Hey guys, I need to 3D print a lifesize head, but I have no idea what material I should choose. I look at different websites/platforms, they all suggest different materials, or I think they are the same material but have different names in all the different platforms/designers. Can anyone please suggest? I am a first timer by the way, so I really need some help here.
I have attached a sample output we have before for our production purpose. But it was done by hands before, now this is the first time we want to try with 3D printing.
these are some of my requirements,
1. 1-2cm smaller than human heads, in height and width
2. the material needs to be solid because we need the output for some manufacturing production purpose. But we only use it once or twice, so it doesn’t have to be an expensive material because we are not going to use it for display. We don’t even need it in colour.
3. Inside the head is empty to cut down the cost
4. very smooth and detailed printing, we don’t want any rough surface or texture on the head because we need it to produce a realistic human face later. Of course, rough texture that appear on lips like our design is necessary.
Can anyone help?Need it urgently!! Thanks!
1 Like
Help needed. Please reply
ryandir
3
Off the top of my head, I would suggest using resin and having it printed on an SLA machine, particularly for the level of detail you require. I am however unsure about the dimensions as printers like the Form 1+, Form 2 etc. have a relatively small build volume. You can also hollow out the model in order to save on material costs - I remember reading a tutorial about it here a while ago.
You arent going to get very smooth without spending a lot. Your best solution would be print in PLA and then sand and fill in with filler to smooth out the model.
6 Likes
You have two options. SLA, (high detail resin) which prints very smoothly, but is pricey.
Or you can print it in with ABS (general plastics) and smooth it manually by rubbing it lightly with a rag with a little acetone on it. (less expensive) You can also have it printed in PLA and smoothed with XTC3D or sand, prime, sand…
Start an order by uploading your model. Choose one of the two methods, and avaialble printers that can print in that size, and a quote will come up. From there you can start a relationship with a hub that can do a good job for you. Much faster than the activity on this board.
Enza3D
6
Hi there!
I operate both SLA and FDM machines, and can tell you that SLA will produce a much smoother surface finish than FDM will. As Perry already mentioned, SLA will be more expensive than FDM, so your choice will depend on your budget.
If you would like, feel free to submit an inquiry to my Hub and I can get a better idea of what technology is a more realistic option and give you some ballpark numbers for pricing.
Asad3D
7
@Artistman, we’ve got a super handy Material Wizard you can check out that will suggest what material and technology to print in based on the requirements of your project. Head over to our Start a 3D Print page and just above Step 2 on the right, select ‘Recommend material’. I hope that helps!
