This page contains affiliate links. We may earn commissions when readers interact with or purchase items through these links. For more information, see our affiliate disclosures here.

3D printing affecting the future of mods and third parties?

Feel free to discuss anything about any of the thousands of Transformer toys here. Anything from Generation 1 all the way to the soon to be released, the never to be released or the hope to be released is fair game! Want to show off your stuff? Please post your's and see others in the Transformers Collections Forum.

3D printing affecting the future of mods and third parties?

Postby Softimus Prime » Sun Dec 02, 2012 11:37 pm

Hi guys, I very rarely post here since I have nothing worthwhile to say most of the time but I came across this little piece of news about Staples beginning to introduce 3d printing machines to their stores.
http://www.kurzweilai.net/staples-3d-printing-service?

Right now the resolution of the prints are likely low and the costs are fairly high, but in the coming years both are sure to change. The sturdiness of the material is also yet to be seen, but resin 3d printers also exist and might supplement these machines in a few years.

What this means to me is that savvy modders will soon be able to print their own gun designs, alternate heads, modified hands, arms, doors, etc. and potentially even make them available to the community. I can't help but compare the cost of that 9 euro chess piece ine the promotional video to some of the expensive add-on kits like the classics cliffjumper, ultra magnus, and rodimus prime accessories that have been released in recent years; and part of me wonders if it can't be done cheaper already.
Looking a bit farther I can imagine some third party companies embracing this and cutting the costs of those very expensive metal molds needed to cast plastic AND all shipping fees. This one is still a few years off of course since the machines can't yet work in color or hold fine enough detail. It would be great to see $100 toys drop down to $10 files,$40 prints, and $.50 screws.
Further still, We might even see Hasbro embrace that same idea as shipping costs rise and the technology improves. Probably not likely for another decade at least though.

Maybe my head is in the clouds a bit but I can certainly see a technology like this having an impact on at least the fringes of collecting and modding.

Anyway, the whole thing was thought provoking to me and I hope it will spark some ideas with a few of you as well. I'll be going back to my usual lurking now.
Softimus Prime
Micromaster
Posts: 70
Joined: Wed Jul 04, 2007 12:21 am

Re: 3D printing affecting the future of mods and third parties?

Postby Mykltron » Mon Dec 03, 2012 4:32 am

Motto: "If I win again I'm still the champion. If you win HAH! that's just impossible.

Weapon: tea cup."
I'm sorry to say that you're a bit behind the times! Shapeways already provides this service with various qualities of material. You can print your own design, buy a print of someone else's or even commission one from a designer.

I've got a few add-on parts and they're pretty good. Some customisers have been using them for some time.
Image

Why not take a look at My TF Repaints? Updated 23rd January 2015
User avatar
Mykltron
Guardian Of Seibertron
Posts: 5979
News Credits: 9
Joined: Sat Feb 09, 2008 5:43 am
Location: Nearby. Watching.

Re: 3D printing affecting the future of mods and third parties?

Postby Softimus Prime » Mon Dec 03, 2012 5:20 am

I am familiar with shapeways but they don't have a machine in every store of a major retail chain found worldwide. Their outfit is a more niche mail-order business and Isn't as likely to grow the technology quite as fast as this move staples is trying.
To me, this is one step removed from a home 3d printer. And since those things are super expensive, I'm happy to let some store pay for that expense. Plus, there's nothing quite like instant gratification right?
Softimus Prime
Micromaster
Posts: 70
Joined: Wed Jul 04, 2007 12:21 am

Re: 3D printing affecting the future of mods and third parties?

Postby Mykltron » Tue Dec 04, 2012 5:56 am

Motto: "If I win again I'm still the champion. If you win HAH! that's just impossible.

Weapon: tea cup."
Interesting point. I've no idea what a printer looks like, I wonder if it's possible to watch the object take shape. Probably not, so there's probably nothing to watch :-(

Perhaps it will bring 3D printing into the public eye a bit more.
Image

Why not take a look at My TF Repaints? Updated 23rd January 2015
User avatar
Mykltron
Guardian Of Seibertron
Posts: 5979
News Credits: 9
Joined: Sat Feb 09, 2008 5:43 am
Location: Nearby. Watching.

Re: 3D printing affecting the future of mods and third parties?

Postby triKlops » Tue Dec 04, 2012 10:28 am

Motto: "New England TransFormers Collectors Group member"
i have been interested in shapeways for a while, only buying one or 2 pieces so far; but the depth of the designs and individual shops coupled with high quality printing materials is making them a stronger force every day within the fandom.
this move by staples is interesting, i am assuming they will run tests in most major metro markets before going whole hog on chainwide setup but to think this may be a norm at a local Staples is pretty intriguing.
mykltron, i do believe that there are view progress windows on a good portion of the machines, so yes being able to watch it being constructed should be possible.
i imagine, like a cnc machine, the window is necessary to catch flaws and mistakes before ruining the product or the machine.
Image

Looking for:
- Fans Toys Scoria FT-04X silver upgrade feet for
MP-08X Grimlock
-TFCon 2011 Headrobots Toxin

Please DM if willing to sell for reasonable price.
User avatar
triKlops
Godmaster
Posts: 1942
News Credits: 9
Joined: Tue Jan 19, 2010 1:35 am
Location: 401

Re: 3D printing affecting the future of mods and third parties?

