"Range of Sherman Tanks Available" Topic

Knowing nothing about 3D prining, I assume that 'banding' effect on the model comes from the quality of the 3D printer and the material being used? If you change the material being deposited do you get a smooth hull and turret?

I ask as, because from that pic, in 20 or 28mm, it needs a lot of smoothing.

Agreed.

They are awful models, but they are cheap.

Butlers normally takes photos of 15mm prints and zooms in.

This said, I have purchased many different vehicles from Butlers and have been very pleased with most of them. I say most because there are a couple that have been disappointing.

I order 12mm vehicles. I use these to paint and put on a game table to play wargames. I do not enter into painting competitions or display my models in museum display cases. This said I know the quality may not rival plastic injection molding models. However I have been pleasantly surprised with 90% of the models that I've order with the quality and durability of them.

I've read a lot of negative reviews of 3D printed models and the lines produced. Even with injection molds there are mold lines. Granted there are well hidden if the model is designed well.

While I understand what people are concerned with, but I caveat this with what are you doing with the models? Yes, we all want to present a good looking table, but how many of us have gamed in 6mm with GHQ models, CNC models, and Heroic/Ros models. We field units from companies products because that one unit needed was only available from one of them.

My biggest thumbs up about Butlers is that they produce variant models and not just a standard tank and then move on. The recent Sherman release is a perfect example.

My biggest thumbs down are the quality of the gun barrels and wheels in 12mm. Again for me they are playable on the gametop, but they take a LOT of work to look good. The barrels can be worked but the wheels are tough.

This said, there are pro and cons for any production methodology. I recommend you try Butlers in any scale and see if you find them acceptable for your tabletop.

(I do not have an affiliation with Butlers other than buying many models)

Thanks for reading.

--Kenny

What resolution does he print at? Can he go better…for an additional charge? Like print at 50 instead of 100?

I have bought and used several Butlers Models. I will admit not quite as nice as plastic or resin but less issues than metal models. The print lines do not show once painted.

Butlers make some models that no one else makes in 15mm.

The banding you see depends a lot on the layer height the model is printed at. That said a much smoother model will will take much longer to print. I've printed 15mm (and even 25mm ) vehicles that are very smooth with limited banding, but at 8-10hrs (18-24 in 25mm)

Butler seems t be doing a fine job with there prints. The model you see in the picture is fairly raw with all the supports removed but no sanding or filling done. Ideally, you would heavily prime the model first to lessen the mold lines. Then, any of the flatter surfaces can be filled and sanded. Finally, it's time to paint. I printed a Marmon-Herrington armored car for the desert. It came out pretty well. I thought I had a pic of the finished product on my blog, but I don't.

If you happen to have a 3D printer, then the only reason you'd order from Butler is because you don't want to paste time and effort printing these yourself. For all others, I think it is a good product at a fair price. For the record, the model will cost you about $1.50 USD in material not to mention the energy used to print.

I suspect a .05mm layer height would give beautiful results. I am going to be purchasing a Da Vinci Jr Pro printer which boasts a .05mm layer height minimum. I won't have it until June at the earliest. Until then, my standard Da Vinci Jr is doing a fine job with models and figurines.

They are cheap, but I think i'd rather have one of these; link instead of two butler models.

Winston/OFM/Frodo was on the fence regarding 3D print models.
God rest his soul…

Ive never worked w/ resin or printed work. On the later, I know it depends largely on the material, but my main hesitation, the "slight grainy feel' that most seem to be left with.
I have seen a few after priming, actually looked 'fuzzy'. However, Ive seen several miniatures once painted looked really great.

I think the advice 'buy'm (a cpl) and try'm" would be the best way to know if its what your looking for.

JP, I respect 'to each their own'. But you also point out the very reason I have never bought any WLG's 28mm armor, or FF SW Armada's miniatures, COST.

For those looking for a less expensive alternative for 15mm, I'd suggest take a look at Zvezda. NO, they are not on par with PSC or Battlefront and the like, but they look good for "Gaming". Not for show.

I love 15mm, but more and more Im looking at 12mm. Simply put, size. A 15mm Co. sized armor game & the table can become a parking lot. 12mm allows "more toys on the table".
Granted, 12mm injection armor models would be practically a dream come true, but far fewer to be found.

I have seen a few after priming, actually looked 'fuzzy'. However, Ive seen several miniatures once painted looked really great.

I'm 53. Everything looks fuzzy to me.

You really need a printer that can do .05mm layer height with an acceptable .4mm nozzle. At that height you will also need a lot of time! There are two out there now. Da Vinci Jr Pro and the Monoprice Mini Delta.

Minidelta link

Da Vinci Jr Pro link

Both are pre-built and boast a lot of features for the price including fine quality. I am saving for the pro because itis extremely easy to calibrate and the build area is 6" square. The Minidelta has a 4.3" round build area.

Or…just buy from Butlers and be done with it!

I'm 53. Everything looks fuzzy to me.

Well, I 'remember' 53.
Everytime I put on my glasses, I recall the legendary Red Skeleton, referring to his said:
"I don't need these, but Ive reached the age where curiosity it greater than vanity."

Joker, best of luck getting your printer.

By chance, does anyone know of a company that makes 144 scale injection models? It seems to be a big 'gap' once you pass 1/285 – 6mm until you get to 1/100 – 15mm. Im sure its just a simple case of "supply and demand".

does anyone know of a company< that makes 144 scale injection models?

google, there are heaps, even pre-painted such as pegasus.
revell even did a USN Landing Ship Medium which included vehicles