Metallic Busts - First Runs with Colorfab

[Amortech]

Hey everyone,

First post on here but the hub is getting busy and really loving all the tinkering. That said, it’s due time to join the community. Thanks to 3D hubs for making this happen.

We’ve been tweaking our Flashforge Creator Pro and its amazing how much better it is than out CubePro. It’s a shame. With the Creator comes all the joys of fun filaments and we sure have been having fun.

We’ve gone through quite a few nozzles and rebuilt the extruders a number of times but that’s the joys of printing with the unique filaments. With all the tinkering we have the machine dialed! And Simplify3D IS WORTH the money if you ask me.

Have a peek at a few of our latest creations…I’ve seen some killer finishes posted around the web so we’re constantly trying to improve. Any feedback is welcome.

Cheers!

-- Amortech

-- Armotech Design Lab

Big credit to ColorFab for the amazing filaments. you guys really did a gre job capturing the feel, finish and even density!

Big credit to Sculptor over at thingiverse for the amazing busts. Thingiverse - Digital Designs for Physical Objects

[Left]

A big credit to you for the awesome prints and superb pictures.

Well done !!

[gabriela3d]

Awesome work, awesome shots, basically a @ masterpiece Thanks for sharing it with us!

[Amortech]

Thanks StudioK!

[Nikki]

These are seriously great prints @oshi146 - thanks for sharing them! Really really great finish. Any finishing tips for the rest of us that you’re willing to share?

[Amortech]

Thanks Nikki! Yeah you bet a few helpful tips are:

1. Print with lots of outer layers if you plan on getting a nice finish and not having to worry about damaging your shell. The default 2 layers is definitely not enough i do at least 4 and did 6 on these (plus it gives it a great weight).

2. Be patient - even i struggle with this. Let it tumble at least 12 hours but try for 24. Then be ready for some artistic work with the fine finishing. Thats the fun part - giving it a unique character. Im seriously having a hard time going back to standard PLA and ABS.

3. Get creative with your tumbling mix. I used just standard steelshot to being with but ended up adding screws - even a few bottle caps. The Steel ones we are working on now we even used salt so we can give it a quick rusty look. The classic Lortone tumblers work great and they are rather inexpensive. Some super fine grit sanpaper is a must too (800+).

More good tips to come if you give this post some votes…

[GloomySparker]

Thanks for the tips!

Your prints look AWESOME!

[Amortech]

Thanks Gloomy! Much appreciated Got a few more tips to share and always learning so happy to hear anyone’s suggestions.

[Amortech]

Thanks gabriela! Very flattering. I think the true masterpiece will the be the steampunk gear box we are working on with all metallic filaments, a little rusted iron, patina copper, lots of character…and its even magnetic! Will be posting soon.

[gabriela3d]

Wow, can’t wait!

[RBeaubien]

Are you using the stock nozzles with the Creator Pro or have you switched to a stainless steel one? Also have you printed with the XT-CF20 carbon fiber infused filament? Settings?

[Amortech]

Hey there. Just using the stock nozzles but they sure dont last long especially when you do a very long print. I have been meaning to upgrade but i still have half a dozen new ones left. Yep I have printed with the Carbon. I’ll have to check my saved profile for settings. What slicer are you using?

[ImShogun]

Congrats! It is always worth showing that rough white PLA ain’t the only possible finish in fdm printing!! And these are really bluffing!

[RBeaubien]

I’m using Simplify3D.

[RPrinters]

These look great!

[en3DStudios_com]

I am curious now! How outer layers improve the finish on these prints?
And actual tips on actual shiny finish? I guess you can’t just dremel these, right?

[Amortech]

Outer layers dont necessarily improve the finish they just allow you to have more material to finish so that you COULD use a dremel. Try dremelling 2 layers even at a low speed and you’ll chew right through. Or try tumbling 2 layers for 24 hours and you’ll have a few holes. By upping the layers you play it safe and also leave the door open for even more character accents like scrapes, dents, etc. Look at the buddah, that was purposely tarnished in the tumbler to a point that it was almost all black, then hand sanded in various areas, then tumbled again. You can definitely use a dremel just be very careful of heat - it builds up fast.

Im still working on the shiney-ness but i have been using some ideas from our resin prints like wet sanding with very high grit but one secret (well not so much of a secret as its in Form1 finishing guide is mineral oil. Definitely pick up a bottle of that at the drug store as its greatto have around for all types of prints. Its great for adding some shine, great for touching up scratches and rough areas from sanding and even great as lube for gears and moving parts! These had a nice mineral oil rub prior to the shoot - same way the body builders lube up! haha

[Amortech]

Here’s a sample from what may be our next post Check out the rust…and the crazy detail…

[jrhusney]

Thank you so much for sharing! This indeed looks _fantastic_.

You’re tumbling with steelshot and water? Are you adding any polish to the mix? Have you tried ceramic media?

[imagine3dps]

How did you tarnish the Buddha in your tumbler? The contrast is what makes it look so good!