Hunk a Junk
Sr Member
Since several RPFers are buying Elegoo Mars 3D resin printers (mine comes at the end of the month), and we begin printing replacement parts, detail pieces, and even small sci-fi kits, it may be time for a community support and tip thread.
As I've recently mentioned in the Bandai discussion thread, I think 3D printing is revolutionizing how we sci-fi modelers are going to be making our kits from now on and I'd like to share as much information with each other as possible to make it successful for everyone. This technology is only going to improve and I'd like to see us at the cutting edge of making even more accurate and detailed models. The better WE get at this, the more pressure kit manufacturers will feel to up their game and improve THEIR products (at least that's the hope).
Let me say this: I'm a complete novice at 3D printing and I'm not a technology gearhead. I chose the Elegoo Mars for the low cost and the high level of detail on the printed pieces. I looked at FDM printers like the Ender-3 because the build platforms are nice and big, but decided on the Mars despite a much smaller build area because the higher level of detail and I didn't want to be spending all my time sanding build lines on my printed objects. For me, the steepest learning curve will be making the 3D models and the slicing software. I've started dabbling on FreeCad, but if someone can recommend a better program I'm all ears (I use a MacBook Pro).
I'm also hoping we can use this thread as a community resource for specific 3D files we're willing to share or maybe sell to each other since we are often all building the same kits (Falcons, Enterprises, Jupiter 2s, etc.). Files for common donor kit greeblies, for example. I'm not sure how people feel about this since there's always the danger of someone being a digital recaster (redigicaster?) and stealing someone's file to sell prints on eBay or Shapeways. Obviously, we should encourage people to monetize their hard work, but I also think there is value as artists when we openly share certain things with the understanding its for personal use. My philosophy is that we all get better when we all get better.
Like I said, my Mars (the non Pro version) comes at the end of the month (Happy birthday to ME!) with a bottle of standard gray resin to start. I also purchased a UV curing light with a rotating platform to cure my finished pieces. For those who already have one, any out of the box tips and recommendations to get things started?
As I've recently mentioned in the Bandai discussion thread, I think 3D printing is revolutionizing how we sci-fi modelers are going to be making our kits from now on and I'd like to share as much information with each other as possible to make it successful for everyone. This technology is only going to improve and I'd like to see us at the cutting edge of making even more accurate and detailed models. The better WE get at this, the more pressure kit manufacturers will feel to up their game and improve THEIR products (at least that's the hope).
Let me say this: I'm a complete novice at 3D printing and I'm not a technology gearhead. I chose the Elegoo Mars for the low cost and the high level of detail on the printed pieces. I looked at FDM printers like the Ender-3 because the build platforms are nice and big, but decided on the Mars despite a much smaller build area because the higher level of detail and I didn't want to be spending all my time sanding build lines on my printed objects. For me, the steepest learning curve will be making the 3D models and the slicing software. I've started dabbling on FreeCad, but if someone can recommend a better program I'm all ears (I use a MacBook Pro).
I'm also hoping we can use this thread as a community resource for specific 3D files we're willing to share or maybe sell to each other since we are often all building the same kits (Falcons, Enterprises, Jupiter 2s, etc.). Files for common donor kit greeblies, for example. I'm not sure how people feel about this since there's always the danger of someone being a digital recaster (redigicaster?) and stealing someone's file to sell prints on eBay or Shapeways. Obviously, we should encourage people to monetize their hard work, but I also think there is value as artists when we openly share certain things with the understanding its for personal use. My philosophy is that we all get better when we all get better.
Like I said, my Mars (the non Pro version) comes at the end of the month (Happy birthday to ME!) with a bottle of standard gray resin to start. I also purchased a UV curing light with a rotating platform to cure my finished pieces. For those who already have one, any out of the box tips and recommendations to get things started?