3D Printed Fuel Cap Opener a.k.a. things I’m learning.

[DeltaRomeo]

Note: .STL file at bottom if you want to print it, but you can design your own just how you want it in like ten minutes. It's pretty easy to learn and do. You should!

More fun playing with 3D design and printing - this time a fuel cap opener (which may break in half the first time used (<grin>).

Constraints:
Shapr3D (https://www.shapr3d.com/) allows free use for hobbyists. It does however restrict the free use to low res export. Curves don’t necessarily look like curves. I’ve found that rounding off the corners of various edges gets you pretty close to where you want to be, even with the free version.

Also, the free version only allows you to keep two projects at a time in the software. No big deal if you store your other ones in the cloud somewhere and drag them into the software when you want to work on them.

So, back to the fuel cap…

Data:
The first print (.25” thick) next to the second print.



The modified Shapr3D file with rounded edges:



Of course all this is going to change many more times. I haven’t tried it on the RV yet. Just having fun while Law and Order is on and I’m winding down.

Printed w/PLA on a BambuP1S. Print time under 6 minutes. 2.21g of filament.

Fun to play with.

v/r,dr

PS: As I get a fuel cap opener I’m happy with, I’ll update the thread (and attachment) here.

Download .STL file:

VAF_Fuel_Cap_Opener.stl

drive.google.com

 

[rocketman1988]

I know you are having fun with the printer but thought I would share what I found for a fuel cap opener. Yes, I have tried MANY 3d printed designs but I found I like this one from amazon the best for me. It is very small and easily carried on a key ring...and it will not break.

 

[DeltaRomeo]

Boooooooooooo!
You’re not gonna harsh my mellow, man. I’m having too fun with this thing.

 

[N40ES]

I know you are having fun with the printer but thought I would share what I found for a fuel cap opener. Yes, I have tried MANY 3d printed designs but I found I like this one from amazon the best for me. It is very small and easily carried on a key ring...and it will not break.

Just think about your personal STATIC as you slide out of the cockpit and before you open that cap with fumes stirring/sloshing around. Point being the recently circulated VIDEO of fuel tank fires and Bob's Titanium (static carrier) bottle opener. I think Doug may have a better idea in plastic.

 

[rocketman1988]

Boooooooooooo!
You’re not gonna harsh my mellow, man. I’m having too fun with this thing.

Knew you would! Mine has been running for the last 24 hours!

Just think about your personal STATIC as you slide out of the cockpit and before you open that cap with fumes stirring/sloshing around. Point being the recently circulated VIDEO of fuel tank fires and Bob's Titanium (static carrier) bottle opener. I think Doug may have a better idea in plastic.

OMG. Then you probably shouldn't use a screwdriver on any fasteners...and you probably shouldn't use the fuel sample cup with the metal rod. May the Lord have mercy on you if you are using anything but an anti static rag to wipe the airplane down. Also, plastic can definitely carry a static charge.

You realize that you can discharge static through your fingers, right? Do you also realize that if you put your hand on the aircraft before you open the cap, the potential difference between you and the aircraft is zero?

I have to chuckle, though. Many moons ago, people would gas their cars, without any grounding wires, while smoking a cigarette...stupid yes, but it happened.

 

[ccoady454]

Knew you would! Mine has been running for the last 24 hours!

OMG. Then you probably shouldn't use a screwdriver on any fasteners...and you probably shouldn't use the fuel sample cup with the metal rod. May the Lord have mercy on you if you are using anything but an anti static rag to wipe the airplane down. Also, plastic can definitely carry a static charge.

You realize that you can discharge static through your fingers, right? Do you also realize that if you put your hand on the aircraft before you open the cap, the potential difference between you and the aircraft is zero?

I have to chuckle, though. Many moons ago, people would gas their cars, without any grounding wires, while smoking a cigarette...stupid yes, but it happened.

Yeah, the cherry on a cigarette doesn't get enough to ignite gasoline anyway. Mythbusters proved this on their show back in 2005.

 

[Hangar 1271]

I know you are having fun with the printer but thought I would share what I found for a fuel cap opener. Yes, I have tried MANY 3d printed designs but I found I like this one from amazon the best for me. It is very small and easily carried on a key ring...and it will not break.

This is much better than all the plastic openers I've made or tried. I also recommended it.

 

[cvairwerks]

As an FYI...the human body can develop a static charge as high as 1500 VDC, before one will feel it, or see it on discharge....

 

[Roadjunkie1]

As an FYI...the human body can develop a static charge as high as 1500 VDC, before one will feel it, or see it on discharge....

Yeah: just ask my Cat..............!

 

[Tony Kirk]

Doug, Have you looked at Fusion for personal use? It's free as long as you don't make more than $1,000 from things you have designed. I like it and use it a lot.

https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/personal

Yes, the learning curve is a little steep - but you have the brain power to pick it up. Plus, there are a ton of Fusion videos out there.

Give me a call if you want to chat about it.

