Kenneth:

That is still true, most frequently, for low-end $200 - $500 models you will find at Costco or Staples, but bigger ones use a variety of materials including carbon-fibre, metals and concretes.

> On 15-Jul-2019, at 12:15, kenneth wilford (Van-Again) <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET> wrote:
> 
> The problem is the most of the printers use a material that is very similar
> to what you would find in a hot glue gun.  So it is fine for printing small
> statues that you can put on your desk at your home.  But printing a vehicle
> part, not so much.  Think about installing one of these light holders, only
> to have it melt the first day the van sits in a hot parking lot.
> 
> Of course you can buy a brand new one for not that much money from us on
> our site here:
> https://www.vanagain.com/shop/license-plate-light-holder-for-all-vanagon
> 
> Or you can just ignore this email like the last one I sent.
> 
> Ken
> 
> On Mon, Jul 15, 2019 at 11:06 AM Alistair Bell <albell@shaw.ca> wrote:
> 
>> Can be a few ways...
>> 
>> Small parts can be scanned, 3 d scanned, then imported into a 3D modelling
>> program for adjustment or modification.
>> 
>> Or the part, original, can be measured by hand and drawn up de novo in the
>> 3D modelling software.
>> 
>> Once you have the computer model, it’s then sliced or diced or whatever
>> ;-) by the software associated with the 3D printer used to make the final
>> shape.
>> 
>> That’s a very simplistic overview. I don’t do 3D printing, my day job is
>> taking 3D computer models and making the parts in a cnc mill.
>> 
>> There are companies that will print the parts you want, from files you
>> supply. I think there are links on the thingiverse pages to such outfits.
>> 
>> But Dave, I can see you getting a small printer and having fun during the
>> dark winter months :-)
>> 
>> Alistair
>> 
>>> On Jul 15, 2019, at 7:48 AM, David McNeely <davmcneely40@gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>> 
>>> So, for those of us who know nothing about 3D printing:  Does one
>> require a part for a pattern, or is all the information in the files for
>> making the part?  If a pattern, then it seems that the new part would have
>> the flaws of the old part.  How were the files generated?  From copying a
>> preexisting part?
>>> 
>>> Sorry for my ignorance.
>>> 
>>> mcneely
>>> 
>>>> On Sun, Jul 14, 2019 at 6:23 PM Alistair Bell <albell@shaw.ca> wrote:
>>>> I think... I might be mistaken about the source, but I think there are
>> files for 3D printing of that part at thingiverse.com.
>>>> 
>>>> Yup...
>>>> 
>>>> https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:34856
>>>> 
>>>> For at least some of the plastic NLA parts, 3D printing will be our
>> saviour.
>>>> 
>>>> Alistair
>>>> 
>>>>> On Jul 14, 2019, at 5:21 PM, KIM BRENNAN <kimbrennan@mac.com> wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>>> On our ancient vehicles I rarely remember that sometimes parts become
>> unavailable. Case i point the little plastic housings for the rear license
>> tag lights. I found one of mine dangling (broken), and went to order from
>> the usual places and “out of stock”. BusLab (in theory) has them, so I
>> ordered a couple of replacements. Hopefully I won’t get a charge back due
>> to them no longer having any….
>>>>> 
>>>>> I went to one of my “out of service” Vanagons. Plastic housing (and
>> clear lens and screws) looked like new. Must have been replaced at some
>> point in their life. On the other housing on the Van I was fixing, the
>> screws are stripped, so that will be a fun repair if or when I have to
>> replace the bulb on that side (if it isn’t working right now, it will flunk
>> Virginia safety inspection.)
>> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> Thanks,
> Ken Wilford
> John 3:16
> www.vanagain.com