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3D printed, 1/350 scale C-57D

Started by frank2056, November 29, 2008, 07:30:18 PM

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frank2056

Forbidden Planet is one of my favorite movies. I had (and sold) the Polar Lights 1/72 scale C-57D kit because at almost 28" in diameter it was just too big for my place.
Instead, I used a scan of the blueprints for one of the original to make a 3D version in Rhino 3D. I then had it printed at Shapeways.
Here are the parts:



I used their SLS printer for the white bits and the Objet printer for the clear engine dome. The SLS printer produces a rough but very tough surface, the Objet produces a smoother and clear part. You can see the differences in the lower dome and footpad:



This means that the SLS parts would require quite a bit of PSR (mostly P) to smooth out; the Objet a bit less. The SLS printer is also limited to a 0.5mm minimum part or detail size, so that could be an issue with smaller or more detailed models.

Here's the C57 tacked together:



I'm redoing this model to make assembly easier, add the stairs and I'll have it printer in a higher/better resolution. It's not Scratchbuilding As We Know It, but pretty close. It's certainly not easier...

Frank

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That has gone beyond cool into Holy S :o :blink: :wub: :thumbsup: :bow:
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Ed S

Ain't technology grand.  Looks good.  I am curious how the plastic these are made of reacts with glues and paints.

Ed
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frank2056

Quote from: Ed S on November 30, 2008, 11:06:00 AM
Ain't technology grand.  Looks good.  I am curious how the plastic these are made of reacts with glues and paints.

Thanks for all the comments!

The white stuff is some sort of nylon, so I think only CA or epoxies would work - almost any sort of paint would stick to it, though. The clear part is acrylic.

One "interesting" tidbit - these parts, or a higher resolution version - have a form of built-in "copy protection". Since the un-worked surface is very rough at the almost microscopic level,  just trying to duplicate the parts in a rubber mold will cause the rubber to stick like glue to the parts! The parts have to be primed and a mold release used before pouring the rubber.

And here's a render of the original model; you can see that it's smooth:




4D

Quote from: frank2056 on November 29, 2008, 07:30:18 PM
Forbidden Planet is one of my favorite movies. I had (and sold) the Polar Lights 1/72 scale C-57D kit because at almost 28" in diameter it was just too big for my place. ...Frank
I know this is aver old thread but i know exactly what Frank means. I have this monster and I want to put it on a diarama ... one day, but at the momnet it has to stand propped up against furniture!  :banghead:


Hobbes

Interesting. The 3D printing process fascinates me, but having to learn to draw in a 3D CAD program is a big hurdle.