3D printable models for vintage thinkpad repairing

[panips]

As many of you know, these classic machines, like the ThinkPad 350, 240, and X20, often suffer from brittle plastics, cracked bezels, and missing pieces like hinge caps and LCD latches. It can be tough to find replacement parts. To help keep these legends alive, I've started 3D printing custom replacement parts. I've been creating 3D models for common broken or missing components and then printing them to restore my own collection. So far, I've had success with several models and I'm here to share my progress.

hxxps://drive.google[dot]com/drive/folders/1C7ek5ych5RG_fu_gBrtppi1ujapQAtP5?usp=sharing

For example, I saw lots of PS/Note 182 (type 2141) has missing or broken hinge cap (hxxps://drive.google.com/file/d/1pKer1ta6rYUxpaQrMUqBoNry-e36QRVE/view?usp=drive_link). Or some open-sourced models like 701c do not fit, i.e. the latches (hxxps://drive.google.com/file/d/1hv7OfKpb7uVU0azvEVpcTk49sahU_h4W/view?usp=drive_link). You can easily 3d print a replacement and fix it.

I'll be regularly updating this thread with new models as I create them.

And, I'm also open to taking requests for specific (small) parts. If you have a broken or missing part from a vintage ThinkPad and I have the original piece, I may be able to model it for you if it is not too difficult. Just post a clear photo of the part and let me know the model number.

[solidpro]

Hi - if you're taking requests, then the small rectangular PCMCIA plastic cover the just clips off and always gets lost on the 755 series....

I think the real issue which could be solved by 3D printing which is the biggest single issue in older thinkpads is by replacing the mounting of where the metal hinges connect to the back plastics of the 700 and 720. None of these machines are safe to open and close now because of this issue. I would expect the original base would need either complete reprinting (like Polymat would do) or some kind of surgical replacements of the corners from the inside.

If I was to start learning 3D print design and fabrication, this would be my mission, because it's such a shame these most iconic of thinkpads cannot be safely used. All mine are stored in 2 pieces because they cannot be safely opened or closed.

[panips]

an initial version can be found here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/159nT3Z ... drive_link

tested on a 755cv, it fits.

[panips]

To revive those broken 700/720 laptops, the main problem is a faulty hinge design. I've spent quite a bit of time on them and believe there's no easy fix or simple way to reinforce the part. As I've mentioned before, the best idea might be to loosen the hinge or keep the lid open at all times, as many breaks occur when the lid is closing.
Even if the entire mainframe were redesigned, current 3D printing materials are still not strong enough for a practical replacement, even with PA-CF (Nylon with Carbon Fiber). Remember Matt's project? It ended up requiring an industrial-level metal 3D printed model. Some load-bearing parts, like the hinge on the 700/720 and the keyboard folding axis on the 701, would break instantly if 3D printed with consumer-grade materials.
For all the models I've shared, my goal is to provide an affordable way to fix easily broken parts. You can use an entry-level 3D printer to create these pieces at home for less than a dime each. You don't need a high-end printer or special materials; an Ender 3 and PLA filament are more than sufficient. And, given the focus on providing a low-cost solution, I'm not going to spend more time on large-scale redesigns or complex components.