"Thoughts on 3D printed … stuff" Topic

First thought is that a "Master" does not need to be sculpted with hard goods.
Then, molds do not need to be made. An STL File is all that is needed.
Years ago, I was an AutoCad user. I dabbled in 3D files that I sent to manufacturers. But that was years ago. So I kind of sort of understand the process.
Correct me if I'm wrong with what follows.

I bought some tanks years ago. They were filament printed. They looked horrible, like corrugated sheet metal.
Yet, I also got some small boats, and the printing looked like wood grain. Ditto a 28mm scale sloop. Looked good.
But, I bought some STL files for Western buildings. Filament printed. It took me 3 hours to chew away the crap supports with needle nose pliers. That's for one story! That's unacceptable.

What truly annoys me about FIGURES is that they rarely come with "cast on" bases. What madness is this? I'm ordering a few Wild West gangs, and they maddingly are printed without bases. So I need either Citadel 20mm round bases, or Flames of War "command" bases. One merchant on Etsy thankfully gave me separate bases. Why do I not have the option to get the figures with "cast on" bases???

Okay. Call me a Luddite. An Old Fart. I see promise, but I also see problems.

Hello John

Matters have progressed; quite quickly.
You can add a a base relatively(?) easily in the slicer program.

For others, I will mention that the slicer program usually comes with the printer and enables an STL file to become compatible with that particular printer.

This needs a little expertise but not much.
Overall, I would venture that unlike metal makers, the 3D makers are artists and not wargamers themselves for the greater part.

martin

Does anyone buy filaments prints any more? Resin all the way… The vast majority of the vehicles, aircraft and artillery I buy now are resin 3D. Figures less so, but I'm sure they will get there.

AS MG commented you can get options with cast on bases or "puddle" bases as the keel kids call them.

You can also get lots of other base type other than the GW slot type – Render spring to mind along with Wargames Atlantic pill bases for cavalry etc.

Still it is nice to have them without having to ask.

But then people will complain equally: Why do I have to have them cast on ? I want to choose my star shaped flashing bases !!!