 

[DeltaRomeo]

Doug, Have you looked at Fusion for personal use? It's free as long as you don't make more than $1,000 from things you have designed. I like it and use it a lot.
https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/personal
Yes, the learning curve is a little steep - but you have the brain power to pick it up. Plus, there are a ton of Fusion videos out there.
Give me a call if you want to chat about it.

Thank you Tony! I just read of some BambuLab / Fusion type collab news a couple days back and was just starting to look at it. I'll download for sure now.
Thanks again for the tip.
Best,

 

[Hangar 1271]

I've been using Tinkercad and it is free, online, and I haven't run into any real limitations. I found it easier to get started with a program that is shape based.

 

[rocketman1988]

Thank you Tony! I just read of some BambuLab / Fusion type collab news a couple days back and was just starting to look at it. I'll download for sure now.
Thanks again for the tip.
Best,

Also note that you can only have 10 editable files at one time. It isn't an issue though, as you can easily make the ones you aren't using Read Only until you need them.

 

[walkman]

Learn OpenSCAD it will change your life. Instead of manipulating shapes write objects as code

 

[dmn056]

Can I recommend Freecad: https://www.freecad.org/index.php

Like the name says, extremely powerful solid modeller. Open source and entirely unrestricted. I've been using it for quite a few things on my RV-8 build, some for 3D printing and others for conventional machining. For example, a wing root fuel filter support bracket, which I then printed on a Bambu P1S using PA6-GF:



The learning curve isn't too steep, and there's lots of online help available.

Worth a look.

 

[DeltaRomeo]

Can I recommend Freecad: https://www.freecad.org/index.php

Like the name says, extremely powerful solid modeller. Open source and entirely unrestricted. I've been using it for quite a few things on my RV-8 build, some for 3D printing and others for conventional machining. For example, a wing root fuel filter support bracket, which I then printed on a Bambu P1S using PA6-GF:

View attachment 81780

The learning curve isn't too steep, and there's lots of online help available.

Worth a look.

Most excellent! Thank you!

 

[ThreeHil]

I used a bottle cap opener and just filed the sides of the tip off

 

[Snowflake]

I'll second two of the suggestions above.

1. FreeCAD. Awesome package, that I would love to switch to at the office, except we already have SolidWorks.
2. Bottle opener. Design one and you'll be able to open your fuel tank when flying and your beer when you're not.

 

[turbosaaber]

I use a foldable golf divot tool...easily obtained and cheap via amazon. I use velcro on the tool and seat back which is always available and will not come loose. The one I have is all abs plastic but I think the metal ones will work. For those worried about weight I did see a titanium one!

 

[jwd295]

Note: .STL file at bottom if you want to print it, but you can design your own just how you want it in like ten minutes. It's pretty easy to learn and do. You should!

More fun playing with 3D design and printing - this time a fuel cap opener (which may break in half the first time used (<grin>).

Constraints:
Shapr3D (https://www.shapr3d.com/) allows free use for hobbyists. It does however restrict the free use to low res export. Curves don’t necessarily look like curves. I’ve found that rounding off the corners of various edges gets you pretty close to where you want to be, even with the free version.

Also, the free version only allows you to keep two projects at a time in the software. No big deal if you store your other ones in the cloud somewhere and drag them into the software when you want to work on them.

So, back to the fuel cap…

Data:
The first print (.25” thick) next to the second print.
View attachment 80398
View attachment 80406

The modified Shapr3D file with rounded edges:
View attachment 80399
View attachment 80401
View attachment 80400
Of course all this is going to change many more times. I haven’t tried it on the RV yet. Just having fun while Law and Order is on and I’m winding down.

Printed w/PLA on a BambuP1S. Print time under 6 minutes. 2.21g of filament.

Fun to play with.

v/r,dr

PS: As I get a fuel cap opener I’m happy with, I’ll update the thread (and attachment) here.

Download .STL file:

VAF_Fuel_Cap_Opener.stl

drive.google.com

Printed. Thanks

 

[Scott Hersha]

I have several of these tools too. Most are printed by Steve Melton (local RV pilot), and a couple others. The one that has worked best for me for several years is one of Steve’s tools modified to fit into the end of my fuel sample tester, which I use almost every time I fly. I also have pictured my fuel level metered dip sticks. The one I use most is the one in the pic made out of oak. It doesn’t absorb fuel as much. I made it long enough to not be lost by dropping it in my tank, and also have it calibrated on each end so the second tank checked on the opposite end isn’t ‘contaminated’ by the prior check.

 

[RV-9erA]

Your 3D gas cap opener is a MUCH better idea than using a hangar key!

 

[bob865]

Don't forget with your EAA membership you get Siemens Solid Edge for free. It's a very powerful software, may of our contract designers use it for fixture and component design. Personally, I find Siemens product very powerful, but it takes some real investment to learn how to use it. You can also get Solidworks through EAA for $25 a year. I go that route because I'm more familiar and can bang our a design in half the time because I'm not trying to figure out how to use it as I go. There is a web based Solidworks version also that is web based so I can work on stuff anywhere I have an internet connection. The installed version, if you don't want web based, is also $25 a year with your EAA membership.