# DIY Printed Dashboards Redditor Sleepwhereweland Mends a Broken Car Radio with 3D-Printed Parts By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2015-03-18 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printed-parts References: [3dprint](http://3dprint.com/50392/car-radio-3d-printed-amp/) & [reddit](http://www.reddit.com/user/sleepwhereweland) With the possibilities that 3D-printed parts bring, it's now becoming easier than ever to mend broken items with the right tools and know-how. In the experience of [Reddit](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-oddly-satisfying-clock) user Sleepwhereweland, a broken stereo meant a trip to the 3D printer instead of the store. The tech-savvy driver describes "The original plan was just to have a single aux cord plug connected to an amp sitting behind it," and to execute this plan, a fix was designed in IronCAD in about 20 minutes after measurements were made. Printing was carried out in white ABS, taking about 10 hours to complete on a [homemade RepRap 3D printer](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/open-printer). In terms of cost, the [replacement radio and clock system](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arcade-clock) only cost $30. Quick turnaround, customization, low cost and practicality will definitely appeal to those who are looking to get into 3D printing. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.5/10 - Popularity: 64% | Activity: 64% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Customized Repairs:** The capability to 3D print parts for repairing broken items provides opportunities for customized and cost-effective repairs. - **DIY Manufacturing:** The rise of 3D printing enables DIY manufacturing, allowing individuals to create their own products and components. - **Rapid Prototyping:** Using 3D printing for quick turnaround and prototyping accelerates product development and testing processes. ### Who This Affects Most - **Automotive:** The automotive industry can benefit from 3D printing technology to produce replacement parts, decrease production costs, and optimize repair processes. - **Consumer Electronics:** The consumer electronics industry can leverage 3D printing for customized repairs and faster prototyping of new product designs. - **DIY Hobbyist Market:** The DIY hobbyist market can thrive with 3D printing by providing affordable and accessible tools for creating and repairing various items. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [3D-Printed Auto Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fits.md) - [Flexible Car Cabin Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-car-accessories.md) - [3D-Printed Car Storage Inserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peugeot.md) - [Repairable Speaker Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brick-speaker.md) - [3D-Printed Grooming Combs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/philips-fixables.md) - [3D-Printed Workshop Wrenches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/workshop-wrench.md) - [3D-Printed Carbon Cellos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-carbon-cello.md) - [Repair-Friendly School Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/carrousel-chair.md) - [Standalone Vehicle Head Units](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/intellidash-pro.md)