N Gauge Forum

General Category => N Gauge Discussion => Topic started by: Snowwolflair on May 26, 2020, 01:28:44 PM

Title: Ten years of 3D printing - we have come a long way
Post by: Snowwolflair on May 26, 2020, 01:28:44 PM
By chance I took this photo this morning showing my first 3D body shell and a state of the art equivalent.  the left hand model was one of the first listed on Shapeways, and was a downloadable stl file something no longer supported I believe, and was printed on my first UV printer with a 4 by 5cm build plate which had a resolution of 5% of what we now take for granted.  You will also note the early print was a 1:160 scale model and at that time I could not afford a CAD capable of changing the scale. I hope we get a similar magnitude of improvement over the next ten years.

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/94/3761-260520132647.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=94207)
Title: Re: Ten years of 3D printing - we have come a long way
Post by: njee20 on May 26, 2020, 06:40:58 PM
This was better in N gauge discussion. Constantly moving topics like these to their respective "niche" sub-forums means they're not seen by a wider audience. For me this is a general commentary on the progress we've made. Just as I wouldn't expect a thread on a newly tooled model versus an original to be moved to that manufacturer's sub-forum this is literally N gauge discussion IMO.

It is interesting to see. SketchUp was free 10 years ago (and IMO more accessible as it was still owned by Google then), so there were easily accessible programmes available for rescaling, but interesting nonetheless.
Title: Re: Ten years of 3D printing - we have come a long way
Post by: Snowwolflair on May 26, 2020, 08:49:12 PM
Quote from: njee20 on May 26, 2020, 06:40:58 PM
This was better in N gauge discussion. Constantly moving topics like these to their respective "niche" sub-forums means they're not seen by a wider audience. For me this is a general commentary on the progress we've made. Just as I wouldn't expect a thread on a newly tooled model versus an original to be moved to that manufacturer's sub-forum this is literally N gauge discussion IMO.

It is interesting to see. SketchUp was free 10 years ago (and IMO more accessible as it was still owned by Google then), so there were easily accessible programmes available for rescaling, but interesting nonetheless.

We are back, thanks
Title: Re: Ten years of 3D printing - we have come a long way
Post by: njee20 on May 26, 2020, 09:19:50 PM
How have you glazed the one on the right? Looks very good, none of the prismatic effect of the 'old' one which I assume is Glue N Glaze or similar?
Title: Re: Ten years of 3D printing - we have come a long way
Post by: Snowwolflair on May 26, 2020, 09:44:20 PM
I use the plastic covers that printers use for spiral bind books.  The plastic is soft so can be curved without blooming.  I glue it in with Unibond Tough Repair glue that dries like the glue from a heat gun and can be peeled away if it leaks.
Title: Re: Ten years of 3D printing - we have come a long way
Post by: njee20 on May 26, 2020, 09:53:00 PM
Good tip. I've yet to print anything that requires glazing, but it does look good.