You are correct, Ideas will keep rolling in as long as we let them, and probably even after. I am very happy with the current design of the badge (ZF-2A) and I am ready to green light this design. But as far as the finish, I am still unsure of what I want my personal badges to look like.

I am not familiar with the powder coating process and I welcome input from any knowledgeable persons on this forum. If people want to finish their badges them selves that's perfectly fine but I want to know I've made the right choices before I lay down My $$$. Haste makes waste yadda, yadda, yadda...
Thank you for your post, please stay tuned.

yes please, I don't have ZF-2A, ZR-2A since we changed the tabs.

k, I'll send those files over today

Spent a few hours at the shop today after work. I started laying the ground work for the g-code program I will be creating. I imported one of Scruffy's models into some software created to work in conjunction with the software he used to design the parts. It's called CAMworks (Computer Assisted Machining) This type of software allows the user to reproduce compound geometry with out the use of specially made tooling.

I will be honest and tell you that this is a very challenging part by my standards. I have never made a part that forced me to rely so heavily on CAM. Usually I take a much less sophisticated approach to my programs that only requires me to CAM when absolutely necessary . But the fact is the entire visible surface of this badge must be CAMed. It's the only way.

So, I set out to do it and I must say that I am very pleased with myself. The program is by no means complete, but after a couple hours of trying different approaches I had made significant headway on the most difficult steps in the process. I left the shop with a feeling of accomplishment and a big smile on my face.

A few more days like today and the program will be ready, and I will be waiting for the opportunity to bring these parts to life.

I'll make some screen shots of the software, and post a few updated photos of the shop over the coming days to keep up the interest in this thread. (print screen + ctrl V = awesome, thanks Kevin)

HAHA, I knew it was not gonna be a piece of cake. It's hard to not think of the machining process while I'm drawing up the badge. But knowing that you and the use of CAMworks was able to get you somewhere, I'm very impressed. Sorry it's taking me some time to send you the file for the Rear emblem. I have the dimensions on my table somewhere, I just need to modify it to the front one. I realized that you do already have the ZF-2A already. It's the last file I sent you.

I did forget to mention something last time....about the fillet circle, the current thickness is 4.3 mm or something like that, since I don't know what the height of the tabs are (esp the front ones being so big), we may want to increase the thickness of the fillet part if necessary? I guess worst case if these tabs get to be too tall, we can always shave a little bit and it's still cover by the fillet circle.

ah yes, I've found the file for ZF-2A, thank you. as for the 4.3 mm thickness, please refer to the pictures I posted at the top of page 9 in this thread. I think we're ok on the front, but those rear nubs look pretty damn big. To me it looks bigger than 4.3mm. Did you say you are trying to keep your bumper cover in perfect condition to re-sell it after upgrading to Nismo? or is that just for the front?

it's for both front and back bumper...but I can always re-apply the emblems on it to cover it up as I'm most likely gonna sell the original emblems with the bumper - but that'll be awhile. Did u want me to check the dimensions for the rear?

Now, if I increase the thickness for the rear fillet circle, shouldn't I increase the thickness for the front too to match it? Just a thought. I wanted to bring it up before it's too late. The other option is for us to shave a little bit off the tab (nubs).

So Im looking at the last files you sent me.

the lower tab you sent me (#4)

is this one

http://www.the370z.com/members/scruf...comparison.jpg



but I want to make this one

http://www.the370z.com/members/scruf...m-design-4.jpg



please resend when you have a chance.

I can't see any attached pictures on your msg above. but I re-sent you the front emblem. Before you proceed, did we want to leave it at 4.3mm tall for the fillet circle for the rear even though we may not be sure it'll cover the height of the tabs? I'm still editing the rear emblem ZR-2A. Please let me know

yeah, lets just leave it. I think it will look better at 4.3mm thickness

CAMworks in action


http://www.the370z.com/members/agsta...ure16371-a.jpg

Setting the tool paths

http://www.the370z.com/members/agsta...ure16370-a.jpg

Simulation

http://www.the370z.com/members/agsta...ure16369-a.jpg

Scruffy I just noticed something while looking at the CAMworks pictures... Did you set the material type to pure silver?... that would be awesome!!!

http://www.how-to-buy-silver-safely....lver-bar-4.jpg

okay, I'll send it over when I get home from work.

oh damn, a pure silver Z emblem? can you say baller status?

lolz, you know how I roll!!!!

