Ford Badge Contoured Surfaces

After observing several nice automotive logos that are available for printing, and observing the severely aged and fading Ford badge on the back of my truck, I sought a potential replacement.  I wanted an option that retains the contoured (rounded) looked of the logo - similar to what is on my vehicle.  I didn't find any other models available that preserves the curved surface.

My design incorporates the Ford logo (several models out there that are the same), the thin rim around it, and an oval field (usually dark blue) behind it all, and provides them as separate parts.  I used Tinker Cad to create each model.  The logo and trim printed separately can be inserted into the blue base in assembly.

I printed in white and Dark Blue PLA.  Using metallic shiny silver filament in the same design will offer a different outcome and look (I haven't tried that one yet).

Printed with .20mm layers, 3 perimeters, 15% infill on all, using brims only on the logo and rim prints as supports (none needed for the base).

After carefully removing the brim, I inserted the logo and trim pieces into their places in the base piece.  NOTE: pieces fit very tightly into the base.  I used a cover towel and rubber mallet to carefully hammer them down into the base (to prevent damaging the exposed surfaces) and only experienced a slight cracking in the thin portion at the top of the Ford “F.”   When the F was fully inserted, I couldn't see the crack at all.  

My design intended to leave the logo and trim exposed surfaces slightly raised above the surface of the contoured base.  Alternate remixes of this model might just adjust the total height of the trim and logo pieces to make them fit flush to the curved surface, if that is desired.

All said and done, this was a nice/fun model design and and print project.  Kudos to reddadsteve and my appreciation of his unrelated and shared models on Printables for the idea of printing the logo and trim separately and then inserting them in assembly.   This is a great design technique that offers the opportunity to preserve some delicate details using the capabilities of the printer rather than having to trust the steadiness of my hands with paints and a brush.

ALSO - the separate pieces provided may be useful for those with MMU to use to set up two color prints (one of those projects I haven't tried yet with my MMU).

No - this model is not a full size or design to be just like the one currently on my truck, but it is close.  I plan to print/design another using the same techniques, a little bit different dimensions, and perhaps different materials and colors for a good “replacement" later.

Have fun!