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| Rapid Prototyping Basics http://www.tacticalwargames.net/taccmd/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=16818 |
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| Author: | Ghudra [ Sat Oct 03, 2009 4:14 am ] |
| Post subject: | Rapid Prototyping Basics |
I was just curious if some of the vets here (Otterman, E&C, Jonluke) could share some tips on sites, info, programs that would be helpful to anyone looking to get into rapid prototyping. It has definitely become a real source of artistic growth for all things 3D and it would be nice to have a reference for beginners.  This is probably the most exciting thing to come along since greenstuff and deserves some focus. |
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| Author: | Otterman [ Sat Oct 03, 2009 3:13 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Rapid Prototyping Basics |
Hi Ghudra, First you have to get yourself a 3D program. Anything capable of outputting to a format called STL (STereoLithography) will suffice. My recommendation is MoI (Moment of Inspiration). It has a free 30 day demo, full version is only $200. It is well suited to our kind of modelling. The programmer is constantly adding new features and paid customers get access to the beta versions. The learning curve is gentle. Other members here use Rhino (the 'daddy' of MoI), 3DSMax, and Blender. The trickiest parts of desig is that he end model has to be 1 piece. All of the subparts have to be joined ("booleaned") into a single surface. Once you have a piece that you're happy with, you can send it to a 3D casting house. I use PrintAPart. Advantages: Fast response time, good prices, high resolution. Disadvantages: Pieces are very fragile. Cannot be easily painted. If you want a metal master, you have to contact someone that can make investment casts with a metalsmith. That certain someone is Todd Boyce of NinjaMagic. My method is to: 1) Design 2) Print with PrintAPart 3) Make a silicon mold for resin casting 4) Refine the design based on lessons learned from (3) 5) Send the revised design to Todd Boyce, who 6) Prints the piece in investment wax 7) Sends the wax to a metalsmith who burns the wax into bronze or silver  Take the piece to a metal caster, who9) Makes a master mold, 10) Makes master copies, which are used to make 11) Production mold, which is spun to make wonderful toys |
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| Author: | Evil and Chaos [ Sun Oct 04, 2009 2:02 am ] |
| Post subject: | Rapid Prototyping Basics |
Depending on your worldly location, I'm sure some of the regulars here would be happy to help you overcome any hurdles you may encounter, in modelling, or casting, or whatever. |
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| Author: | Ghudra [ Sun Oct 04, 2009 4:27 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Rapid Prototyping Basics |
Thanks for the feedback.  I'm definitely going to check MoI out. |
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| Author: | Otterman [ Sun Oct 04, 2009 4:59 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Rapid Prototyping Basics |
www.moi3d.com |
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| Author: | Deadly Kafeine [ Sun Oct 04, 2009 7:44 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Rapid Prototyping Basics |
Thanks to Otterman I tried it and it's quite simple to achieve some good results from the beginning.
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