I really like that too :yum:

Will you make these to replace the rear emblem too? It's a different size than the front.

Expected cost?

BTW, if you want to omit the two end tabs (the "burger patty" from between the "buns"), one way would be to make the whole emblem larger, and have a solid base with a raised section on the back that fits into the logo space like a puzzle piece. Will look nice and clean that way so long as it doesn't get too big...

amazing guys.....definitely will wait to the see the final product

Do me up a gold kit, yo.

That's a really good idea, but I think since we've come so far with the current design, we going to use it as is (ZF-2A) but I'll keep your idea in mind for any future versions.

Great idea, and I can easily modify it, but the downside to that is it will still need a fillet circle to cover up the nubs that aligns the existing emblem (part of the bumper). Also, that design may look super big....so I dunno...

But then again, over time emblems on cars have gotten bigger and bigger. I just saw a 1992 Honda Accord front emblem recently....did u check out the size on that emblem?

Can't wait to see this on a Z...

yea, it'd be interesting, AGStacker has a Pearl White Z and I have Magnetic Black Z....that should show some great contrast as to how nice it'll look.

Does anyone have a ball park price on what these may cost each. Front,Rear

We're still in prototype phase, hang around a little longer and we'll try to come up with a price.

Thanks, guys -- glad you like the idea. If it works out, cool!

For the initial design you've been working on, will you be offering one with a solid (black or cf) base? I think that's the style I'd be most interested in.

It think the closest thing we can do to having it black is anodize it. As for CF, both AGstacker and I don't have the tools or equipment to make CF. I can try to design one where you can possibly have a circular insert of CF yourself. I'll keep you posted. Otherwise, I suggest you painting it. Agstacker is only a machine shop so anything outside their capabilities we'll have to find other people to make it.

Subscribed. Any final production pics yet?

Subscribed also. I had my front hamburger painted black to match the rest of the car. I am not sure how much I like that and would be very open to trying this.

Got a lot more work done on the program today. The front badge is almost ready to go, I need to make a few minor changes that I can only do with the software at work. I expect ZF-2A to be ready and awaiting the first prototype shortly. Its just a matter of waiting for a time slot on the machine. No worries though the waiting period will give me ample time to complete the rear badge program so both badges can be produced on the same day.

I took some photos of the machine I will be using to make these parts:

http://www.the370z.com/members/agsta...ure16569-a.jpg

http://www.the370z.com/members/agsta...ure16568-a.jpg

Here are the cutting tools I will be using:

http://www.the370z.com/members/agsta...ure16571-a.jpg

http://www.the370z.com/members/agsta...ure16570-a.jpg

And a part I made recently using the same software:

http://www.the370z.com/members/agsta...ure16572-a.jpg

pretty parts...haha i was just at a machine shop for work yesterday except the machines they used aren't nearly as new. Too bad your shop is a little far for me to outsource my work to. Hey, good luck, I'll catch up with you when i get a chance. Let me know if you need any help on my part.

Yeah we bought 4 of those in 2008 and another one like a month ago. We've got some older machines too, like a few from 1993 and a couple from 2000. There's 21 CNCs plus all the supporting equipment, saws, martial rack, chip bins, de-burr dept., Quality Assurance dept., and offices in only a 10,000 square foot shop. Add to that the fact that we still maintain forklift access from front to back, its f#cking packed. Seems like all those stimulus efforts have kept the machining industry alive and well. All of the shops in our circle of associates are over loaded with work and begging for qualified employees. Too bad I wasn't making badges in 2008.

Whoa -- sweet! Looking forward to seing the final production version(s) :tup:

Custom Z License Plate Frame
 

So I've spent some time last night designing some Z License Plate Frame...Right now I'm not sure what everyone thinks, but I've added one of the 240Z side Profile (taken from the 40th Anniversary Nissan Japan Website) and one with the 370z side Profile. See Below:

http://www.the370z.com/members/scruf...late-frame.jpg

Or we can just do without the Side Profile completely....

What are your thoughts?

nice job!

wow, that's a nice machine you're running over there and those bits. :D

can't wait to see the emblems. :p

scruffy- cool picts. im only interested in the emblems for me. :p

Bottom right license plate frame is on point.

I got my custom ones! :tup:

:eek: not fair! :eekdance: