|
3D Printing A Forum to discuss 3D Printing |
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread | Display Modes |
|
#1
|
||||
|
||||
Getting Started with 3D Printing
With the return of Heroscape and the availability of 3D printers I figured I would take a moment to write up a simple intro to 3D printing post. I'll try to cover the basics for both resin and FDM printing while trying not to get too deep into the techno mumbo jumbo. Over time hopefully this will become a very though starting point with useful tips, tricks and recommendations.
Over the years I've had a few FDM printers and DLP printers. My $0.02 is that FDM is better for larger less detailed items like terrain, DLP is better for things with higher detail like miniatures. My printersResin DLP vs SLA SLA - Example Printers: FormlabsFDM - Example Printers: Creality, Ultimaker, Makerbot, Anycubic Fused deposition modeling (FDM) was first brought into the spotlight by Makerbot and boy have FDM printers come a long way since then. These printers work by heating up polymer-based materials and extruding them onto a plate one layer at a time. Most common materials that people print with are ABS, PLA, and PETG (in my opinion). Every polymer has its own strengths/weaknesses and why you may or may not want to use them. I will not be getting into that as there is a lot of documentation on the internet that goes into great detail the pros/cons of them all. For the sake of 3D printing in the miniature realm Id suggest starting with PLA as it is the most user friendly from my experience. Tips, Tricks, Recommendations & Things to Remember · Look for a printer that has a flexible magnetic build plate tldr:
I am sure there is a lot Ive missed/glossed over but hopefully this is a good starting point to build from ~DragonSlayer2 In war, indeed, there is no substitute for victory. ~General MacArthur Great Traders: Nyys, generalgina, Porkins, Grand Moff Venom, Bogusoid, MikeLizzio, FEDEX WORKER MY TRADE LIST |
#2
|
||||
|
||||
Re: Getting Started with 3D Printing
Thank you for posting this. I've been interested in getting my first 3D printer for the past couple of years, but either haven't known enough about it, haven't been able to afford it, or haven't had the proper space to safely set one up. I'm looking at either an Elegoo Mars 2 Pro or an Anycubic Photon Mono 4K.
Right now I'm living in a two-bedroom apartment, and there isn't a great way to properly ventilate. |
#3
|
||||
|
||||
Re: Getting Started with 3D Printing
Quote:
I am in a 3 bedroom apartment and just have my printers set up in the dinning/living room. Thankfully my roommates are pretty chill about it but I know Ive seen people put them inside pop-up "fume tents" that seem to work well. Some people even drop a mini air filter unit into the fume tents and say they cant detect any smells. Additionally Ive seen an increase in "ECO" resins that are supposed to be "Smell Free". I just use basic resin. Quote:
In war, indeed, there is no substitute for victory. ~General MacArthur Great Traders: Nyys, generalgina, Porkins, Grand Moff Venom, Bogusoid, MikeLizzio, FEDEX WORKER MY TRADE LIST |
#4
|
||||
|
||||
Re: Getting Started with 3D Printing
Quote:
You mentioned FDM would be better for terrain. By this, do you mean mostly obstacles such as fences and walls? Or do you mean to include terrain tiles as well? Would it work to print tiles using an FDM printer? One thing that turns me off to FDM is the printing lines and the "graininess" look of the finished product. I'm not sure if printing lines would be an issue for the interlocking system, or if the finished product would look... cheap? overall. What are your thoughts on this? |
#5
|
||||
|
||||
Re: Getting Started with 3D Printing
Quote:
FDM can definitely print terrain tiles (I haven't tried that) but it uses thermal polymers. My concern would be the the expansion/contraction of the material during this process could cause tiles to be too loose or too tight. This wouldn't be a deal breaker but might require tuning of the printer or modifying the file to compensate for the materials behavior. This is why I say FDM is better for terrain (trees, walls, buildings, etc). Quick Google search and I found this image which has 3D printed tiles So FDM printed tiles are definitely feasible and it's possible to limit that layer line graininess. It's all just a matter of calibrations In war, indeed, there is no substitute for victory. ~General MacArthur Great Traders: Nyys, generalgina, Porkins, Grand Moff Venom, Bogusoid, MikeLizzio, FEDEX WORKER MY TRADE LIST |
#6
|
||||
|
||||
Re: Getting Started with 3D Printing
I have been eyeing a resin printer for a while for figures. Dragonslayer2, the only thing missing is can you give a reference point on of how much can be printed at once and time to do it? On the assets you have obviously, rough estimates.
On SLA how long does it take to do a single hex piece and a say a tree? On Resin how long does it take to print a single figure, and how many standard figures can fit on your Anycubic Mono X - like a Marrow Warrior? |
#8
|
||||
|
||||
Re: Getting Started with 3D Printing
Quote:
http://www.trexy3d.com While I strongly encourage people to embrace and use 3d printing, because it is super fun, allows tons of fun additions to gaming, and is a great source of creativity, I'll echo that it is in fact a hobby of its own. If you are thinking, I'll just pick up a printer and have lots of cool stuff, you'd be right, but you also need to know there are lots of caveats to it. There's lots of work involved in keeping all your printers up and running, initial costs, upkeep costs, etc. In short, make sure it's right for you. It isn't for everyone. Research first, to save yourself some headache. I used to give advice quite often, but with all the resources out there on YouTube, etc, I don't usually waste my time trying to explain things to people when they aren't serious about it. If you're mechanically inclined, or you enjoy creativity, or just enjoy creating things, I highly recommend getting into the printing hobby. Hand in hand with that, I'd suggest learning the 3d modeling as well. You can't do the one too well without the other. I'm not going to say it's hard to do, because for me it isnt most of the time. I'm also not going to say it's easy, because at times, even a seasoned mechanic like me can become frustrated. Just do your research before you jump is all the advice I'm handing out, and good luck. It really is quite an amazing hobby if you can make it work. Check out my ebay where you can find my custom dice trays and dicetowers: https://www.ebay.com/usr/captainamazing_jerdo |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
Re: Getting Started with 3D Printing
Quote:
|
#10
|
||||
|
||||
Re: Getting Started with 3D Printing
Welcome Ba'al.
Sad news to relay to you, that TREX passed away. A truly missed member of the community. A cloud can change its semblance, yet retain its will With the intimacy of destruction, One knows what it is to be alive The empty sky holds no reflection, for sorrow - Eslo Rudkey |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Looking to get started | itsame22 | Sales and Trades | 4 | October 23rd, 2017 05:56 PM |
Just started, what to buy??? | Td0g | HeroScape General Discussion | 17 | September 30th, 2015 12:21 PM |
How best to get started? | ollie | HeroScape General Discussion | 9 | July 31st, 2013 07:38 AM |
getting started | Hiro Protagonist | HeroScape General Discussion | 3 | June 13th, 2008 05:08 PM |