A little ranting about automation and 3D printing ...

This brings up the question that we occasionally discuss- what is the intent of a model.  If your reason is to create an art object, that is one thing. If you are intending to make a duplicate of an original object, in smaller size, but as accurately as possible, that is something else.  I see this in ship models quite a bit- some folks use exotic woods and varnish the model whereas the prototype was painted. I am of the later disposition.  My object is to make the model as accurate as possible.  Thus, I would like to ellminate individuality as far as it affects accuracy.  To me the individuality and craftsmanship may lie in what detail you choose to model, whether you weather it or not, and such.  If I can use a machine to make a part I will do so, if by doing so it makes a more accurate part.  

I use resin and PE aftermarket stuff, for instance. I still scratchbuild, carving major parts from basswood.  However, when I do, I hope the contours are so accurate that no one notices it is carved by hand from wood.

And those infernal tractors will never replace the need for a well bred horse...

Don Stauffer

If your reason is to create an art object, that is one thing. If you are intending to make a duplicate of an original object, in smaller size, but as accurately as possible, that is something else

In my opinion, duplicating an original object, in smaller size, but as accurately as possible is just as much an art object as any other. They all take skill, sweat and discipline. These are all aspects of ART.

There is nothing wrong with using machine made parts (I would use them too - happily) as long as you are the one building the model. Now, if a machine built the completed model, that's another story.

Let me add that if you build an exact replica down to the finest detail, and someone else does the same, there would still be differences between the two because of the nature of HAND BUILT. This would never happen if two models were built by a machine, they would be exact, and how boring would that be.

Eh - this isn't a big concern of mine. I - and most modelers I know - are mostly in it for the building. I'm sure there'd be a market for 3D printed already-built replicas, just like there's a market now for die-cast cars and aircraft. But there'll also be a market for kits.

I guess I just view 3D printing as another medium. Like styrene or resin or photo-etch or turned brass. It's just another way of making parts in miniature. I'll bet within five years we'll see one or more of the aftermarket companies offering products made via 3D printing. Probably limited-run kits as well. And we'll buy these and be very happy with them, if for no other reason than hey, no more sawing off those annoying resin pour blocks.

The bigger question, in time, is what this does to kit design, manufacture and distribution. As cool as the technology is, I don't know if we'll ever see the day that home machines like the MakerBot gain any major adoption. Heck, even as cheap as they are, not too many people buy home photo printers, when it's cheaper to just order prints or pick them up at Costco or whatever. 

But what about big, main-run kits? Will Tamiya still manufacture kits in on location, then ship them worldwide? Or would it make more sense to have one design shop, then print-and-package locations in each major region? Will 3D printing ever reach a point where it's more cost-and-time advantageous than injection molds? Right now, those molds can pop out 60-ish units every minute. How long does it take a 3D printer to create something of similar complexity?

Honestly, the longer-term idea that people have - of being able to buy a file and print the kit of your choice at  home, or at your LHS...I don't see it happening. Possibly for something like the old Revellogram kits, maybe. But the kitmakers will want to ensure quality control (and not have to deal with people printing out dozens of copies and then selling them, etc), so I imagine they'll keep the printing, packaging and distribution within their oversight.

I just read in the latest issue of Military In Scale, a Russian company, Aria Master, has a new resin kit of a BTR personnel carrier where the master was printed on a 3d printer. I think this is where the 3d printers are headed in the near future for our industry.

waikong

I just read in the latest issue of Military In Scale, a Russian company, Aria Master, has a new resin kit of a BTR personnel carrier where the master was printed on a 3d printer. I think this is where the 3d printers are headed in the near future for our industry.

I could see that, too. Shortens the design process considerably, vs having to carve everything. I think I'd read somewhere that Eduard was using 3D printing for it's Brassin masters, and given the detail those things pack, I wouldn't be surprised. 

I have heard people grumble about 3D printing as well. My answer to this is always as follows...

Does it make some things easier? sure it does! BUT, don't forget that someone has to make the 3D object on a computer before it can be printed. If you think it's as easy as the press of a button to crate and object with complex shapes, curves and details in a 3D drawing program then honestly you don't even know enough about it to be having this argument. My major in college was 3D animation and I know EXACTLY how hard it is and the time it takes to make some of these objects. For my senior project I built a 3D model of a late war Panther G... It took several months and a 3 foot stack of references to do it.

So you see the argument against 3D part printing is moot. It is no different than resin parts, photo etch or even a very well detailed plastic kit from the box. The person who enjoys researching every little detail makes the master and prints/cast/etches it for the person who doesn't enjoy those things and would rather buy it. So everyone is happy... :)

Wired magazine (current issue) has an article about these things.  The one they cover most has two versions- cheaper is $2200, more expensive version is $2800.  So they still have a ways to go before I can afford one.  Yeah, price may drop like 2D printers did- then again it may not- we'll see.

Scale modeling (non-operating) is a good application for these things.  They did not mention the bearing quality of the plastics used.  I think most of us do not really like nor need moving parts on our models, so don't need bearing surfaces.