3D Printing Services

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**KalashnikovMarine**

Okay Dakkanauts here's a question for you. 3D printers are clearly becoming more and more a thing with the forth coming Replicator 2 set to try to push availability towards the upper middle class. I'm excited about this for a wide variety of reasons but the though of how this could be commercialized does seem to be rather interesting. So what I'd like to know, from your perspective, without any knowledge of the costs on the produce end is how much you'd be willing to pay for custom bits or models for gaming. Whether it's Truscale parts or custom insignia and iconography or something for a custom character you've never been able to convert just right, or that crazy dream model you've always had of yourself riding a massive fire dragon destroying a horde of nazis or something. Take into account whether you're doing the CAD design yourself or giving concept art to the Printshop to do the design work for.

**Balance**

Shapeways seems like a good baseline.

**MightyGodzilla**

Without any know on costs, etc. Going into this esentially blind (which I am) of what it takes to get what I want done. I would look at existing products of equal material and size (both inside and outside of the hobby) and I would pay a maximum of some multiplier of that staying within the budget of my disposable income.

Ex. a 28mm scale heroic model that I would need multiples of (ie troops) I'm not going over 12 a fig. Unique singles, I wouldn't pay over $30ish a fig. Now I'm saying a fig, but if I'm just paying parts I mean the $$ sum of those parts for the fig add up to the $12 or $30.

Ex. I can buy a lego Millenium Falcon at the Toys 'R Us for $130....I probably wouldn't pay more than $320 for a custom produced model of the same size, and in actuality because the number comes close to my predefined disposable income limit, I'd be hard pressed to spend that high for a hobby orientated luxury item.

**BewareOfTom**

well IMHO, I wouldnt pay more then double what it is in store for the same-ish thing :/

I dunno, I'm also fairly cheap and probably wouldnt do it to begin with

**warboss**

Balance wrote:
Shapeways seems like a good baseline.

I've been toying around with designing some minis from sources that will likely never get made in 28mm scale and the prices at shapeways look "competitive" to what companies like GW or DP9 charge. A 40mm tall and bulky figure that I uploaded costs around $18 in their highest detail material, similar to a special character 40k terminator or a larger gear. I've never ordered from them in the past but, judging from pics I've mined online about the frosted ultra detail, it looks to be currently of the same quality as early to mid 90's plastics or (for those too young to remember those days) a little bit worse than current minis centric board games like Descent. I don't see it yet as a competitor to the traditional method of manufacturing but it will likely be there in 5-10 years. As a consumer, I see it as a viable option for getting minis that will likely never be made like custom sculpts that previously I would have had to convert and buy bits from multiple sources to make.

**Commander Cain**

Oddly enough I was just about to make a thread very similar to this. I was wondering if there is anyone who has had any experience with these 3D printed parts? What is the quality like compared to say resin bits?

**Surloch**

Funnily enough, Makerbot just announced their new mainstream model.

Designed for consumers it actually looks really cool. Just need to afford it lol.

https://store.makerbot.com/replicator2.html

So tempting...

[EDIT] for me I should say the attraction is in scenery, terrain and display pieces. You could easily make some custom moulded caps for plinths, print out some custom rocks and bases etc. Who needs to buy a 25mm slotted base when you can print your own? Custom bases!!!!!! Squeeeeee!!!

**adamsouza**

Surloch wrote:
Funnily enough, Makerbot just announced their new mainstream model.

Designed for consumers it actually looks really cool. Just need to afford it lol.

https://store.makerbot.com/replicator2.html

So tempting...

$2200 is pretty steep, but the print quality is signicantly better than it's predecessor.

Signincanlty cheaper than plastic injection modling small runs.

**tyrant of loserville**

Give it around 5 years and hopefully it drops near the 1k - 1.5k range. I also agree with the terrain making bit, but i could see myself making custom APCs.

**KalashnikovMarine**

adamsouza wrote:
Surloch wrote:
Funnily enough, Makerbot just announced their new mainstream model.

Designed for consumers it actually looks really cool. Just need to afford it lol.

https://store.makerbot.com/replicator2.html

So tempting...

$2200 is pretty steep, but the print quality is signicantly better than it's predecessor.

Signincanlty cheaper than plastic injection modling small runs.

Well that's the idea on my end. Invest into the Printer, then market terrain and the like specifically to the gamer demographic in small batches.

**ShumaGorath**

KalashnikovMarine wrote:
adamsouza wrote:
Surloch wrote:
Funnily enough, Makerbot just announced their new mainstream model.

Designed for consumers it actually looks really cool. Just need to afford it lol.

https://store.makerbot.com/replicator2.html

So tempting...

$2200 is pretty steep, but the print quality is signicantly better than it's predecessor.

Signincanlty cheaper than plastic injection modling small runs.

Well that's the idea on my end. Invest into the Printer, then market terrain and the like specifically to the gamer demographic in small batches.

