Experimenting with MDX 21700 Bodies

[archimedes]

I'm just brainstorming ideas, I've always found industrial design to be interesting.

I should probably look into getting a 3D printer.

 

[Pizzaverse]

Just when I thought I didn’t need another reason to LEGO another light this thread comes to life LOL definitely watching, this is such a cool design. Wonder how a metal 3D printer would do with this? Guessing the threads would be the hard part to get smooth mating with

 

[Robocop]

This is a very interesting thread and reminds me of the old days here at CPF. The entire group sharing input on designs and just imagining the possibilities. Bravo I say and it is a very nice looking start. I have no knowledge at all on 3d printing however if it can be used to design lightweight flashlight bodies I am willing to learn. If it has already been asked forgive me however will the material used take paint fairly well? Perhaps Cerakote ceramic would work well or even something like Fusion paint.

 

[Obi]

The key thing here, is that I'm just using the 3d print to test concepts - it's fast and relatively cheap. The body will still be made using traditional means if it's not too expensive

 

[Robocop]

Oh sorry I thought these were the true designs. I just skimmed through the cool pictures and should have read a little more. I still like the concept and physical look of the designs. I also like the fact you are including the group with your ideas....good luck with the project.

 

[NotRegulated]

I also like the knurling finish on the outside of the tube. The new Malkoff design is far too slippery especially with the larger 21700 tube.

 

[LEDphile]

Looks nice, but I'm of the opinion that a tailcap switch on a battery tube much longer than a single 18650 makes for an awkward light to use. Either the switch is out of reach, or the light is front-heavy. Yes, it's more difficult to build a battery tube with a side switch, but the ergonomic benefits are worth it IMO.

 

[Obi]

For lack of a better way to describe it, more like the SW01 "Fatty"

That would visually, and probably actually, help balance the flashlight better between the large bezel and (smaller) tailcap. Especially for the longer 3-cell design.

Work in progress:

 

[Obi]

..and here's the test print:

 

[archimedes]

Yes that is along the lines of what I was thinking. If it were up to me to further adjust the design, I would put the knurling back on the outer "flats" of the flanges (like you had on the previous print) and then dish the distal end to be more concave instead of convex. Kind of upswept like rocket fins maybe.

 

[RWT1405]

Really impressive!

The only thing I have to offer, is that the tailcap would be unusable for anyone that uses a belt holster

The tailcap would need to not be wider/etc. then the body, allowing the light to be "dropped" into the holster and removed

The tailcap shown, would not allow this, making it "unusable" for folks that belt carry their flashlight, like for work, hunting, etc.....

Just a thought

 

[nfetterly]

Here's an example of a smaller tailcap, but still lousy for tail down in holster. The body is Leef, the tail maybe rpm? Maybe leef? The head is Oveready triple.

 

[Obi]

Yes that is along the lines of what I was thinking. If it were up to me to further adjust the design, I would put the knurling back on the outer "flats" of the flanges (like you had on the previous print) and then dish the distal end to be more concave instead of convex. Kind of upswept like rocket fins maybe.

Can you clarify "dish the distal end to be more concave instead of convex."?

 

[Obi]

Really impressive!

The only thing I have to offer, is that the tailcap would be unusable for anyone that uses a belt holster

The tailcap would need to not be wider/etc. then the body, allowing the light to be "dropped" into the holster and removed

The tailcap shown, would not allow this, making it "unusable" for folks that belt carry their flashlight, like for work, hunting, etc.....

Just a thought

This was my initial goal actually - to mimic the consistent diameter to the tail cap. I was concerned with the amount of material in early iterations and didn't want the body to have a weak point on the thread so I came up with the lip idea:

This provides for a larger diameter and let's me use the same threading for the head and tail.

 

[Obi]

Here's an example of a smaller tailcap, but still lousy for tail down in holster. The body is Leef, the tail maybe rpm? Maybe leef? The head is Oveready triple.

View attachment 96468

What makes this lousy the hex shape > the body diameter?

 

[archimedes]

Can you clarify "dish the distal end to be more concave instead of convex."?

Sure, several tailcap designs have this feature. It allows the button of the switch to be more easily located in the dark, but with minimal overall protrusion from the end of the light.

If recessed enough, it can even allow for tail standing.

Examples :

Loading…

www.candlepowerforums.com

Loading…

www.candlepowerforums.com

 

[Obi]

Sure, several tailcap designs have this feature. It allows the button of the switch to be more easily located in the dark, but with minimal overall protrusion from the end of the light.

If recessed enough, it can even allow for tail standing.

Examples :

Loading…

www.candlepowerforums.com

Loading…

www.candlepowerforums.com

Ah ok.. that should be doable, sort of like the Malkoff tricap, but more fins.

 

[archimedes]

Ah ok.. that should be doable, sort of like the Malkoff tricap, but more fins.

Yes, and with the return of the knurling.

And I found a better picture to link above, more clearly depicting the "dish" concavity

 

[Obi]

Yes, and with the return of the knurling.

And I found a better picture to link above, more clearly depicting the "dish" concavity

A rough draft.. not sure I'm feeling it:

 

[F89]

All looking good. Test print looks great.

I’d drop the knurling from the tail cap (pic above) though.