3D Printing

[johnwhelan]

Anyone any experience of this?

The UK Broad Gauge society have a few people who are looking at it with a view to creating models since their volumes are rather low.

I was wondering if the CAD stuff we create in GMAX and Blender could be used to create STL format files.

Thanks John

 

[S301]

Hi John
I've not had any direct experience with it, however I do know that the user (on here) by the username 'Alyx' has had experience with exactly that, making model railway items using 3D printing for a master. Admittedly he did use 3DSMax for his work (of which I did a bit of work for him). I would suggest contacting him, as he may be able to give some pointers.

I also know a company known as 'Aust-N-Rail' has tried this method out as well, so you may want to try contacting them as well. I've seen the results of the 3D print for their test sample, and it was alright, albeit very rough (as in it was not smooth!).

Zec

 

[johnwhelan]

It looks like Blender can create the STL files then it becomes a matter of economics.

I think they'd like a batch of 100 wagons at 3D printing costs that is a bit too high but I wonder if molds could be made using this process to create them in some more conventional way?

Cheerio John

 

[Wessex_Electric_Nutter]

It looks like Blender can create the STL files then it becomes a matter of economics.

I think they'd like a batch of 100 wagons at 3D printing costs that is a bit too high but I wonder if molds could be made using this process to create them in some more conventional way?

Cheerio John

not unless the materials can withstand the heat! If the machine can do some sort of plastic, you're going to run into trouble with your moulds. I think plastics need about 150-250C of heat, certainly less than 400C in any case.
Having said that, you could produce a casting as a negative, which you could turn into a positive, using something like casting sand or similar material with molding properties (A jelly?) and then make another negative from another material. Just research the materials before hand and make sure they don't melt before the plastic does.


I'm also interested in producing a Class 477 3-car unit (that I designed) as a one off in a 3D model as a 1:76 scale (00 gauge). Do you know the pricing for a 790mm x 37mm x 49mm unit with detailed interior? (About 60.4m x 2.82m x 3.77m long unit, maybe slightly longer and higher, but I am not bothering about the gangways).

If you are wondering what I want to produce, its the model in the platform in this shot.

 

[johnwhelan]

It appears that the cost relates to the weight. I'm seeing costs of $150 - $300 range. The material also makes a difference.

Cheerio John

 

[Wessex_Electric_Nutter]

It appears that the cost relates to the weight. I'm seeing costs of $150 - $300 range. The material also makes a difference.

Cheerio John

Whats the cost per weight ratio?

 

[S301]

It looks like Blender can create the STL files then it becomes a matter of economics.

I think they'd like a batch of 100 wagons at 3D printing costs that is a bit too high but I wonder if molds could be made using this process to create them in some more conventional way?

Cheerio John

You would make a 3D printed object, then make a rubber mold off of this (only really works for resin or similar...). This is how Alyx was intending to produce his.

Zec