Makerbot 2 doesn't make miniatures quality prints. You'll do fine making undetailed terrain (it does great with concrete structures since the texture it puts on everything looks like it), but the device is unsuitable to anything with small details. You'll want to wait a few years unless you really want to jump in on this early. This is probably still less cost effective than just cheap resin casting.

**KalashnikovMarine**

ShumaGorath wrote:
KalashnikovMarine wrote:
adamsouza wrote:
Surloch wrote:
Funnily enough, Makerbot just announced their new mainstream model.

Designed for consumers it actually looks really cool. Just need to afford it lol.

https://store.makerbot.com/replicator2.html

So tempting...

$2200 is pretty steep, but the print quality is signicantly better than it's predecessor.

Signincanlty cheaper than plastic injection modling small runs.

Well that's the idea on my end. Invest into the Printer, then market terrain and the like specifically to the gamer demographic in small batches.

Makerbot 2 doesn't make miniatures quality prints. You'll do fine making undetailed terrain (it does great with concrete structures since the texture it puts on everything looks like it), but the device is unsuitable to anything with small details. You'll want to wait a few years unless you really want to jump in on this early. This is probably still less cost effective than just cheap resin casting.

So we just don't have the resolution in 3D printing yet is the key? The prop making and terrain making potential is still interesting though. Hmmm.

**Grot 6**

The time is coming when you will be buyingyour own, hooking it up to your PC and casting your own stuff.

How will they get you? In the printing medium, of course.

To the OP, Shapeway has established themselves as the baseline, so give or take, then it depends on the quality of the casting medium.

If resin, or plastic, it would depend on the cost of materials and size of the sculpt. Around a hundred bucks on the low side.

examples-

http://www.shapeways.com/search?q=miniatures

You can make your own machine, If you really want to get down to brass tacks. Prices seem to be going down since I dug last time I looked over the subject. I was going to say 5 grand for a good one, but there are a few avaible, and one for 500, now.

**simplexcity**

I have gone so far as to thinking about investing in a 3D printer for this and many other reasons

**Pacific**

Things are definitely becoming more interesting!

News feature, one of the headline technology articles on the BBC in fact: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-19665625

Replicator maker talks up 3D printing tech

The new 3D printer is intended for industrial designers and artists

MakerBot Industries, best known for its small 3D printers, has opened a shop in Manhattan through which it will aim to sell the joys of home fabrication to the general public.

The store opening comes as MakerBot releases the second incarnation of its Replicator 3D printer.

The Replicator 2.0 works to much finer resolutions than earlier versions and can fabricate much bigger objects.

Supply side
MakerBot said the store, the first of its kind, would act as a showcase for 3D printing and stage demonstrations and workshops for those who were curious about the technology.

3D printing involves building up objects layer by layer out of plastic that is melted and fed via a carefully controlled nozzle to form a shape. The printers were initially used in engineering and design firms to produce and refine prototypes.

Now many home hackers, makers and artists use 3D printers to turn out their own customised creations. Examples include model soldiers, cases for home electronic projects, and furniture for dolls' houses.

Bre Pettis said the Replicator 2.0 was aimed at the "prosumer" - either a design professional or a hardcore hobbyist. The device costs $2,199 (£1,360) and builds objects up in layers only 100 microns thick. In previous versions, each layer was about 270 microns thick.

Mat Fordy, founder and boss of coolcomponents.co.uk that sells 3D printers and other home hacking gear, said the technology was proving popular.

"We've really seen the affordable 3D printer market in the UK explode over the last couple of years," he told the BBC. "Many types of people use them, not just professionals, but people who have an idea that they need to touch and hold."

He said the new MakerBot was a great looking piece of kit but supply problems had made it hard to get hold of.

"They never seem to have enough to go around, and that puts a lot of people off," he said. "Other excellent printers are in ready supply, and many people just give up waiting and get one of those instead."

Interesting that the accuracy of these things is increasing.

You have to think this is only one of the first steps (although the improvements have already been many), and although a new topic opens on Dakka at least once every month, this is going to have a massive impact on the wargaming industry.

**Balance**

A friend has a printer that I believe is derived from the Makerbot (there's a big community doing upgrades and add-ons). It'd be great for tokens but he's tried some minis and they tend to be a bit rough looking, especially for smooth-sided shapes. Organic shapes hide the tiny bit of texture a bit.

**warboss**

Both Shapeways and the Makerbot linked about have a detail resolution of 100 microns. While the material you use probably makes a difference and likely the quality differs even between models with the same minimum detail resolution but the following is the detail you can expect apparently from at least shapeways (and is from the store of a fellow dakkite there).

The 3d image

The actual minis in Fine Ultra Detail

http://www.shapeways.com/model/446658/stealth-ladies-revolvers.html

It will only get better with time and I already fine the results acceptable personally.

**adamsouza**

The resolution is less of an issue to me than the price.

I'd be willing to print out a master,sand it, and cast copies if I needed to.

Just a matter of time before the technology becomes affordable, and by then the resolution will probably be better as well.

