1:56 G3A finished... here we come Indy!

[CompanyB]

Gotta love technology!  A few folks were interested in this process, so I thought I'd post a few pics.  We went with a rapid prototype machine to do some work the G3A.  Those little hex bolts are too small for me to actually see by hand! The RPM was used for the G3A wheels, hubs, lights and front grill.  Sort of an experiment really, and we're quite pleased with the result.  So now many many more models will be spilling forth over the next few months...  Next up, some delicate little tracks for some Opel Maultier variants.

I love how I can start with a sketch and hand off this:


and get back these:


Thanks to Jeff Rodman who handled the 3-d models and the rapid prototype work.

Pics of the complete version of this coming soon:

[Paul Hicks]

Amazing work. The Rapid stuff works really well for straight line work. Looks like I will need to get my head around the computer stuff before I become redundant.

[andekmcc]

really impressive stuff I didn't realise just how effective this rapid protyping is, thanks for showing..

[Overlord]

Looks like I will need to get my head around the computer stuff before I become redundant.

I think you have a while left yet. 

[CompanyB]

I think your safe for a good long time Paul...

One really nice aspect to this, is that you can do some very nice precision work, that is very difficult to do by hand (on vehicles).  This is not really about detail but about fit and casting production pieces.

On our Japanese Sumida Armored car, we used the same process.  Jeff was able to give the wheel rims a very slight angular slant inward, so that the wheel still sat on the track correctly, but also allowed separate cast tires to be seamlessly fitted over the rims as well.  Tis of course took into account mold pressure, and shrinkage from casting.

another good application is small items, like weapons, tools, etc.

For this process...I just really do not like sculpting tires, tire tread, hubs, etc.  Since every single one is completely different, and I'd need to use a lathe to get the quality I want.  This process is a great time saver...

[Sangennaru]

that's really interesting... I always wandered how much should cost making a prototype... cuz I always thougt that it is really expensive... am I wrong?

[Hauptgefreiter]

Interesting indeed. I was wondering which kind of RP process you applied. The printer variant?

[gamer Mac]

Very interesting thanks.
It is nice to know how these things are done in the industry.

Interesting indeed. I was wondering which kind of RP process you applied. The printer variant?

Same question.
The process I know about I didn't think they could handle such small items.

[Svennn]

what with this and Chitty it looks like I am going to have to place an order next year.

[CompanyB]

Yes, it was a printer.  You can see more of Jeff's work below.  I believe these are 6mm tanks:


Also, here's an online 3D printing company price list:
http://www.moddler.com/uploads/Pricing%20guide%2001.03.pdf

So it looks like a single figure would be about $50. You also need to account for design time, so if you do not have a 3D program, or cannot create the master file, you will need to pay for that as well.  Single parts are about the same price, so we only use it on parts that are more or less "a pain in the $@#!%" to make by hand.

Oddly enough, it costs about the same to do this as it does to scratch build, when you are talking about something like accurate tank tracks, etc.  For a track, I'd have to sculpt one link, then make duplicates with a silicone mold, and then pour resin a 100 times.  or make a small section of track, then make another mold.  Same for the wheels, etc. 

I've seen some amazing 3-d sculpts though, using Z-brush.  Someday I might check that out. I'm more of a 2-D guy, and my day job is too time consuming for me to foray into 3-D graphics...

Check out this guys 3-D sculpts:
http://www.ryankingslien.com/?p=106


and the the printing results from RP printer:

[Christian]

This is amazing technology...

[rjandron]

Very interesting stuff. I may have to contact the company for some one-offs. How were they to work with?

[dijit]

Wow, it's a really different world when you think how much processing power goes into to making what are essentially toys! To the moon and back? No, I'd prefer a sweet looking 28mm figure!

[Fugazi]

3D-modelling - this is the future.
I'm impressed.
I even didn't know that this is already possible.