3D Printing Figures?

Jearil

So I've been looking at fabrication machines and sites that let you print 3D models that you've created and it occurred to me that it could be a very interesting way to create custom minis for D&D and other RPGs or strategy games.

Is anyone here into creating 3D models that they print out using a 3D printer? I found one at a site called shapeways.com, but there weren't many other models at that place.

Anyone making 3D minis? Do you have links or examples of some of your work? I also think it would be neat for creating custom scenery that will go along with your game more than some prepackaged thing in a store.

Dropping Loads

I don't have any personal experience with this, but there was an awesome article on 3-D prototyping in Make magazine in December.

This is the best link I could quickly find.
http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2009/12/3d_printing_and_fabrication_open_so.html

Good luck!

Woogity

Are you referring to printing digital 3d models for miniature production? If so, I know an artist who does this professionally. I could probably answer most of your questions On a related note, I am also a cg character artist, and would most likely be able to create whatever you are looking for. If you are doing it for just one mini it can be pricy but its not terrible for custom work to be sure. If you are interested in hearing more about this you can send me a pm.

leaf

I would suggest looking at the model threads for Warhammer/40k and Warmachine. A number of the guys in each thread scratch build and sculpt their own miniature mans, vehicles, and buildings/terrain.

Looking at 3d fabrication and hiring outside artists will run you a small fortune, if you're looking for something that's going to look professional.

Egos

One of the reasons I'm sad I don't have a high WoW character to do their figure prints O_O

Woogity

Prices are not as bad as you might think for the printing, 3"x3"x3" models, which would be a huge creature for our purposes run between 120-240 for the printing, not saying that's not a lot of money, but that also includes color, and that's custom work < this doesn't include artists fees though, I opened a ticket to see what the price would be for a 1x1x1" and ill let you guys know for sure when I hear back. Also, if lots of people are interested you can get batch discounts, wouldn't save you any on the art, but the print would probably be a good bit cheaper.

Ein

I haven't got a ton (of helpful input) to add other than this link:

http://www.the-waaagh.com/forums/?showtopic=42934

Which includes a link to here...

http://www.moddler.com/Estimator

Which tells me that a 1x1x1 model is $30 with their service.

... Which now has me seriously wondering what I could make with my feeble 3d modelling abilities and get printed.

Woogity

ok the quote im getting for a 1"^3 dynamically posed average build humanoid with a thickish base is 28$ for the print.

Here is a link to their price estimator.