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I have used Shapeways and 3d Hub to produce a model of a Z gauge locomotive body, but am not entirely satisfied with the results, and am not sure of the best process to use. The model has been produced with Blender :

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The model is about 50 mm long x 12 mm wide x about 16 mm high. It is hollow to allow a motor chassis to be fitted. The Shapeways model was good, but the surface detail was limited and there was no sign of any rivets. The 3d Hubs process used liquid resin, but the supplier had to add an extensive support structure which then had to be mechanically removed. The surface detail was excellent, but I do not know how best to provide the support structure, and is it necessary for all forms of 3d resin printing.

My question is - what is the best process, material and possibly machine to make this kind of model?

Eddie Price

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Hey Eddie, how’s it going?

Nice job on your train model! Both SLS and SLA Resin are excellent ways of printing this model but they do both have drawbacks as you already mentioned in your post.

Now what if you could have the best of both worlds? The high surface detail of resin printing but without the support traces? I would recommend giving Material Jetting a try which uses dissolvable supports.

You can find Hubs with this professional printers right here: Online 3D Printing Service | Instant 3D Printing Quotes | Hubs (you just have to select printer type: Jetting) and then you can select the Hub of your choice and discuss the specifics of your project with the Hub operator.

I hope this will get your the result you’re looking for and if you wouldn’t mind, please share the prints you’ve received so far. I think that both the community and myself are very interested to see the results of the prints.

Best,
Robin - 3D Hubs

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Hi Eddie

I’ll give it a go on the Envisiontec Perfactory for you if you’d like to get in touch with the stl file.

Best regards

Adam

AG Prototypes

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I would definitely recommend a high-res SLS printer, like from 3D Systems. They are capable of achieving immense detail (18-24 Microns if I remember correctly), and only use the unsintered powder as supports… which means zero cleanup nor support structures. The only drawback is cost. They also have ones that can do full color as well.

I would get some quotes from local shops with them. If you need any help finding a good price, let me know.

I know Shapeways uses Stratasys SLS printers (among other styles), but I wasn’t thrilled with their resolution either.