**Myrthan**

Its hard to justify putting down 2200 dollars for a 3d printer if your not sure if your going to use it enough to get your moneys worth IMO

**Trasvi**

I've just received a few models from Shapeways. A digital sculpt approximately (ahem) the same size and shape as a Broadside's railgun.
Their cheap, 'white strong flexible' plastic is far far too grainy for minis, and sanding it down is a pain in the ass. The polished version I don't think will polish finely enough for minis. *Every single surface* has the feeling of
The Detailed Plastic doesn't have the temperature tolerance that I need (I live in Australia, leave my models in the car where it can easily reach over 50* on a summer day).
Their Frosted Detail is pretty good, but can be quite brittle and wasn't cleaned well enough for me, needed a soapy bath and scrub after I got it. Cost is about $6 per gun in frosted detail, but shipping costs to Australia starts at a flat $20. You can make 'sprues' that are super thin to cut down on startup costs.

In terms of what I would pay? Not more than it costs from Forgeworld or Puppet War, less if I supply the design and even less if my design in bulk. $1.50 per shoulderpad, $2.50 per special weapon.

**JustPlainJim**

I caved in a couple weeks ago and picked up a couple models from Shapeways. Just to add/echo what Trasvi said...

The "Strong & Flexible" feels gritty all the way around. Every surface has a sandy feel and texture and you lose finer details. Soaks up paint like a sponge. I'd use it for tabletop quality stuff, but then my eyesight's bad.

The "Detail" plastics are pretty good and have a nice feel to them, akin to the resin from Spartan Games. Easily drilled (I needed a flight stand) and just has a better look and feel. The only problem I've had is that there are occasional lines along the layers of the models.

I haven't tried the Ultra Detail yet, but that's next.

Prices were comparable to Forgeworld (not that that's a good thing), and shipping to my area was $6.50. Then again, my models weren't very big.

Models purchased:
http://www.shapeways.com/model/79552/terran-combat-walker.html
http://www.shapeways.com/model/111992/xuvaxi-prosecutor.html

**warboss**

If you guys have some FD stuff, I'd appreciate some pics of it next to traditional minis. I've got some designs that I'm thinking about printing out and FUD seems like the way to go but almost no pics of regular FD pics pretty much don't exist on the net outside of shapeway's own comparison pics.

**DeffDred**

adamsouza wrote:
Surloch wrote:
Funnily enough, Makerbot just announced their new mainstream model.

Designed for consumers it actually looks really cool. Just need to afford it lol.

https://store.makerbot.com/replicator2.html

So tempting...

$2200 is pretty steep, but the print quality is signicantly better than it's predecessor.

Signincanlty cheaper than plastic injection modling small runs.

$2200 steep?! This is model gaming we're talking about here! $2200 is like the cost of a few rulebooks and 3 model kits from GW!

**warboss**

DeffDred wrote:

$2200 steep?! This is model gaming we're talking about here! $2200 is like the cost of a few rulebooks and 3 model kits from GW!

Lets not exaggerate. Those prices won't be accurate until 2015 at least, especially now that GW is billing themselves as a company that produces COLLECTOR miniatures instead of minis meant for GAMING in their Chapterhouse legal suit. You're a few years too early!

**jamsessionein**

I'm dying to know what kind of printer the MaxMini.eu guys use, because they get some spectacular results.

http://www.maxmini.eu/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=192

**Trasvi**

New 3D printer project on Kickstarter

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/formlabs/form-1-an-affordable-professional-3d-printer?ref=home_popular

. Promises 25 micron resolution for $2700. The dodgy results they compare to are (I believe) Makerbot prints.

**RoninXiC**

Wow... 500,000$ in a single day. 3D-Printing is going to be THE next big thing in technology. Give it a few more years and every one will have it next to its 2D-Printer

But are you sure Maxmini uses 3D-printing? I thought they'd just design the things on a computer and then do them as a common resin model?

**Trasvi**

RoninXiC wrote:
Wow... 500,000$ in a single day. 3D-Printing is going to be THE next big thing in technology. Give it a few more years and every one will have it next to its 2D-Printer
But are you sure Maxmini uses 3D-printing? I thought they'd just design the things on a computer and then do them as a common resin model?

As far as I know, the two processes are mutually exclusive. You design something on the computer, and print it or get it milled in steel for plastic production. OR, you sculpt something in greenstuff, and mould it in silicone for resin casting.
Or I guess, the middle ground is design in CAD, print a master, and make silicone moulds of it. This is what Spartan games does.

**ruff**

Damn I wished I had the extra pocket change to pledge.. lol..

**adamsouza**

Trasvi wrote:
New 3D printer project on Kickstarter

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/formlabs/form-1-an-affordable-professional-3d-printer?ref=home_popular

. Promises 25 micron resolution for $2700. The dodgy results they compare to are (I believe) Makerbot prints.

By the look of the pictures, maybe printing at 25 micron resolution is better than 100 micron resotuion

I know conventional 2D printers are rated at Dots per inch, but maybe the 3D resolution is measured in how small it can print (making 25 better than 100)