[MagicWazard]

Hey all,

I've always had a fascination with props and accessories that one can use to stage a battlefield, or command center, or some type of diorama--anything besides a figure or vehicle that can help set a scene. And a few options have come and gone over the years, but even now, there aren't many options available for pre-built prop accessories. So, since I have some experience in 3D modeling from video gaming, I decided to buy an inexpensive 3D printer (a Micro 3D, a.k.a. M3D) and try printing out some of my creations. I'm going to be showing off some of the better ones here. I would like feedback on design and detail, as well as getting an idea of how interested people would be in specific props.

Note that I'm not offering to sell any of my home-made prints. Partially because that may violate Hisstank's rules against selling custom casts, but also because I don't feel that my printer is capable of producing sale-worthy prints--it's not a professional-grade printer by any means. Depending on the interest level I receive, I may set up a shop on Shapeways (I do already have an account and a few items uploaded, but not publicly visible), though Shapeways' pricing policy may make some of the larger items a little unaffordable.

Also, most of my models are going to be shown initially in plain white plastic, since I have a ton of it to waste on test prints--and since I'm not a "customizer" in the traditional sense, I don't have any paint to paint my items with. (Hopefully I can get some good suggestions on brands and types of paint to use.) I do plan on showing off some items using alternate plastics (like metallic silver) or in a painted state, once I reach that point. I apologize for not being able to show them off "prettier" just yet.


Without further ado, here's my first reveal--a 1:18 wooden crate that is based off measurements of 2.5 feet on each side. The lid is detachable and small items can be stored inside. (Note that the lid doesn't fit completely flush due to limitations of my printer's ability to handle overhangs.) The profile is also flat for stackability.







And here's what the render looks like:



Note that I am in the process of getting the model set up for a displacement map, so I can model an actual wood grain in 3D into the planks. Since I'm not sure my printer can do the wood grain detail proper justice, though, it's not been my highest priority. I will definitely post some new pics (of the render if nothing else) once I get that worked out.

[Zap Rowsdower]

How economical is it to print these types of things at home (I mean after laying down the funds for the printer itself)?

[MagicWazard]

Next up, an interpretation of the "dragon's tooth" tank-trap/mobility inhibiter. Since they come in a few different flavors, I decided to go with something of an obelisk shape with a hook on the top, which is a separate piece that is intended to be detachable. For this one, I was actually able to use displacement mapping to model a stony texture to the outer surfaces, which is most evident in this render:



Luckily, the stony texture actually translated to the actual print. Here's some pics of varying quality of the actual print. Due to the tolerances not working out quite as hoped, the "hook" is super-glued into place and is not detachable.



The texture is most apparent in this picture:




In case anyone is curious, the tooth is hollow to conserve material usage. The underside is beveled inwards. The walls are intended to be thick enough that a customizer can apply weathering or "damage" effects to a certain extent without punching a hole through the wall.


I also have a version of the classic 55-gallon drum. The lid is removable. The "valve" on the top is recessed into the lid, so the barrels are vertically stackable.





For this one, I already plan on bulking up the thickness of the "rims" and the lid, since they turned out a little bit daintier than I expected based off the 3D model alone. I may also increase the size of the "valve" on the lid too.

[MagicWazard]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zap Rowsdower

How economical is it to print these types of things at home (I mean after laying down the funds for the printer itself)?

Fairly reasonable. For my printer, PLA filament is $14 a spool, and each spool is 250 feet long. A decent-sized model like the crate takes maybe a little under 300 inches (or about 25 feet). So you do get a pretty decent number of prints out of a spool, especially if it's little doo-dads rather than large items.

By comparison, Shapeways would charge around $15 for the barrel, even before I add any profit on top of that. And that's assuming you use a "cheap" material for the print.

But, of course, Shapeways uses professional-grade printers, so the quality is much better than most any home printer. My plan is to mostly use my own personal printer for making prototypes and test prints, then order prints through Shapeways in order to get items that are of the quality worth casting/molding.

[MagicWazard]

18'' traffic cones! Simple and stackable. As you can see from the render, they have detailed feet on the bottom, but the feet don't really survive the printing process *fully* intact, unfortunately, though you can still see the nubs on a few of them.










Also, cinder blocks! Highly versatile. I plan on adding a textured finish to the surfaces, like with the dragon's tooth, but for now they're smooth (the only texture comes from the print process).









I'm trying to decide if the "gaps" in the blocks are too large, or just right. I'd appreciate a 2nd opinion on them. EDIT: I shrank the "gaps" slightly for future revisions.


And since I had the blocks, I figured, why not do a tribute to Road Pig, and add a handle and make a sledgehammer out of them? I tried two different sizes of handle; one that was 36'' long and 3'' think, and one that was 30'' long and 2'' thick. The smaller one is more manageable, though the print was a bit less clean since the model wobbled around a bit as it was printing.




The handle is pretty simple; just cylinders with some beveling. I might make it more detailed, as well as how it connects to the cinderblock. Also, I plan on adding the same stony texture to the hammer as to the cinderblock.

[khill926]

These are all awesome. I love the blocks.

[PinewoodCobra]

You should upload these designs to thingiverse, so that those of us with 3d printers can enjoy these too! I have a link to my thingiverse uploads in my sig.

[GIJOHN]

Niiiiice!

[MagicWazard]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PinewoodCobra

You should upload these designs to thingiverse, so that those of us with 3d printers can enjoy these too! I have a link to my thingiverse uploads in my sig.

Well, unfortunately, I plan to eventually try to make some money off my designs--some of which are more elaborate than what I've shown off so far--so I don't have any plans on sharing model files. Most likely I'm going to put some of this stuff up on Shapeways until I can figure out a way to get them produced affordably.

[WarinThefloor]

I have GOT to get into this... is there any way to scan an object?