A scale modeler friendly view on 3D printing.
This is not my first attempt to go from Blender to a 3D printed object (Shapeways prototyped doll), but this time i’m taking it a little bit more serious.
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Blender is proving a great tool to quickly (but quite accurately) produce good quality 3D geometry to later pass to a 3D printing service. Also if it is not providing extremely accurate measurement, a paying a little attention on how to design the object can lead to very good results, also because the modeler will use the produced object as a solid base to further works and enhancements, rather than as a finished product.
Also finding professional printing services is now easier, also without going for the online alternative. Nothing bad with Shapeways, of course, but a more accurate research near you can reserve some good surprise (like a cheaper alternative and a better pre production aid).
Image may be NSFW.
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The need for not so small pieces, with a good measure accuracy but not so much surface details, drive me to the choose of a SLS Selective Laser Sintering solution, using Nylon powder as a base material. So, if you’re a modeler, going from a quite rough surface to a mirror polished finish is just a matter of time, good automotive primer/filler (go just for the professional grade kind, the generic bricolage version is just a waste of time and money) and wet sanding.
Image may be NSFW.
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This is just the first step, next move will be produce good quality molds to transform master 3D printed pieces in small production series goods. Also producing a bit larger molds than i was used to produce could be an interesting challenge, and a chance to try new materials. So i hope the next article will be on how to recast 3D printed objects using the standard modelers methods (RTV silicone molds, PU resin, etc…).
