Designing ships [possible BFG scale]

[Malika]

To be honest, I have no clue! The fellows over at managed to win £400 voucher for printing, I think it's FabLab, need to verify. They've expressed interest in casting/distributing my designs, so I'm starting with the ships and some 28mm sized bits.

Hopefully I'll be able to show you some better pictures soon!

[mangozac]

Very cool, Malika! Can't wait to see some larger pictures - although from what I can see there the print quality is looking fantastic!

[Malika]

A little box arrived at the post yesterday...


(not all the boarding pods are in the picture)


Compared to FUD by Shapeways (front ship) this stuff is (a) a lot more detailed and (b) a lot smoother, which is all very nice!








However, there have been some issues with the bottom parts of the ships:



Hopefully this can be fixed with some (liquid) greenstuff and some filing/sanding...

Oh, and I really love how the boarding pods came out!

[mangozac]

Great to see, Malika! It must feel good to have some physical models in your hands!

It's a shame about the underside. Is that just due to that particular printing process or did something go wrong? Are the prints a hard material?

[Malika]

[Islacrusez]

It is one thing I noticed, that there's no trace of any hard edges. Generally though, military vehicles have lots of those someplace or another. Makes them feel a bit like toys, or sweets. Probably not helped by them being bubblegum pink! Cast them up and give them a lick of paint, I'm curious to see how they'll come out.

[Fleafa]

Looks like perfactory. Maybe an Envisiontec Mini Multi like VisionProto use, but almost certainly running at a lower resolution, which could explain some of the lack of sharp edges. More likely, as you mention they are still getting to grips with it, is that they don't have the lenses set up as well as they could. I believe VisionProto etc. also have a different lens set-up to the stock machine.

[mangozac]

I too noticed the rounded details but didn't want to be too negative. They are pretty noticeable though and unfortunately, as pointed out by Islacrusez, it makes them feel a little toy like.

Like anything, getting 3D prints done is a learning experience!

[Malika]

According to the guys who did the prints it's determined by the material. So maybe indeed try HTM140 next time?

[mangozac]

Can't hurt to give it a go!

[Malika]

I've already sent an email to the guys at Cardiff University if it were possible to have the next stuff printed in HTM-140, lets see how they'll respond.

[RageofAchilles]

It's cool that you got a few designs made though, you can get a good feel for the scale

The best prints I have seen are by these guys http://www.moddler.com/portfolio

Here is one they did that is just gorgeous!!

[Malika]

Moddler are indeed very good! are also pretty good. And they're based in Germany, which for me is kinda handy since I live in Holland (cheaper delivery and no additional import taxes etc).

[RageofAchilles]

Just had a look at Micro RP. Very nice resolution.
Also looks like a company specialising in miniatures, which is cool.

have you put the models on stands yet ? I wouldn't be able to resist seeing what they looked like in formation

[mangozac]