3D printing- demystified.
My remodel is ongoing, but that doesn't mean everything has to be put on hold. I have big plans for future collections and with 3D printing one can really create a unique and thematic army (demons anyone?). But, another project first to get back into the groove.
I will be using the free Jailor model from Endless Menaces' collection. He has several free & detailed pieces for download. Lots of them Wow themed.
3D printing utilizes a special type of CAD file know as an STL file or 'Standard Triangle Files.' Basically, these represent three dimensional drawings of something (the jailor) that you can print. These files are then put into either CHITBOX (shit box) or another software to fiddle with. Here you can arrange them on the build plate- many things on the build plate creates a more efficient print. Additionally, here one can add supports to the piece.
Because the file was unsupported I had to add these scaffoldings to every piece. The software does it for you, although there are options for true freaks to go in and place every stand off on their own. This stage, arraigning the build plates, is the most irritating part of the process in my opinion.
From here you slice the file. 3D printers operate by hardening every slice of resin with UV light until it becomes something recognizable. Slicing also tells you what the print time is going to be for the project. In the legs case about 3.5 hours. Finally it also tells you what the cost of printing will be in resin. Printing is generally cheep. Even the solid basilisk models I used last year were only $7.00 each in resin.
Here is what the print looks like after about 30 minutes. I like to check at this stage to see if the machine is working. Occasionally if the build plate is not aligned properly it will cause an error or there can be errors with the raft not sticking to the build plate. when this happens its best to empty the resin reservoir, realign the plate and start again.
The Jailor cooperated with minimal printing errors, thankfully. Here is the result of a successful print still on the build plate:
Once the piece is printed it needs to be washed in Isoprophil Alcohol then cured with UV light. Resin is very toxic, do not touch it and then put your hands into your mouth like me. Always use gloves (unlike me).
And here are all the pieces printed for just the main sculpt.
A little all over the place.
I would say the piece has a 90% success rate. The loin cloth pieces came out very thin in some parts, I think I will either reinforce them with green stuff or reprint them. There are also errors on the left arm that will need to be sculpted back before assembly.
