Audi radiator grill plate / Emblem für Kühlergrill

German

• Most classic cars today no longer possess the radiator grille emblem, or it has become unsightly from repeated washing.

• This reproduction closely mirrors the original, aside from its innovative attachment method.

   

• The badge, frame, and lettering are distinct objects, allowing for full-color customization.
• While included, the STL files lack these object properties; the accompanying STEP files are object-oriented.

• The included labeled badge bears the inscription “coupe GT”, emulating the original. Instructions for customizing the lettering are detailed under “Further Applications”.

   

• Installation
  • Insert the badge into the radiator grille from the front.
  • Then, attach the two clips from the rear, one from each outside edge (clips are mirror images).
  • Individuals with larger hands may require assistance from children or grandchildren, as space behind the grille is quite constrained.

  • If the clips are brightly colored, this will unfortunately be visible from the front (see prototype image).

     

• 3D Printing
  • Extensive experimentation with angles and supports revealed that the smoothest front surface results from placing it face-up, facilitating easy coloring of the top 1mm layer.

  • The original's painted finish suffered from thorough washing. To replicate this, use the slicer's “Coloring” tool to apply color only to the surface. Achieving satisfactory opacity with white over black requires several solid layers; alternatively, coloring the top layers provides a viable solution. “Drawback:” the white frame appears white from the side, though this is largely subjective.

     

• Material

  • PLA is unsuitable due to outdoor exposure and its inherent brittleness, which may cause breakage when attaching the clips. PETG or ASA are recommended alternatives.

     

• Further Applications
  • Besides the labeled “coupe GT” (in the original font), a blank badge file is provided for customization using the slicer’s labeling function (1 mm thickness).
  • The “RadiatorGrillPlate_(Your_Name).3mf” print plate is prepped for this:
    • Select the emblem.
    • In “Process”, switch from “Global” to “Objects”.
    • On print plate 1, select “Enter text manually”.
    • Open the text menu (text formatting).
    • Adjust text (font, size, content).
    • Close the text menu.
    • Adjust text position.
    • Finished – Enjoy!
  • Adding images in STL format is also possible (command: Add part). Entire text blocks can be imported as images.

English

• Most of the current classic cars no longer have the embleme in the radiator grille. Or it has become very unsightly due to numerous car washes.

• So here is a replica that comes very close to the original, except for the new type of attachment.

   

• The sign, the frame and the font each represent separate objects. This allows the desired color to be assigned with complete coloring.
• Although the STL files are enclosed, they do not contain these object properties! The STEP files also enclosed are object-oriented.

• The enclosed labeled plate bears the inscription "coupe GT" and is based on the original. Under "Further application" it is described how the displayed lettering can be adapted.

   

• Mounting
  • The plate is inserted into the radiator grille from the front.
  • Then the two clips are pushed on from behind, each from the outside (the clips are mirror-inverted).
  • If your arms are too big, you should ask your children or grandchildren for help, because it's really tight behind the radiator grille.

  • If the clips are brightly colored, you can unfortunately see this from the front (see photo of the prototype).

     

• 3D printing
  • I tried many angles and supports. The front surface is best/smoothest when it is at the top. This also allows easy coloring over the layers of the top 1mm.

  • In the original, the color was applied and that's why it took a thorough wash so badly. If we stick to the original, we have to work with the "Coloring" tool in the slicer, i.e. only color the surface.
    However, the opacity of white over black requires several continuous layers to work well, which is why coloring over the upper layers is a good alternative. "Disadvantage:" the white frame is also white from the side - but this can be tolerated - it's a matter of opinion.

     

• Material

  • PLA should not be used. Firstly because of the outdoor application and secondly because of the brittleness of PLA, which can lead to breakage when the clips are pushed on. PETG or ASA would be more suitable.

     

• Further application
  • In addition to the labeled "coupe GT" (in original font), a sign is included as a file that is completely blank. Here you can apply your own lettering or name using the labeling function in the slicer (thickness: 1 mm).
  • This is already completely prepared on the "RadiatorGrillPlate_(Your_Name).3mf" printing plate.
    • Click on the embleme.
    • Under "Process", switch from "Global" to "Objects".
    • For printing plate 1: Click on "Enter text manually".
    • Open text menu (form of the text).
    • Adjust text (font, size, content).
    • Close text menu.
    • Adjust the text position.
    • Done - have fun with it.
    •  
  • It is also possible to add an image if it is available in stl format (command: Add part). In this way, a complete text can also be inserted as an image.