3D Printed Draconian Guard and Twiki

[mikeoz]

I wanted to update my 3D printed Draconian Guard and Twiki from my 8" Buck Rogers customs. I had been using a resin extrusion 3D printer, but wasn't completely satisfied with the slight layering effect on the pieces. I've been experimenting with various 3d printing companies and materials. Last week I placed an order through Shapeways using their powder technique to build 3d objects. These are the renderings that Shapeways provided me and I'm very impressed with what I've seen so far. I'm optimistic that the actual printed pieces will be as smooth as the renderings. I'll post actual pics when they arrive.

Here are the renderings:
625x465_954670_5976531_1408822633.jpg 625x465_959029_5984304_1408824154.jpg

I'm hoping there will be a smoother finish than these examples. I had to use acetone to smooth the original resin 3d prints and lost some detail in the process. I never actually finished a Twiki custom, but here is an example of the one Jase25 made.
8579722253_4831872740_z.jpg 8579722261_29e1afd1a7_z.jpg Custom Twiki 1.jpg

[EMCE Hammer]

Both of those are works of art in their own right, but I agree that powder technique is looking like a considerable improvement.

[lilbrosj66]

I'm way behind the curve on 3D printing. Did you just go on line and ask them to print a Twiki for you? How did you get from wanting one to them actually printing it for you? If I wanted say a pair of custom boots for an 8" figure and wanted to print them, what would the process be?

[noelani72]

looking good Mike!

[apes3978]

Cool...

[aquaboy]

I don't know much about 3-d printing , that looks so sweet! OMG, I was just looking at my Zica Buck , he needs his sidekick. Anyone know how much this would cost me? Or who to contact? I'm wondering if you wanted a Wilma , they would refuse due to copyright issues? I went to walgreens to copy a comic book page , they refused saying anything with copyright they would not put in code for their Kodak photo machine!
I love Buck Rogers, best figure I have seen in awhile.

[Gorn Captain]

That Twiki looks amazing!
The smooth finish will make a lot of difference.

[Gadgeteer]

Those are amazing, 3D printing or MAGIC!

[Vinny0026]

WOW!!!! those are Perfect!!!

Really can't wait to see where these printers are a few more years down the line.
I hope that they get to the point that if you need an item you can just scan it or something

and than BAM you just print it out!

[Vinny0026]

Here is the link to the site - The video is Amazing!

http://www.shapeways.com/how-shapeways-works

I think the main warehouse is right near where i work (Long Island City)

I might try and pop in there in the next week or so to ask them some questions
and get some ideas of what they can make and of some prices

[boss]

My guess is that in a few years these on-line 3-D print shops will have the same policy as Kinkos did 20 years ago regarding printing copyrighted material.

[Vinny0026]

My guess is that in a few years these on-line 3-D print shops will have the same policy as Kinkos did 20 years ago regarding printing copyrighted material.

True - But just like Kinkos
It will depend on who is behind the counter.

Some of them won't do it - some of them will do it. Will just be luck of the draw of who you get and how busy they are (IMO)