I’m making a custom steering wheel for my kart, I just found a Sparco p310 3d model online, and modified it a bit. I will be cutting the hub out of carbon fiber, 3d printing the outside grip part, and suede wrapping it, I was wondering if there’s a good way to create a “map” of suede that will perfectly fit the wheel? I have access to a lasercutter, so if there is a way to make a digital “map” in fusion 360 or another program and just cut it out, that would probably be best.
Maybe you could do it with the help of a 3d scan tool? Or you could find a model online and flatten the design to get your shape. I know guys who do upholstery will use a material to fit to their surface, they’ll cut it, and use it as a template for the final cover.
I think some paper, a sharpie and some scissors would be your friends. Just make a paper template and transfer it over to your material.
That being said, leather/suede isn’t the easiest material to work with without some special tools and such. I would look at sending it to an upholsterer. It would be cake for them, would probably be a nicer product, and potentially cheaper all said and done.
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I already have a 3D model of it, so i would just flatten it and mirror that image?
hmm that may be a good idea
Yeah those guys can do magic, those stitches come out super good
If you have a net of the outside you wouldn’t have to mirror it.
What about flocking it? Not sure how durable it would be for a steering wheel but it’s pretty common in coating dashboards in cars for an Alcantara look.
Basically you apply adhesive and then spray the microsuede fibers onto the adhesive and let it dry. When it’s done you have basically Alcantara.
https://www.amazon.com/Suede-Tex-Flocking-Fiber-Black-Donjer/dp/B00A2W53R6?th=1
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Interesting… this seems to be a thing in duck decoy making.
Ever make a flocked racing helmet? That would sure stand out. 
I’ve thought about it, among many other odd materials…
It would probably be cool for a race or two until the chain lube really got embedded in the microsuede.
I was going to flock my cracked and nasty Lexus dash before it rusted in half on me. I will probably try and flock the Fiat dash when it’s done.
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since it’s a steering wheel and there will probably be a lot of friction, im not too sure this would hold on very well.
This is a link to the 3D model: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E2YbV4ayjLsyplycC1fnUdguU-_LSOyG/view?usp=drive_link
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would your method work on this?
Hello Dhira,
I know this doesn’t answer your question, but I have a question for you.
I am into 3D printing as a hobby and I was just curious as to what material and printer you planned on using for the outside grip. 3D printing is great, but I myself would be wary of printing such a critical component that can have serious consequences if it suddenly fails.
I am using a bambu lab x1 carbon with carbon fiber nylon
I was hoping you were going to say that! I have the same printer, although I have never used cf nylon. Definitely share a photo here with the results of the print!
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Sorry for getting back to you late, I don’t have a way to open this type of file, and I personally have never created a net from a model I’ve only created orthographic and isometric drawings. Maybe there’s an online tutorial, but it would likely be easier to use a different material, cut it, and then trace it onto your final material.
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