Flexible resins

[monk2002uk]

Here is an example of how flexible some resins can be. The figure is 6mm:



Robert

[fred]

That is very bendy! Does it hold its original shape?

Is this a cast or 3d printed figure?

[monk2002uk]

It is a 3D printed figure. Bounces back when released.

Robert

[fred]

This 3d printing stuff is getting more and more interesting

[FramFramson]

That's quite nice, but remember primer and paint won't be so flexible! 

Still, easier to clean a paint chip than repair a broken figure.

Wonder how stable that resin mix is - will the ability to flex holds up after 5, 10 years or longer? 

[monk2002uk]

I agree, though the goal is to prevent breakage with far less stress being put on the part than is illustrated  Most acrylics will cope with a bit of flex but definitely easier to prevent than repair!

Good point about longevity. I will be on a different resin pile by then. It is rare to buy 'lead' these days...

Robert

[monk2002uk]

Just painted up the spearshaft with two layers; one base and one highlight. Shaft bends to right angle without breaking the acrylic paint at all. The shaft is slower to bend back to the original position afterwards. Photos to follow...

Robert

[Codsticker]

I would love to see outfits like Avanpost and V&V cast in a more flexible resin; beautiful figures and incredible detail but I have snapped something on every figure I have assembled.

[FramFramson]

Just painted up the spearshaft with two layers; one base and one highlight. Shaft bends to right angle without breaking the acrylic paint at all. The shaft is slower to bend back to the original position afterwards. Photos to follow...

Robert

I JUST realized that was a spear held by a tiny fellow on reading this. Having not looked too closely at the image I actually thought that was a 28mm radio pack (40k or somesuch) and the spears were aerials. 

[Dr. Zombie]

What kind of resin is it?

[monk2002uk]

The resin is part of the FormLabs range (my printer is a FormLabs 3). It is the Flexible 80A Resin, which is like a firm rubber. There are similar types of resin for other printers.

Robert

[Robosmith]

The resin is part of the FormLabs range (my printer is a FormLabs 3). It is the Flexible 80A Resin, which is like a firm rubber. There are similar types of resin for other printers.

Robert

I'll have to give it a try. I've been using ABS like resin and it's got a bit of flex to it. Would still be nice for sculptures to make thicker spear shafts especially. They're so annoying to get straight when you cure them and they're prone to breaking when removing supports.