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There has been a lot of interest in 3D printing of late and as I understand it now there are quite a few small companies out there designing their models in 3D software and then printing prototypes, which they then clean up and mold and mass produce by more traditional means. So we have a new budding industry, and it makes me wonder if there's room to approach this the way computer nerds often approach any new computer industry- by working on it for free, in the hopes of pooling work and developing something truly great.

Now, I realize going through this process from start to finish is an increadibly time-consuming process that requires a pretty huge skill set. I wouldn't expect anyone who can go through it from start to finish and come up with excellent work to just give that away. But a lot of people playing with it now aren't producing commercial-quality work. Would there be interest in pooling people's resources in order to help everyone work more efficiently?

For example, yesterday I saw a thread on Dakka for someone's attempt at a Melt- I mean generic microwave rifles. Now I hope I'm not insulting anyone by saying this, but while being a noble effort that I'm sure took a fair bit of work, it's not likely they'd make any money mass producing those rifles. But if the files for that model were available somewhere for someone else to modify, they might be able to make something a little different, say, a generic heavy microwave cannon. Or suppose you were working on a generic ramshackle buggy kit, but were struggling to get the engine block looking right. Then you saw someone else had made an open source ramshackle truck model with a really nice engine that you could easily slap into your kit. Or imagine you want to make a generic fantasy soldier regiment. And you are really, really good at making awesome-looking armour. But you just for the life of you cannot get faces to come out looking natural. Meanwhile, someone on the other side of the planet loves nothing more than churning out models of heads, but really can't be bothered with making decent chain link. Wouldn't it be great if there was some way for them to combine their work without having to formally go through the process of meeting each other and establishing a business together?

As I understand it some 3D printer websites allow you to share re-prints of the physical models you've made, but I haven't heard of sharing the data files. This could be a good way to get people to help each other learn how 3D sculpting works and push the state of the art of this niche. Naturally, there would be issues to work out, especially IP issues (both making sure the community does not violate exististing IP laws for existing product while simultaneously making sure members of the community don't start trying to sue each other for using their work.) But, would people be interested in this? Is it something that can work?

It might be interesting, but considering the various different file formats used for this type of stuff, the cost of the software, the skillsets required, etc. I don't see it as being something that a lot of people are going to get behind.

I'd offer to get in on it, but I'm more interested in starting up a business and making some pocket change.

I have some experience with 3d printing and design, and while my designs are open source, every other 3D artist I know has absolutely no interest in giving away their designs.

chaos0xomega wrote:It might be interesting, but considering the various different file formats used for this type of stuff, the cost of the software,

Blender 3D is open source. Now it's reported to have a steep learning curve, but still, it's free. I hear there are some CAD programs that are free too. Surely if enough people got in on this they would settle on one file format that works for everyone?

Lonecoon wrote:I have some experience with 3d printing and design, and while my designs are open source, every other 3D artist I know has absolutely no interest in giving away their designs.

Interesting. Is there a site where you make your open source designs available to the public?

JOHIRA wrote:

chaos0xomega wrote:It might be interesting, but considering the various different file formats used for this type of stuff, the cost of the software,

Blender 3D is open source. Now it's reported to have a steep learning curve, but still, it's free. I hear there are some CAD programs that are free too. Surely if enough people got in on this they would settle on one file format that works for everyone?

Doubt it. Graphical modelers and CAD (Engineering) modelers work on entirely different principles. I've discussed with CG guys before that worked in the film industry before, and they have tried in the past to get the two to work together and it didn't turn out well. Granted, there are ways to convert file formats, but it can get pretty hairy, and I've seen it where one program reads the file incorrectly despite being a supposedly common file format.

Chaos0xomega is right. I work with Google Sketch up (free cad program) and to convert my work into a printable file, it takes at least 20 minutes and four different programs. It also fails to generate a printable model about 50% of the time.