another way of modelling ?

[raalst]

check out http://www.shapeways.com

where you can upload a 3-d image (cad drawing)
and have it produced in several possible materials.
Maybe there were already shops like these,
but this one focusses on individuals.

Who will try out this approach on a few endcaps ?
piston tank ? motor mount ? rudders, conning towers, guns etc ?

it looks to me as a sort of replacement for anything you would otherwise want in
Resin. And there are quite a few modellers using it already apparently.

Tolerances reported to be 100 microns (0.1 mm),
minimum details vary per material. I have not yet discovered if the materials
suffer from shrinkage in any way.

cost is measured by the amount of material used, less than 2 dollars
per cubic centimeter.

[Guest]

Very expensive way to make

Very expensive way to make endcaps and piston tanks IMO. Easier (And better) to invest in a small lathe.

If you look at the projected prices for some of the models, the price is eye watering even for very small figurines.

The price would come down enormously if they 3D modelled them hollow, that would cut right down on the volume. The lattace work models are very reasonable in comparison.

[anonymous]

3-D printing materials probably wouldn't

3-D printing materials probably wouldn't be suitable for acutal parts. Patterns, yes, but not for heavy use components. Especially something like an endcap.

[raalst]

why not ?

why not ?

[thordesign]

I work with this technology.

I work with this technology. The material has a rough surface. The material itself is very brittle. It has a very low toughness, as well. While great for making patterns, the material leaves much to be desired for production parts.

[raalst]

OK, that's possible.
However, those

OK, that's possible.
However, those guys have a selection of materials, with different
characteristics. there might be tough ones as well.

Not to worry, I'll try it out in due time. e.g. with a propellor or a hatch.
props are possibly easier to design in a cad package than in
real live (for a wuss like me )

[masterpiecemodels]

3D printing

I have an invision printer that prints layer of .ooo5 the layers are so fine that in most cases you can prime the part and pour a rubber mold then cast it virtually out of any urethane that should work nicely. If anyone can send
a .stl file we can print from it.
cheers
John Geigle
www.masterpiecemodels.com

[warpatroller]

Stereo Lithography would produced usable

Stereo Lithography would produced usable parts that you could put on an RC model. The parts would be robust and perfectly smooth with no sanding required. Three years ago I investigated producing an entire submarine model this way including the hull. I actually went to the facility that would do the work and they took me on a tour and showed me their machines.

I took 3D renderings of a Type XXI model and asked for a quote to create all the parts for a boat in 1/50 scale. The hull and tower would have been hollow with an appropriate wall thickness for durability. I was well aware of the 1/48 XXI kit sold by a subcommittee member here, I chose the XXI simply because I had the 3D model available to use to get a price quote to see what this kind of thing would cost. The prices were approximately:

$3500 to $4000 to produce a complete model using Stereo Lithography.

$1000 to produce a suggested prototype model on a 3D Printer that would required sanding afterwards.

$10000 to produce metal tools for mass injection molding production, similar to what Revell uses for their kits.

Prices may have come down since then, but I doubt they have by a lot.