Advice about 3-D printer and software

[chriswatton]

Hi,

I recently decided to go it alone with designing and selling my own scale model kit range, after designing for other companies for 25 years (and doing stuff I had zero interest in)

The designs I do are always in CAD, but 2-D, as the kit parts are laser cut and photo-etched parts. I have always used a freelance carver to carve the decoration masters like figurehead and stern decoration, but would like to try and start doing this myself via a 3-D printer

The problem is that I have only ever used CAD in a 2-D environment (TurboCad).

After doing some research into what potential printer to get, I came across this one:

https://uk-shop.3dsystems.com/fabpro...491.1546086041

I have attached a picture of a figurehead that I would need to have laser printed. What I need to know, before spending thousands, is - would that printer be viable for such work and what software would be required to draw such objects in order for the printer to recognise the parts? Are there any ‘intuitive’ software packages that perhaps come with tutorials.

Alternatively, would it be cheaper to have the work sub-contracted out

Thank you,

Chris

[Hades_Corps]

Hi @chriswatton

3DSystems is a foreknown company that produce 3D printers so if you already have the design, you can send it to them to check. Their machines are really good, I have no doubt that your example figure can be made.
The FabPro 1000 that you set your eyes on is screen/projector based not laser. That´s why print speed is quoted by mm/h not mm^3/h.

With that´s said, you need to consider the usage cost of using 3DSystems´ machine and liquid based printers in generals.

• 3DSystems is a close-source company that hold most patents on all 3D printing methods. That´s why half a century after the idea of free-forming is realized we barely have any innovations. Their machines and materials cost more and the ecosystem is closed. If they stop supporting your machine or material, it will be an expensive paperweight.

• Liquid-based machine require a vented work area and lots of support materials and base. For example if you want to print 1x1x1cm solid cube (1cm^3) at 1cm/h speed. The part will be tilted so that the cross section reduce as the print goes on. Therefore printed vertical height is probably 1.4-1.7mm, adding the base and support it would be ~2cm (2hr) and ~1.5cm^3 total material is used. Some cases extra material can be larger than the part itself. Some liquid is also stick to the outside of printed part and build platform (due to surface tension) that you have to rinse off. Then it cost time to remove the support, UV cure the part. Build platform need to be resurface or replace routinely since you peel the printed base after every print job.

In my opinion liquid based printing have too high running cost (both time and waste material) and only shine in very specific applications. At that price, I would invest in a powder system instead. A Sintratec machine with power recycle is the same initial cost.

As per software for sculpting, TinkerCAD, SketchUp are very easy to use. Blender is better for professional use though.