3D printing
Posted: Sat Jun 16, 2018 11:04 amAs some of you may know, I've had a 3D printer for about a year now. I bought it with the idea that I could make bits and pieces for various models to enhance them, or improve them. However, my initial efforts were disappointing to say the least. Thanks to my son, who's a lot more tech savvy than I am (and I consider myself fairly tech savvy..), the print quality is a whole lot better as we've printed various items such as belt tensioners, a better fan outlet, and other things which served to stabilise the printer head and generally improve the machine's set up.
Up until now, we've been using PLA as our material, but it has disadvantages for modelling. Mainly, it is incredibly tough, which makes it difficult to sand, and most glues don't hold the parts for very long. I've found a 2-part superglue that works OK most of the time...
So recently I ordered some HIPS (high-impact polystyrene), and have printed a couple of test pieces. Firstly, it sands very well. It is slightly harder than "normal" polystyrene, and slightly more flexible, but it is incredibly easy to sand. And possibly the best part is that modelling cement such as Tamiya extra thin, or Revell Contacta work in exactly the same way as with a model, ie, the plastic parts are "welded" together.
Over the next few weeks, I'll be experimenting to find out just how fine I can print, and then having a look at modelling a complete aircraft...
Watch this space..
Up until now, we've been using PLA as our material, but it has disadvantages for modelling. Mainly, it is incredibly tough, which makes it difficult to sand, and most glues don't hold the parts for very long. I've found a 2-part superglue that works OK most of the time...
So recently I ordered some HIPS (high-impact polystyrene), and have printed a couple of test pieces. Firstly, it sands very well. It is slightly harder than "normal" polystyrene, and slightly more flexible, but it is incredibly easy to sand. And possibly the best part is that modelling cement such as Tamiya extra thin, or Revell Contacta work in exactly the same way as with a model, ie, the plastic parts are "welded" together.
Over the next few weeks, I'll be experimenting to find out just how fine I can print, and then having a look at modelling a complete aircraft...
Watch this space..
