Mute Bystander | 06 Mar 2015 5:13 a.m. PST |
link I have no knowledge how viable the this actually will be but it does hold some implications for changing how our hobby operates in the future. |
IUsedToBeSomeone | 06 Mar 2015 5:36 a.m. PST |
But essentially this type of printer is still just a computer controlled hot glue gun…. Until resin based printers come down in price I don't see that we are going to be printing 28mm figures at home… And then there is the question of material costs… Mike |
normsmith | 06 Mar 2015 5:56 a.m. PST |
This link will take you to a post in which the owner of a 3D printer is innovating for his wargame stuff – judge for yourself to what degree this could change the hobby. It is interesting to see what he has to do structurally to the model to be able to support itself. LINK – link |
Martin Rapier | 06 Mar 2015 6:47 a.m. PST |
Yes, fascinating, although real high end Sintering machines cost lots of money (as in tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds) and produce some really amazing stuff like replacement parts for humans. The technology will only get cheaper though. |
John the OFM | 06 Mar 2015 9:09 a.m. PST |
Will it be a case of mass production versus prototypes? If I had the money, I could pay a talented sculptor to hand craft every figure in my army. Can it handle producing 20,000 French line infantry economically? Or will it make it easier for a sculptor to produce masters? |
FreddBloggs | 06 Mar 2015 9:28 a.m. PST |
Remember these machines are generally prototypers, which are considerably slower than manufacturing versions, but also cheaper. I was looking at one the other day that uses carbon fibre as its material. |
McLaddie | 06 Mar 2015 12:25 p.m. PST |
At some point, it will be really inexpensive to create blocks or stripes of figures in plastics or other materials. When? Who knows, but 3-D printers are evolving fast. |
ACWBill | 07 Mar 2015 4:48 a.m. PST |
I think these will be a great aid in the creative process when the cost comes down a bit further. I can see designing a figure and prototyping in this manner. However, the casting process would take far too long to replace today's methodology. |
DS6151 | 08 Mar 2015 12:40 a.m. PST |
However, the casting process would take far too long to replace today's methodology. Only true if you're trying to use it as a production machine in order to sell things. If I could afford one, I would use it to make things I needed for games. A one off figure, 50 barrels, a particular objective, etc. For that these things are perfect. Well, almost perfect, still a little costly! |
Shadowcat20 | 08 Mar 2015 4:33 p.m. PST |
I at first thought they would be great for terrain, and was thinking of taking a class or three on programming so I could start a software operation selling plans for printers.Then it dawned on me that they would be passed around to everyone and I would be out after a few sales. Beginning to think the MDF laser cut building may be a better way to go though. Some of that stuff is down right awsome. |
Shadowcat20 | 08 Mar 2015 4:36 p.m. PST |
I also foresee in the future a library of tank blueprints for historicals that you can up or downsize and print. Suspect after a while the files will be cheap or free. Some smart cookie will have a model just for wargaming stuff with a free library disc only his printer can read. |