3D print results

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Apr 272024

I’ve been running the 3D printer, with mixed results. Failures and disappointments are the fault of the CAD models; the printer itself (Anycubic Photon Mono X 6Ks) is working as advertised. Printing is not a fast process; some prints took 12 hours.

Some early results with the 3D printer.

First up: some 1/144 and 1/285 X-20 Dyna Soars. Once I got the angle right, the results are pretty spectacular. The 1/285 ones will definitely be used to make metal castings; probably the same with the 1/144. pic.twitter.com/1O2fBWxy2P

— Unwanted Blog (@UnwantedBlog) April 27, 2024

As a lark, I threw in the M61 Vulcan in 1/18 scale, in two orientations. Both seem to have come out looking pretty spiffy, though I haven't trimmed off the supports yet.

Did this just because I wanted to. But if anyone wants one – or more – I can provide. pic.twitter.com/E5NdGp8eCS

— Unwanted Blog (@UnwantedBlog) April 27, 2024

The Casaba Howitzer in 1/18 scale. The original CAD model was created solely to create line diagram illustrations and was in no way optimized for 3D printing, thus the telescope shroud printed funny and fell off. Impressed that it did as well as it did. Model needs revision. pic.twitter.com/XIvNrtSdtT

— Unwanted Blog (@UnwantedBlog) April 27, 2024

Another one thrown in Just Cuz, a 1/350 North American Aviation Mars Excursion Module. Clearly failed, but again the model was not made for printing. The printer made a valiant effort to reproduce the RCS system, with is on hair-thin struts. Not much point in this at this scale. pic.twitter.com/fq6k2hM11k

— Unwanted Blog (@UnwantedBlog) April 27, 2024

1/18 Little Boy, again printed from a non-optimized model. Even so, I'm impressed… the tail was modeled as 3mm thick sheets, and the printer fully replicated that: 0.167 mm thick. Clearly too thin. So currently printing is an updated version. These would make great kits. pic.twitter.com/0D92hWuc0s

— Unwanted Blog (@UnwantedBlog) April 27, 2024

Lastly, two shells from a 1/18 Fat Man. The tail struct has the same issue as little Boy, so it'll need to be fixed before printing. Again I think this'd make a great kit. pic.twitter.com/OoxMmuUpHl

— Unwanted Blog (@UnwantedBlog) April 27, 2024

The Unwanted Blog

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I’ve been running the 3D printer, with mixed results. Failures and disappointments are the fault of the CAD models; the printer itself (Anycubic Photon Mono X 6Ks) is working as advertised. Printing is not a fast process; some prints took 12 hours. Some early results with the 3D printer. First up: some 1/144 and 1/285 […]
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