARCH Rugged Depot is a Toughbook seller. I know the price might seam high but its not cheap selling on ebay. I can tell you this he might be making $2.00 on a cover if that.

 

3D printed parts that would be interesting and worth making are custom LCD corners for GPS modules and antennas.
Perhaps the special "bracket" needed for a fingerprint reader on a CF31.
Maybe some custom doors for the PCMCIA that allow for cable pass thru..
I can imagine a custom lid badge with the word TOUGHBOOK embossed.

An interesting idea but one that would reduce strength some is an entire custom lid.

 

3D printing is relatively cheap (500 eur or usd) and easy ( http://www.openscad.org/) for ABS plastics and wood-like materials.

The hard parts will be to
1) obtain rubber o-rings and apply them to the printed covers
2) create a working and lasting hinge.

Printers that can handle multiple materials, say metal+rubber are a whole different story.Think of huge in industrial machines, about the size of two or three 19" server racks.
There are companies that own such machines and will print and ship objects to you.
E.g. http://www.creabis.de/en/lasersintering-sls

 

"sintering" technology would do the trick nicely .
the ability to "print" metal parts solves durability problems .
working with elastomeric type plastics would be good for those "rubber covers" .

i can only imagine the price of the machine .

 

I agree that the hinge would be an issue.