Okay, here's a brief report --
I've gotten two orders in at this time. The first took a month, the second took about two weeks. The first was for three figures, the second only one.
In both cases, I opted for the $25 USD figures, the "ultra-detailed" models. The quality is comparable to a standard mini, or I should say a standard plastic mini. The casting sharpness is not as crisp as metal. They don't handle like metal, or even like most plastics. They feel very light. I handle them very carefully.
They arrive in an off-putting almost-clear plastic, which obscures detail, but priming fixes this. I used a brush-on white primer, Reaper or Vallejo, not an aerosol spray. This reveals a disconcerting roughness to the finish of some of the plastic used in the 3-D printing process. There's a sort of light texture to the surface in places -- slight, but might be bothersome to some, especially on skin areas.
I'd post results of my first completed paint job if my scanner hadn't gone bust, but it has, and I don't have a digital camera worthy of the name. But they paint up like standard hard plastic minis. Not as much fun as metal, not as good of detail, but acceptable (if pricey) for that one figure you've just GOT to have, or want to custom design as much as the hero Forge process will allow.
All in all, I'd say I'm satisfied with what I received, although it is certainly not a bargain. If the cost comes down and the variety/options increased, I'd be happy to use them again. As it is, they're still an option of last resort when all other sources come up blank. Note that the site currently is still very Fantasy oriented, with some Western, Pulp, or Steam-Punk options.
wonders if he can use his 3Dprinter to make markers.
