3D Printer with Arcade Machine!

[gibbbotron09]

Hi all, first post here so do forgive more for any mistakes I make as far as thread location goes!

My school is kind enough to allow final year students to do some sort of project that would be fun for the student and exciting for the school. Naturally, I chose to build an arcade machine, or really a standalone 4-player control panel. The school I attend is pretty well off as far as money goes and one of the tools they allow their students to access is a 3D Printer! Because I am new into the control panel creation hobby, I was curious if any of you veterans can think of a good use for a resource like a 3D printer in my control panel production!

Thanks ahead of time!

[PL1]

Welcome aboard, Gibbbotron09.

Threedprof is using 3D printing for his Micro Tron arcade WIP.



Other than making some kind of 3D decoration, I'm not sure what you would want to fabricate for a full size CP.

Maybe your theme or artwork will provide some inspiration.

Some other students made a padded "tongue" for their Monstarcade.

 


Scott

[gibbbotron09]

Scott,

Thank you very much for the ideas!

I was thinking some sort of design might be possible, I'll have to start brainstorming.

The tron stick is actually a great idea too, I might look into that.

I might even consider modifying a computer mouse that uses a trackball and create a spinner with the 3D Printer. At least for temporary use.

Thanks again!

[kahlid74]

I've thought about it, but the time and cost of ABS/PLA to do it is just a pain in the rear compared to the cost of a joystick/botton.  For hard to find stuff it makes sense.

[gibbbotron09]

For me, I wouldnt have to pay at all for this. The school would take care of it, so cost isn't really a problem.

[PL1]

OK, here's a challenge for you that combines 3D printer and Tron.

Both Paradise Arcade and Ultimarc carry a triggerstick like this.



The original Tron Joystick uses a special restrictor plate that makes it more difficult to hit diagonals unless you press the stick a bit harder.

It acts as a 4-way restrictor for light cycle and battle tank levels -- light pressure on stick misses diagonals.

It acts as an 8-way restrictor during the I/O Tower and MCP cone levels -- slightly heavier pressure allows you to hit diagonals.

Can you develop a printable Tron restrictor that sandwiches between the microswitches and the bottom plate on the triggerstick?

Alternate approach, CNC or laser cut one from 1/8" neoprene similar to this.

Before anyone brings it up, I already know that automated 4/8-way in-game switching is possible, but this restrictor is for someone who doesn't have the software skills or auto-switching sticks.


Scott

[Unstupid]

What kind of 3D printer do you have access to, and what is the build envelope size? Usually 3D printers are too small to make anything really useable for arcade cabinets... unless you are looking to do something like custom mounts or brackets.  What you really need is a CNC machine to do anything really worth while!