BMW E46 Cup Holder

3D model description

This is my alternative to the original BMW e46 Cupholder.
It is tested and refined to simply and easily print in ABS/ASA/PETG. The design fits perfectly with the original console and holds tight.

The assembly of the parts consists of a few simple intuitive steps.

3D printing settings

All files tested on Bambulab P1S/X1C and FLsunV400
Tested and refined for : ABS/ASA/PETG for the parts.
TPE/TPU/Peba for the Pads
Note: The Pads should be scaled according to the type of material due to shrinkage
of the flex materials.

The files are placed Top-down with Organic/Tree Manual support only for the holding clips and the tag window.
.step format is advised for better accuracy of the final product and fewer errors during slicing.

The bottom is separated due to 2 factors.

1. Risk of bad adhesion with the part.
2. It does not require almost any support.

The bottom is glued to the part using two-component resin available in any DIY store.
Need 1x 30+ cm (1 foot), 3mm diameter elastic band and clip to connect and hold it.

You also need wet sanding paper 200 grid / 400 grid.
1x Plastic Primer
1x Temperature-resistant mat paint ( color of your choice),
1x Clear Mat Coting with high UV resistance and outdoor application.

After gluing the bottom of the parts and waiting for them to cure (24 hours), you can sand the surface to a medium-smooth finish, wipe it with a degreaser, and dry it. Apply Plastic primer. After that, apply a good 2-3 coats with your thermal-resistant paint and immediately dry the surface for 3 minutes with a hair dryer/blower. While the paint is heated and still squishy use 200-grid sandpaper and sand until the excess paint and drops are scrubbed and the leftover smoothens.
(((Don't be afraid it's a messy job, and the paint will seem dull and lighter".)))
After you see the desired effect you can wait to dry a little more and use fine # sandpaper to fill the gaps and smoothen the surface even more.
When you have achieved the desired finish, use the Clear Coat to spray it and apply at least 3 hands of coat.
Wait to Cure for 24 hours in a dry warm place before you go for installation!!!