Late last year I was fortunate to receive as a late Christmas gift a 3D printer. Since then I hae been experimenting with it to produce models and terrain pieces. Most of what I have printed, I haven't taken photos of and as a result it hasn't made it on to the blog.
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| M1133 Stryker MEV upscaled to 1/72 scale |
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| M1133 Stryker MEV file located here |
As I don't know how to digitally model items in 3D, I am reliant on the hard work and talent of others. The files that I am using to print are sourced from:
- 3d printing community sites that host free files,
- Websites that sell files,
- Kickstrarters, or
- By direct arrangement with the file creators.
I suspect that the vast bulk of people using 3D printers to produce gaming aids are reliant on the efforts of others to produce the files they print. Hopefully this potential market means that folk who create files find it worthwhile to continue doing so.
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| 1/72 M1074 Joint Assault Bridge |
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| M1074 JAB file located here |
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| 105mm L118 light gun (file from here) |
My 3D printer uses filament so doesn't produce models with the same crispness as a resin printer. I am planning to obtain a resin printer in the future in order to produce more detailed models and figures.
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| NZLAVs around a vehicle obstacle ( obstacle file here) |
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| More NZLAVs |
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| 1/72 Scale Technical (file located here) |
As I intend to post more on this blog there will be more 3D printe items in the future.
You ARE having a lot of fun with this device, aren't you?
ReplyDeleteHi Ion,
DeleteI certainly am! Part of the fun is figuring out how to use the device. Being able to make toys on demand has resulted in certain projects like:
http://afistfullofplastic.blogspot.com/2014/02/two-dozen-reinforcements.html
potentially no longer being as time consuming to complete.
Another example of why a 3D printer might be a good idea...might have to look at them next time I have a significant incentive payment through work (the last was spent by my wife on a new kitchen - what a waste of money!) These models look great - how long do they take to print off and what is the cost do you think ie what does the raw material coss - is it a cost effective way of producing vehicles and scenery?
ReplyDeleteHi Ross,
DeleteThanks for the kind words:)
Print time can vary depending on the size of the model and the quality of the print but using an average print time of six hours and say 50 grams of filament at say 40 NZD a kilogram would seem to be a reasonable start for gross planning purposes. Resin is probably quicker, and certainly gives better detail but I can't comment on the cost of the resin. Overall I think it is definitely a cost effective way to produce models.
Welcome to the world of 3D printing! I got a resin printer in the Black Friday 2020 deals for under £100 and it's been ideal for printing models that no-one in their right mind would manufacture commercially, but which people knock up in a few hours as fan project 3D designs. My 15mm Action Force project is advancing well using re-scaled GI Joe models! FDM looks great for scenery and you're clearly producing excellent vehicles with it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Paul!
DeleteYou are absolutely correct with regard 3D printing opening up a wider range of models! I think the next step is resin printer, although it seems at the moment the longer I put it off the better the printers get!