One of the latest advances to herald a whole new approach to manufacturing, 3D printing is a way of building three-dimensional objects using the digital instructions of a computer as a guide. This unique piece of technology has become a veritable breeding ground, spawning various portable and compact objects, many of which can be conveniently used just as their ‘real’ counterparts. 3D printing technology is also being heavily considered for science and general home-use.
So what does 3D printing have to do with driving games and driving accessories being produced for them, if anything? I believe this question has already been eagerly answered by Spanish gaming hardware manufacturer SSH Shifter, as they’ve introduced a special shifter using 3D printing technology.
Their latest product – the SSH Shifter 7R – continues to evolve even further by improving quality, thickness and visual identity. It comes with a sequential mode, 6- or 7-speed H-transmission. Certain parts of the new ‘gearbox’ can be personalized by choosing between a few colours, while a special, personal nameplate can be engraved together with a manufacturer’s logo of your choice onto the body itself. A USB ‘Plug & Play’ system is supported.
Check out the hands-on review video up top, care of Pablo López. As a veteran of iRacing, López is serious about hardware, as you can see with his in-depth inspection of the 7R. Enjoy some hot laps with him behind the wheel, too!
If you haven’t bought the item already, you can configure the entire purchase, in detail, on the official website. Prices for the full item start at 89€.
See more articles on Accessories and Hardware.
Can a USB expansion hub be used to give you say 4 more USB ports?
And I take it PS4 USB slots are at lease version 3.
Pretty cool. How strong are 3D printed tools Vs conventionally mass produced or even handcrafted tools? With time and development though I imagine they would get better.
I’d imagine they’d be as strong as the materials used and the design allow for. It’s essentially a small scale milling machine working with plastics. But a poor design and/or cheap materials will always produce an inferior product. Ask a lot of questions before you buy and do your research.
Hmmm… I was thinking of getting the TH8 but this looks cool too, mounting does not look as easy though.
Not really a 3d printing issue, but if they do a sequential box for the G29 they’ll clean up.
Thinking about it, a plastic plate insert might work, smarter minds than me etc…
I’d guess most G29’s were sold to console players since a pc gamer can still buy a cheaper G27 including the gearshifter. Since this unit is a USB direct interface that won’t help console players at all.
@Johnnypenso.
Yep, smarter minds, doh!
@ johnnypenso, I’m pretty sure you can use can use two separate USB devices (wheel and stick) on PS4
I’m not sure if you can or not, maybe someone with a PS4 can confirm that.
@Johnnypenso I can confirm the PS4 will allow two USB devices. I’m running a T300RS wheel and have my TH8A shifter in SQ mode as a handbrake when playing DiRT Rally. I could use a second TH8A plugged into the wheel base and use that in H pattern mode AND the SQ mode handbrake simultaneously.
In fact, I’m looking for a cheap used shifter to do just that.
Thanks for clearing that up.
Really interesting idea, they should use 3D printers more, just wish they weren’t so expensive then I’d buy one myself and learn how to make stuff with it. Some of the things people can make with them are insane.