discussion Reaching the Limit?

[Dave Ward]

Ever since I started with 3D printing, I'd hoped I'd be able to produce CAD models for figures etc. After a lot of attempts with Fusion & FreeCad, I've decided to stop that - I have designed hundreds of mechanical components, with the emphasis on function and cost - but anything that has an artistic touch - forget it!!!!!!
I've bitten the bullet & bought a few figure files from https://www.myminifactory.com/ and am trying to get the best possible results from my printer..................................
This model is a bust of a Templar Knight, with a great helm ( why Templar specifically, I don't know ) This is how the bust looks in the slicer

There is also a stand for him to sit on. The Great Helm is a separate print.
I used the latest version of PrusaSlicer - 2.8.0, at a layer height of 0.075mm - I don't think that going to a thinner layer height will do anything, unless I decrease the nozzle size. It took 9hrs 45mins to print, using my standard Geeetech Silver PLA.
This is 1/6 scale, the bust stands about 120mm tall...........................
I'm very pleased with this - the definition is amost on a par with resin printing, the chain mail on the back of his head is especially good. - Now I have a problem! If I put the Helm on, it covers all the fine detail ! I will probably try to paint this, but I'll think on that . The only problem I had was with the stand - the base warped slightly & is a bit wonky - I'll have to print another.
Two other files I bought were

This feller has arms to carry an Imperial Eagle. These are very detailed models, and are predicted to take over 36 hours to print each. I'll have to see if I can reduce that time......................
Dave

 

[Dave Ward]

With the helm, printed & fitted - it covers up all the detail!

Dave

 

[adt70hk]

You really are nailing this 3D printing business Dave.

That really is looking very good indeed!

ATB.

Andrew

 

[Guest]

My that's good, impressive to say the least.

Some how frightening to think this can be printed at home. Who would have thought that 10 years ago , maybe even 5 .

 

[boatman]

My that's good, impressive to say the least.

Some how frightening to think this can be printed at home. Who would have thought that 10 years ago , maybe even 5 .

WELL John in my opinion Dave had plenty of practise as i could not learn how to do this in a lifetime so good on him for havin been succsefull
chrisb

 

[Jim R]

Better and better Dave. It looks as if you've ironed out all the gremlins.

 

[Dave Ward]

It's not something for the impatient, you have to be methodical, and be able to work out what is going on. Last year I was still getting used to the physical operation, and being able to produce scceptable results. I've sorted the bed levelling, and print adhesion, and now have few failures that way. Using one make of PLA helps to remove one variable. I'm confident to leave the printer on overnight sessions.
This year I've been working on the quality - it can be one step forward, two steps back. There are so many variables, and altering one can affect several others - which can have unexpected results. Using one slicer programme & getting to know it is essential - I don't think it really matters which one, but I use PrusaSlicer, and I know where the major settings live.
All this only applies to FDM printing, of course - I'd love to go down the resin printing route, but don't have the facilities...............
Dave

 

[Richard48]

With the helm, printed & fitted - it covers up all the detail!

Dave

Really impressive Dave.Love the mail detail etc.Great stuff.
Richard

 

[Dave Ward]

An overnight print - it took 12 hours to print - an aquilifer, or eagle bearer


It needs a brass wire brush to remove any loose bits

The lion's fangs were a casualty, but easily replaced.
There are the arms to print, one with a socketed staff - and the Eagle, which I may have to have several attempts, as it looks a little fragile

It may be a few days before I print again, I'm off to hospital tomorrow for a few tests....................
Dave

 

[Dave Ward]

I was right about the eagle - I've had four attempts ( so far ),

Get it right in one place & it fails in another - I've tried different orientations & supports - about the only good thing is that they all stuck to the build plate!
This eagle seems very big - I wonder if is a 'parade' eagle, as opposed to a 'field' eagle - size wise I've seen a lot a pictures, with eagles the size of Sparrows to size of Condors!
Dave

 

[Guest]

With your engineering and cad experience Dave you have achieved more than some of us could ever hope for .

Hope the tests results are ok .

 

[Tim Marlow]

I was right about the eagle - I've had four attempts ( so far ),

Get it right in one place & it fails in another - I've tried different orientations & supports - about the only good thing is that they all stuck to the build plate!
This eagle seems very big - I wonder if is a 'parade' eagle, as opposed to a 'field' eagle - size wise I've seen a lot a pictures, with eagles the size of Sparrows to size of Condors!
Dave

Apparently there are none now in existence. Being a sacred object its size in contemporary illustrations is probably exaggerated. However, I’ve found its size given as about eighteen inches wide, twelve inches high, and about eight inches deep. How they know that I have no idea….looking good though Dave. Go for the size you like best. If there aren’t any, then who can contradict you :upside:

 

[Dave Ward]

Apparently there are none now in existence. Being a sacred object its size in contemporary illustrations is probably exaggerated. However, I’ve found its size given as about eighteen inches wide, twelve inches high, and about eight inches deep. How they know that I have no idea….looking good though Dave. Go for the size you like best. If there aren’t any, then who can contradict you :upside:

I've given up on the original - I've found another - it's a bit different

Apparently the Legion Number would be either painted, or embroidered on the banner
Dave

 

[Dave Ward]

Hot off the print bed.................................

Looks a lot better!
Dave

 

[Tim Marlow]

The banner has a bit more than a legion number on it Dave. Have a look at wargames flag manufacturers for ideas. They are usually very well researched.

 

[Tim Marlow]

Lots out there. These for example….

 

[Dave Ward]

In addition to the eagle bearer - one for a legion, each century would have a standard called a signum carried by a signifer


Not as fancy as the eagle bearer, but looks more like a legionnaire!
A signum is printing..................
Dave

 

[Neil Merryweather]

you going to paint these ever Dave ?

 

[Dave Ward]

1-2nd C Roman Centurion - After a 18 hour overnight print

I was sceptical about whether the crest would print, but it actually worked well. This is actually printed at 75% size, I could print at 100%, but that would push the print time to over 30 hours, just a bit too long.
Single piece printing can be a lottery, it may work, or not, there's no real way I can find that predicts this.
This will be my next attempt

A Saxon axeman
Dave

 

[stillp]

Incredible!
Pete