Buying STL Files - Any point buying them if no printer?

[Bearwoodman]

Hello all!  There are loads of STL files being offered on Kickstarter and other places.  I have not been tempted by much but I have seen the odd intriguing design.  I do not have a 3d printer and have no intention of buying one, but I understand there are 3d printing services who could print a model for you. I had a look at one and you had to submit a request for a quote, which I did not do as I have no STL files.

My question for my fellow forum users is whether anyone has tried buying STL files then sending them to a third party to print for them, what the approximate cost is and whether there are any recommended 3d printing services (feel free to also throw in any other pitfalls/advice)!

[leonmallett]

Cost will vary by size 9size = print time) and printer quality, plus commercial factors/overheads/profit margin.

That makes it hard to give a precise indication of price.

[robh]

Issue with buying files then going to a 3rd party to print is you run into the "....not my problem mate..." situation.

Printer says the designer's files don't work properly and designer says the files are fine and it is the printer's fault. Neither taking responsibility and you stuck in the middle (and out of pocket).

[Bearwoodman]

Thanks both for your replies.

Leonmallet - yes, I guess it is a bit of a "how long is a piece of string" question.  I wonder if anyone who has done this could provide an example. Or even an estimate for, say, 10 x 28mm figures or a 28mm Sherman tank at a good print quality. I am just trying to get an impression whether going down this route might be worthwhile, or whether I should just leave STL files for those who own their own printer.

Robh: That is a good point, and (depending on cost) may push this proposal into the "not worth the effort" box.

[Malebolgia]

I buy them often and have a mate here in the Netherlands who prints them for me (at cost of course). Works at at ~€3 per resin printed miniature for me. Scenery is mostly done in PLA as it's sturdy and way cheaper than resin.

[Aaron]

Our local library actually has a 3D printer patrons can use. Might be worth checking into.

[Poiter50]

Yep, I use the local Library 3D printer as well. For $AUD11 on Tuesday, I printed (all 28mm) 1 Char D1 with an extra turret, 1 Light Tank Mk VI b turret and a sandbag piece.

Our local library actually has a 3D printer patrons can use. Might be worth checking into.

[Braz]

Many of the kickstarters have licensed printers who already paid for the STLs - often listed on their website; sometimes have to search for.

[racm32]

So I have a 3D printer and am one of 2 among my wargaming community. I have a deal with my friends where they buy files of things they want for me and spools of filament and I'll print them as much as they want. I get to keep the files in exchange to print for myself. So if you can find an arrangement like that I think you can avoid any legal issues.

[Bearwoodman]

I really appreciate all the input - many thanks all.  It seems making friends with someone who owns a printer is the way forward (or persuading a mate to buy one!), but I will also check out the local libraries and read the Kickstarter fine print carefully!

[Tadgie]

Just buy a printer and you will be addicted. I was unsure for ages and now I have PLA and resin printers. I go to work and when I get back there is a building or part of a building waiting. Yay Christmas every day. I will gloss over the odd failure. The thing is printing is SO SLOW so it is quicker to watch paint dry. Third parties, I would suggest as others find an authorised printer as chances are they will know the file works ok. I have loads of prints where I have had to start mailing the designer because they fail. You will suffer this I would think unless you use the authorised printer.

Just buy your own printer it is worth it in the end.