Hey guys. Both, kind of. When there is a large enough space for it, the printer automatically does a 10% filled honeycomb type pattern inside. That makes them really light, but the parts aren't shells with big voids inside like a plastic model kit. Yep, that does sound like a cool project. -Ricky
That's very cool that the software is smart enough to minimize material usage but still supply reinforcing.
I am really envious. This sort of thing will revolutionise future model making so you can make whatever you desire! Kit bashing ideas are starting to make my head spin!
Yeah, the bump/displacement map of the little squares on the top of the primary hull look like bump/displacement maps. Maybe it's the low quality youtube, but not awesome looking. Also, if you notice the note at the bottom of the image. "nacelles pushed farther back". That happens all the time in VFX. Things are pushed and moved around and rescaled to please either the client or whoever. No matter if if affects continuity, or visual logic. Sigh...
Yep, I'm having a hard time deciding which model to start next. I think, It's going to be a version of my STXI Reliant. Don't see too many of those out there. So far, I've gotten Enterprise sanded and filled, and ready to paint. I decided just to soften up the layers, but not sand them completely down. I still want to be able to tell that it was 3D printed. Hopefully I'll have some more pics soon. -Ricky
Time to start launching extra-extra-large 3D printers into orbit... we're going to build a REAL starship!
Cool model! 3D printing is fun, isn't it? I've recently begun dabbling with Shapeways. (I don't own a 3D printer of my own.) Keep up the awesome work!
Hey guys, Got some more stuff to show off. I discovered that most of my painting skills have atrophied, so I need more practice. Even so, this was a first run to make sure the paints and stuff I got were OK, and to test out my decals. The next pictures I do will all be outside in natural light... the camera flash was a little too harsh on these. Also, I got my STXI Reliant model converted, and printed a test model. I'll hopefully put it together tomorrow. I've been thinking of making a bunch of these up for sale. I'm not sure what to price them at, or if there is enough interest or not. My next kit is going to be my Valiant model, I think: http://madshipyard.com/images/Wallpaper/NuValiant_Asteroids_1920.jpg More later, guys. -Ricky
What about a model of a TOS era pistol phaser? Is the 3d printing process sturdy enough that a phaser can be handled? Or are they fragile?
Yeah, that wouldn't be a problem. The models are pretty tough... I actually closed a part in the car door the other day, and it survived. I'm planning on doing a tricorder for myself soon. -Ricky
Since I saw the OP, I began to read about this 3D print stuff. I'm really impressed. Then some days ago a comb of my hair clipper broke and there is no replacement available. If I had a 3D printer, I could make a new part. Since I don't, I'll get hairy.
Awesome, can't wait to see you do more. I'm really hoping you'll sell versions of your prints. I would love the have your versions of the Jjverse ships.
Thanks for all the comments, guys. Well, my plans are to make a model out of all of my 3D ships, but that will take a while. I'm definitely still thinking of selling kits and completed models, too, but I've got some things to figure out first. Not sure how I'm going to get started. E-Mail me if there is something specific you are thinking about. Made a fair amount of progress on Reliant... It all fits together! I did a little bit of sanding and cleanup too, but a lot of that left to go. I've only got 4 little pieces of tape holding it together, and it's pretty solid. More pics later. -Ricky
Yep, I'm working on them slowly but surely. I have about half of this ship printed out now: http://madshipyard.com/images/Wallpaper/NuValiant_Asteroids_1920.jpg When I get the engines printed out, I'll take some more pics. Things have been busy the last few weeks... I don't even think I had a chance to turn on the printer last week! -Ricky
Ricky, Have you given any thought to the scale? Polar's coming out with a 1/1000 Miranda later this year, and I'd love to have yours to park beside it.