Embedded Files
Personally owned 3D printers have become pretty common. While they can be used for many purposes, the emphasis here is on modeling and miniatures. There are limitations, however, especially with the less expensive units available now. Since I own a Malyan M200, which is sold by several companies under different labels, much of the focus will be on these printers. I have also included links to pay services that will print 3D items based on your 3D designs and sites where you can obtain free 3D printable items. For digital modelers, many of these objects can also be used as objects for train simulators and video games.
Personally owned 3D printers have become pretty common. While they can be used for many purposes, the emphasis here is on modeling and miniatures. There are limitations, however, especially with the less expensive units available now. Since I own a Malyan M200, which is sold by several companies under different labels, much of the focus will be on these printers. I have also included links to pay services that will print 3D items based on your 3D designs and sites where you can obtain free 3D printable items. For digital modelers, many of these objects can also be used as objects for train simulators and video games.
LINKS TO 3D PRINTER AND PRINTING SERVICES INFORMATION
LINKS TO 3D PRINTER AND PRINTING SERVICES INFORMATION
MALYAN 200
MALYAN 200
Also sold by Monoprice as the Mini Select, this is a very robust printer physically. The chassis is constructed of heavy gage steel. The motors are smooth and quite and durable. There are electrical problems but they usually caused by the motion of the printer, particularly the wiring to the bed heater. The motion on two axis, combined by the operating temperature of the bed, 60 degrees Celsius (140 Fahrenheit). The factory design doesn't hold up well, rerouting the wiring can save wear and tear.
3D PRINTED MODELS
3D PRINTED MODELS
3D PRINTED MODELS
3D PRINTED MODELS
These are photos of some of the vehicle models I've created to use with my "analog" trains. Most are HO scale while a few are N scale. I made no attempt to clean them up so they would illustrate the things that can go wrong at times. Some needed little to refining. They printed quite clearly. Others not so much for a myriad of reasons. The other drawback, at least with FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling, used by most of the lower cost units) is that fine detail, like mirrors or antenna don't come out well. The highest resolution for my printer is 0.04mm., which is the layer thickness. The nozzle that deposits the material is 0.4mm. There are smaller nozzles, but they have a tendency to clog.
These are photos of some of the vehicle models I've created to use with my "analog" trains. Most are HO scale while a few are N scale. I made no attempt to clean them up so they would illustrate the things that can go wrong at times. Some needed little to refining. They printed quite clearly. Others not so much for a myriad of reasons. The other drawback, at least with FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling, used by most of the lower cost units) is that fine detail, like mirrors or antenna don't come out well. The highest resolution for my printer is 0.04mm., which is the layer thickness. The nozzle that deposits the material is 0.4mm. There are smaller nozzles, but they have a tendency to clog.
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