3D Printing people figures at OO/4mm/1:76 scale

[George Brettell]

I have been toying with the idea of getting a 3D printer with a view to creating my own scenic people figures. Of course, 3d printing isn't half as simple as it might sound. First you need a model to scan in order to create your digital 3d image. CAD is usually used for stuff like loco bodies, but something as intricate as a human body you presumably need a 365* scan.
I have already seen that there are peple who offer this as a service on the internet, but cheap it ain't. So I'm wondering what success any of you guys have had?

[Frank]

An alternative would be to scan the item/person yourself, using a camera:

https://www.instructables.com/id/3d-Scan-Anything-Using-Just-a-Camera/

Not tried it myself, but it looks an interesting possibility.

Frank

[Tom Haythornthwaite]

I've just bought a 3D scanner and I'm having fun making tracklaying jigs and this and that - but with 0.2 mm vertical resolution it isn't good enough for high quality 4 mm modelling.  I don't think it would do a good job with figures.  What resolution printer are you thinking of getting?

[George Brettell]

I think that I'd want to do the highest res' possible.

[Tom Haythornthwaite]

Splendid answer, George.

I understand the printers used by Shapeways cost over a million quid each.  If you're getting one of those, I'll be round on the weekend to do some of my printing. 

Seriously, good luck!  Looking forward to seeing your results.

[Frank]

Speaking of printers, there is an alternative to the usual variety which melts a plastic and deposits it like an inkjet printer - the ANYCUBIC Photon printer uses light to cure a photosensitive resin and so prints a whole layer at a time.     See http://www.anycubic3d.com/products/show/1359.html

There is a thread on NGRM-online about it, if you frequent that forum.   It looks a very promising development.

Frank

[JulienW]

The issue with getting "decent" figures as opposed to vaguely humanoid space aliens via 3D printing is twofold. First one must create a sufficiently detailed print file - that's going to need a 3D scan with a fairly high resolution - and then one needs a printer with a sufficient resolution to do the scan justice.

I suggest that both of these are probably beyond what the avareage modeller can afford, so those who have invested a sizeable chunk of cash to provide the service do seem to charge a fair bit.

However it is with interest I note that whilst ModelU charge

[Hobby]

as I haven't the legs for a skirt!

Hairstyle's a bit iffy too... ;)  ;D

[Hugh Norwood]

The issue with getting "decent" figure...

If you want indecent figures, I see Langley's stock some!  :)

[Stan Williams]

For anyone interested, Steve Lomax a member of the Merseyside & South West Lancs group, will be starting demos on 3D printing at our next meeting

on  Saturday  11th  May.

He is hoping to move on to other stages as we progress through the year.

Stan.

[JulienW]

The issue with getting "decent" figure...

If you want indecent figures, I see Langley's stock some!  :)

;D