11 replies to this topic

[XxInfernoxX]

Hi all,

I made a 3D animated Mechwarrior movie for my final student project a few years ago and have been wanting to make a few of those 3D models into physical models.

I am unsure where or what to do to make this happen. I've looked into Rapid-Prototyping and 3D printing, but not sure which one would be better, or more cost effective. Has anyone else here done this before or familiar with the process?

Thank you for your help.

[Grafix TM]

There is a program that transforms 3SOME rendered models into foldable paper models that you cut out and glue pieces together like a model kit to assemble the whole mech.

I forget what the name of the program is. I think I have a link saved on my home computer somewhere.

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[Cake Bandit]

Grafix™, on 11 November 2011 - 10:56 AM, said:

There is a program that transforms 3SOME rendered models into foldable paper models that you cut out and glue pieces together like a model kit to assemble the whole mech.

I forget what the name of the program is. I think I have a link saved on my home computer somewhere.

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PEPAKURA

It's really great, but unless you want to go mad, keep your polycount down a bit.

[Grafix TM]

Cake Bandit, on 11 November 2011 - 11:03 AM, said:

PEPAKURA
It's really great, but unless you want to go mad, keep your polycount down a bit.

Yep, that was the name of the program and yes, you need the poly count low for that otherwise it is going to be a nightmare of a paper project to create that model.

All the 3D models I do is game quality so that it is easy to import into a game engine. You don't have to sacrifice detail for poly count. You just have to be creative in your texture mapping/skinning to pull out great details and depth with the textures.

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Edited by Grafixâ„¢, 11 November 2011 - 11:13 AM.

[XxInfernoxX]

Ah, okay, I'll have to look into that program if I want to make simple models. I was looking for more realistic representations of the models I created. I don't mind spending some money, just wondering what a good process would be. I had a few 3D printed once with like a powder material and they have all pretty much crumbled, I'm thinking some sort of plastic would be the cheapest route, while being durable.

I've done modeling for games as well... in order to drop my poly-counts though it'd be better to just redo them I think.

[Cake Bandit]

I think traditionally 3D printing is the way to go.

There's a pay to print service out there somewhere for it.

[XxInfernoxX]

Yeah, that is what I figured. I will have to do some digging. Nothing would be sweeter than to have my Summoner and Kodiak chillin' on my desk.

[Cake Bandit]

Except maybe having your bushwhacker and Cougar chilling on your desk.

[HanaYuriko]

One thing about transforming a 3D model to a 3D print is that you generally need a "Water Tight" mesh. One service that's fairly inexpensive is Shapeways.

http://www.shapeways.com/

If you're more mechanically inclined, you could build your own rapid prototyping machine. There's an open source project called RepRap.

http://reprap.org/wiki/Main_Page

Another option is to go with a CNC machine and have your model carved out. Materials can vary from wood to resin blocks, Another thing that can be built at home

http://buildyourcnc.com/default.aspx

Once you have a model, you can even make a mould with your master copy and cast replicas out of lead, plastics, plaster, epoxy, or whatever.

[Grafix TM]

Very interesting Hana. Thanks for the Info. I might just look into converting some of my 3D computer models into LIVE models.

[Exilyth]

Aside from RepRap there's also http://www.fabathome.org/ but afaik they're not as popular.

It's really amazing what you can do with additive manufacturing. Thank [deity of choice] all thoose enthusiasts and pioneers have put that much work into the projects - they've even brought the cost of a 3D printer down to about 400$ now. (industrial 3D printers start somewhere around 10000$)

Other 3d print services include http://www.sculpteo.com/en/ and http://i.materialise.com/ but there are even more.

Edited by Exilyth, 12 November 2011 - 09:51 AM.

[XxInfernoxX]

Awesome, thank you guys for your input. I'll look into these services and hopefully make a few models.