Shapeways 3D Models Anyone Tried It?

allan

Anyone tried a Shapeways 3D model?  I just ran across their site, and they have some interesting 1/700 ships.

 

Yes, 3D printing is real and here to stay.

I have gotten a 1:144 Yak-38 and a 25' USCG Fast Response Boat from Shapeways.  I also have a 72 scale Quad BOFORS and crew.    The detail which you can get is very good.

Some thoughts:

The masts in on a 1:700 ship, printed at the limits of the technology,  may be too large diameter.   The antenna & flag gaff on my USCG boat were too large and were cut off & replaced with wire.  They have problems printing Oerlikon barrels below 1:144 scale.

The material selection, Strong & Flexible Nylon, results in a pebbly finish.   The material is rubbery and cannot be sanded smooth.   The better material is Frosted Ultra Detail (FUD) or Frosted Extreme Detail (FED).   Smoother but may have desposition lines, especially on curved surfaces.   It is harder and can be sanded but it is brittle.

Your order is printed on demand.   When you place your order you receive the dates  which it will be printed and shipped.

Their packing is very good with bubble wrap.   Trouble is that the wrapping is too tight and some parts received were warped.

They say that you cannot use an enamel paint,  but I have seen no problems using spray ebamel as a primer.   Tamiya's primer may be the better to avoid covering fine details.

Shapeways is the producer.   The designer is an independent contractor whose 3D design skills may vary.  I can recommend ModelMonkey who has some fantastic conversion sets in 1:350 & 1:700 scales.   Hawkins made the BOFORS and several otherweapon sets is several scales.  Holden8702 made the crew figures.   Very nice and well detailed.

As good as 3D printing is now,  it is only going to improve over the next few years.  BlueRidge Models 3D prints their masters,  refines and adds details, then molds and casts in resin.

I suggest that you buy a unit to see what you think about the technology.

Hmmmm . . . I wonder if they will do sailing ships.  I believe that I will give them a call!

Bill

As noted,  I recommend that you look around and make an exploratory order if something strikes your fancy,

I know that one designer has produced a bunch of HMS Victory parts,  including the whole stern gallery.

I did a bit of research and the minimum diameter for what they term 'an unsupported wire',  or a piece longer than it is narrow, attached at one end -- as in a yardarm,  mast, or antenna;

Strong & Flexible - 1mm

FUD - .8mm

Yes, I purchased some 1/350 ordnance and it's gorgeous.  It took FAR longer than they estimated though, so be ready to wait awhile. 

Ed,

I will.  Thanks!

Bill

I have purchased two sets of 1/144 U Boat crews. One in regular uniform, one in on-patrol mix-and-match.

I am pleased with them. The detail is better than any I've seen, as they don't seem too thick. I think there's room for improvement, but as was said, it will come.

They paint fine. They are fragile, out of 100 little Fritzes, Ive got a dozen or so heads, feet etc. in the bottom of the bag.

I purchased a crew for my 1:16 scale Dumas USCG36' Motor Lifeboat.  HOLDEN8702 modified some of his PT Boat crew for the USCG boats.  In the first pircture are the PT Boat Officer/Helmsman, USCG helmmsman, and USCG Binoculars.  THe USCG Helmsman is identical to one of  the PT Boat gunners. 

Thank you Ed, Lon, GM and Bob!  I gained a lot of info from you guys.

I guess the way to go is the FUD. Ill probably try to place an order for a small ship so I can examine it. The choices are very appealing to a modern ship builder like me.