Replacement AC Knobs - 3D Printed

Thanks for the responses guys. The material actually takes quite a lot of light to glow bright green. Driving into a parking garage on a sunny day would probably make a good display but I have not noticed the luminescence much during night driving as the led behind the know isn't too bright. It does still look cool though since the material is semi-transparent. The resolution was .18 mm per layer. One the originals it was .3 mm per layer. Thats why the new ones look smoother. The finished version will be shiny as well since i have build an acetone vapor chamber (see link below). I print most prototypes in coarse resolution to save time and I print a lot in other-than-glow-in-the-dark plastics since the luminous material is abrasive for the nozzle. I actually do have an arrow worked into the design already. On the masking off the edges - I am working on dual plastic prints as my printer has two nozzles - just haven't tried it yet. I figured that something to break the "white" monotony would look better as well. Good feedback, encouragement, & critiquing guys. much appreciated!

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3855547

 

Here is the latest, maybe final. On the printer now.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3873733

 

Got the new model printed - chose brown since it really was only a test fit and to see how the color matches the interior.


Low res left on older model, higher res right - has indicator and ridges on OD - before vapor smoothing.

After smoothing

Added a glow in the dark smoothed knob - harder to see the finish in the picture but it came out nice.



Charged one of knobs with a flashlight...

 

Redesigned. Thought they were too small before. These feel really good.

 

Going to get these printed out today, are the new springs essential or can you use the old ones?

 

Sorry but I dont know for certain - I should have tried them. With that said, the current fit is fairly tight so the current springs have a good chance of working. If you get one printed and find out, please let me know. I am travelling for work currently so I can't try one out for you. thanks for the question.

 

I'm getting some printed at the library so on monday I should know how they do with the regular springs. Thanks for the design!

 

Nice work OP on designing your own knobs. I've always wanted a 3D printer to tinker with.
I kind of want to eat Reese's Pieces now for some reason.

 

So the stock springs work! Lol unfortunately on my walk out to put all the knobs on one spring fell out somewhere so only 2 controls for now until I can find another spring

 

Here are the knobs

 

There are these knobs too.

https://tacomabeast.com/collections...005-2015-tacoma-3-pack?variant=27922255937638

 

That looks nice. I’m glad that they fit and I hope you find the other spring. Worst case, i’ll Send you one of my old ones! Cool library you have there. Thanks for posting.

 

Thankyou! I did end up finding it too!

 

Here is the new prototype with some “creative touches”.

 

$10 JessicaAlba Set of 3 - Control Knobs Dials Heater A/C or Fan for Toyota Tacoma

https://www.amazon.com/JessicaAlba-...9?keywords=tacoma+knobs&qid=1570329585&sr=8-9

These are available for $9.35

 

Reviews on these are mixed, and it sounds like the long term durability is not good. Here is another product. Watch the video. I think this one is probably a lot better, but also more expensive. I'm not crazy about the styling, but I like the fact that they are easy to use with gloves on, not over lit, and will stay in place in rough conditions. https://www.ajtdesign-llc.com/online-store/2005-2015-Tacoma-c35909133

 

I like the size and shape. For me, just a simple black knob with a clearly visible arrow day and night, and a secure fit to the shaft, gets it done

 

I think that particular little project speaks to a select group of nerdthusiast. Subbed for something that could work in a 3rd Gen w/tech package, even if it's just the radio knobs.

 

Everyone and their mom already knows about the "chinese HVAC control knob mod". That's been covered in this thread, actually.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/climate-control-knob-upgrade.471645/ 44 pages worth of commentary.

What OP is doing is something completely different, has the potential for much more customization and honestly is pretty cool since this is the first time someone has created 3D printed HVAC knobs.

Even if you never try to make any that you'd sell to folks, I still applaud your efforts Garfish!

 

I'd love to see the glow in the dark material with the arrow left unpainted so it still glows through at night. That'd be awesome!