Airbus Knobs Plastic Or Metal???

[SergeA340]

I was wondering if the real Airbus knobs are made of plastic or metal. Does anyone know?
If plastic, I was thinking of buying a set from FDS and creating molds and recreating them from the originals.
And if metal, I was thinking on using lead fishing wieghts and melting them and creating the knobs from a mold from the FDS knobs.
So does anyone know what there made of?

Sergio S.

[Mike.Powell]

Most knobs are made of clear thermoplastic. The bottom is unpainted to allow for transillumination. Non-illuminated knobs are made of a colored thermoplastic. The knobs typically have a brass insert with two set screws.

Many of the Boeing-style knobs were made by Aerospace Knob Co which was acquired by Korry a few years ago. You can find more information about these knobs at http://www.korry.com/products/knobs/

I don't know which company manufactures Airbus knobs.

[Radar]

I was wondering if the real Airbus knobs are made of plastic or metal. Does anyone know?
If plastic, I was thinking of buying a set from FDS and creating molds and recreating them from the originals.
And if metal, I was thinking on using lead fishing wieghts and melting them and creating the knobs from a mold from the FDS knobs.
So does anyone know what there made of?

Sergio S.

I wanted to do the same. I recieved an e-mail from FDS.


Mike,
> Couple of quick things...
> Shipping one knob is pricey as we cannot use "Letter Mail".
> Needs to go in a small box..
> Second issue is asking why only one piece?
> We have a problem with some folks ordering one and using that for molding
> And making more at their end.

You know,I want to support all our suppliers . But some iteams just are to high priced. Just like the supplier,we need to control owr cost also.

[dodiano]

They are plastic! I do have some real ones in case someone is interested I will start molding them soon and real cheap!

Regards,

Roberto

[bindook]

I have already started making my own knobs & cb's. Due to the prices they are selling them for i had no choice.



Michael

[phil744]

They are expensive so I have also gone down the route of making my own from cast clear acrylic complete with metal inserts, drilled and tapped painted and laser etched from castings direct from the original part.

[Westozy]

I have seen the first prototype knob made by Michael (Bindook) and it is an excellent quality replica, I think he will have many happy customers from MyCockpit soon!

Gwyn

[Matt Olieman]

In defense to FDS and other manufactureres... Yes they ARE expensive when bought from them. I too have made my own molds from many different knobs. But, I have to tell you, it's time consuming, and, so it would be for the manufacturer. Particularly, if you want a good quality product.

Of course, the reluctance of a vendor to release one or two knobs is silly particularly since they had to start by buying one or two from another vendor or somewhere to start manufacturing.

I believe the choice is ours, either make your own or buy from a vendor. And, like Gwyn says, I think we'll see some "happy customers from MyCockpit soon."

[SergeA340]

Oh great, FDS sells about 7 knobs in a set so ill buy those and make my own with those.

Thanks

Sergio S.

[Farny]

http://www.ehcknobs.com/

Checkout this site,all sort of transilluminated knobs.
There is even a catalog with specs.
Great information.
Regards,

Farny
EBBR