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Symulate 02 Platform

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Symulate:
Hello all,

I'd like to share some initial work on my next project which is a further iteration of the Symulate Platform.  The first platform is now fully complete and can be found elsewhere on this site.  The 01 Platform was designed to be easily realisable with simple 2D cuts from flat sheet material.  As this was it's primary development focus certain compromises were taken to ensure this objective was realised.

The 02 Platform is intended to be a more high fidelity version and whilst still based around Mike's excellent panel set it will remove some of the compromises by not limiting the construction method or material choice.

Roughly speaking the 02 layout will be made primarily of 1.6mm (16swg) aluminium sheet with composite construction in the more detailed areas using a cast resin system.

So far I have laid out the CP and HUD Box (details below) and am now onto the detailed design prior to prototyping.  The CP will be made of sheet material for the sides, central support and main face which also is folded.  The lower part of the CP and the HUD box are cast resin pieces.  I am pretty sure the HUD Box will be made of several pieces that will from a final bonded assy but I won't really be too sure of that until I get into thinking about moulding. 

I have seen numerous threads elsewhere on this site of people using a standard size LCD to drive the CP gauges.  I recall this being over-length and poking out of the top of the CP into the HUD box.  Does anyone have dimensions of how far this extends both out of the top of the CP and also it's depth from front face to rear.  I hope it is clear from the top left image that there is a recess been designed into the cast HUD box to allow the screen to fit but I need to make sure it is correctly sized before manufacture.  Also, if this screen is generally standard a link to where to purchase it from or a spec sheet might also be useful.

Comments and feedback are welcome.  I realise the HUD box is not completely authentic.  As with the first platform this is an engineering exercise which will hopefully lead to a realisable product.  If people want fully accurate 3D models I suggest they refer to the excellent postings from @Hempstead

Thanks,
Sy

Symulate:
Hello all,

I've broken up to the HUD component a bit and started to shell it out.  This is only a preliminary design as I need to consult the casting experts on site, but overall, to me at least, it seems feasible split like this. 

The idea will be to print the original pieces and then make a silicon mould before finally making resin replica components for the HUD Sides, Top, Front and Back.  The bottom pieces which are simple flat sheets will be alu and the whole thing bonded together.  It is likely I will include dowel holes for alignment.  There are cut outs on the side which will allow it to bolt to the Centre Pedestal or these can be blanked off with further alu sheet in-fills.

I'll post more when the details are finalised.

Thanks,
Sy

dolphin:

--- Quote from: Symulate on October 23, 2015, 08:33:46 AM ---.... the 02 layout will be made primarily of 1.6mm (16swg) aluminium sheet with composite construction in the more detailed areas using a cast resin system.....

--- End quote ---


Hi Sy - just did a search for 1.6mm aluminium sheets in central Europe and the only supplier was an English ebay shop selling 300mmx300mm for 25€. 1.5mm sheets though are widely available for a fraction of the cost.
Will 1.5mm also work?

Symulate:
Hello all,

Just thought I'd share a quick update of where I have got to with this.  I have parked the HUD box for now and am back on the CP as I had an idea that instead of resin casting the complicated lower front portion I could vac-form it.  The main chassis and panels would still be sheet metal but the front bit could retain all the nice filleting detail if it is a plastic piece which is bonded onto the chassis.

Anyway - I have been playing with mould making and have now finished the buck which will be vac-formed over in 3mm sheet.

Hopefully will do some trial runs this week.

Thanks,
Sy

PS - Apologies for the picture quality, I only ever have my phone with me when I'm doing this stuff!

Kukki:
hehe THAT is way cool sym. Very very nice man  :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

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