Postby SJ21 » Tue Dec 04, 2012 11:24 am

Motto: "You don't know because you can't see me. Then you are dead."
Weapon: Sniper Rifle
This would be awesome. I would use that service a lot once they got the costs to a reasonable level.
Check out my collection!

the-sj21-collection-t96905.php
SJ21
Godmaster
Posts: 1559
Joined: Thu Oct 30, 2008 8:59 am
Location: Pennsylvania
Strength: ???
Intelligence: ???
Speed: ???
Endurance: ???
Rank: ???
Courage: ???
Firepower: 10
Skill: 10

Re: 3D printing affecting the future of mods and third parties?

Postby Blurrz » Wed Dec 05, 2012 1:38 pm

Motto: "scream drive faster"
Weapon: Electro-Laser Cannon
The meterial in 3D printers are just not up to the standard of what toy material needs to be. It's wax. I'm sure it might be interesting on home projects and what not but it's still a far way away from doing what an everyday TF collector would want it to do.

Image
User avatar
Blurrz
God Of Transformers
Posts: 11085
News Credits: 1452
Joined: Wed May 09, 2007 12:31 am
Location: Canada
Strength: 7
Intelligence: 8
Speed: 10
Endurance: 6
Rank: 7
Courage: 8
Firepower: 7
Skill: 5

Re: 3D printing affecting the future of mods and third parties?

Postby Mykltron » Thu Dec 06, 2012 5:23 am

Motto: "If I win again I'm still the champion. If you win HAH! that's just impossible.

Weapon: tea cup."
It's not wax but it's expensive to get quality that's worth owning. It's good for add-on parts but not much else.
Image

Why not take a look at My TF Repaints? Updated 23rd January 2015
User avatar
Mykltron
Guardian Of Seibertron
Posts: 5979
News Credits: 9
Joined: Sat Feb 09, 2008 5:43 am
Location: Nearby. Watching.

Re: 3D printing affecting the future of mods and third parties?

Postby Mkall » Thu Dec 06, 2012 10:22 am

Weapon: Twin Sonic Cannons
Mykltron wrote:It's not wax but it's expensive to get quality that's worth owning. It's good for add-on parts but not much else.

Aye, There's different materials out there depending on printer used. I'm waiting for quality home printing where colour can be mixed into the results. I might actually start wargaming if that could happen.
Image

Discord: Mkall#0376

My Collection! Updated Oct 21, 2022
Mkall
God Of Transformers
Posts: 11154
News Credits: 402
Joined: Sat Sep 27, 2003 6:50 pm
Strength: 7
Intelligence: 8
Speed: 6
Endurance: 6
Rank: 8
Courage: 8
Firepower: 6
Skill: 10

Re: 3D printing affecting the future of mods and third parties?

Postby Mykltron » Fri Dec 07, 2012 4:41 am

Motto: "If I win again I'm still the champion. If you win HAH! that's just impossible.

Weapon: tea cup."
Mkall wrote:
Mykltron wrote:It's not wax but it's expensive to get quality that's worth owning. It's good for add-on parts but not much else.

Aye, There's different materials out there depending on printer used. I'm waiting for quality home printing where colour can be mixed into the results. I might actually start wargaming if that could happen.

Oh, you don't fancy painting 50,000 little soldiers exactly the same?
Image

Why not take a look at My TF Repaints? Updated 23rd January 2015
User avatar
Mykltron
Guardian Of Seibertron
Posts: 5979
News Credits: 9
Joined: Sat Feb 09, 2008 5:43 am
Location: Nearby. Watching.

Re: 3D printing affecting the future of mods and third parties?

Postby Mkall » Fri Dec 07, 2012 9:27 am

Weapon: Twin Sonic Cannons
Mykltron wrote:
Mkall wrote:
Mykltron wrote:It's not wax but it's expensive to get quality that's worth owning. It's good for add-on parts but not much else.

Aye, There's different materials out there depending on printer used. I'm waiting for quality home printing where colour can be mixed into the results. I might actually start wargaming if that could happen.

Oh, you don't fancy painting 50,000 little soldiers exactly the same?

I can't say it's high on my list of interests.
Image

Discord: Mkall#0376

My Collection! Updated Oct 21, 2022
Mkall
God Of Transformers
Posts: 11154
News Credits: 402
Joined: Sat Sep 27, 2003 6:50 pm
Strength: 7
Intelligence: 8
Speed: 6
Endurance: 6
Rank: 8
Courage: 8
Firepower: 6
Skill: 10


Return to Transformers Toys Discussion

Transformers and More @ The Seibertron Store

Visit our store on eBay
These are affiliate links. We may earn commissions when you purchase items or services through these links.
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "MEGATRON Transformers Revenge Fallen ROTF Leader complete + more 2009 240109Q"
NEW!
MEGATRON Transform ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "SCATTERSHOT Transformers Combiner Wars Voyager complete Betatron 2016 230903A"
SCATTERSHOT Transf ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "LEOBREAKER Transformers Cybertron Voyager complete Cyber Key vg08 2005 231101A"
NEW!
LEOBREAKER Transfo ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "TREAD BOLT Transformers Universe Voyager complete + instructions 2008 230920A"
NEW!
TREAD BOLT Transfo ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "THE FALLEN Transformers Studio Series 91 Revenge of ROTF Leader Hasbro 2022 New"
THE FALLEN Transfo ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "JUNKHEAP Transformers Studio Series 86-14 Animated Movie Voyager 2022 New"
JUNKHEAP Transform ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "MOTORMASTER Transformers Combiner Wars Voyager complete Menasor 2015 230903A"
MOTORMASTER Transf ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "DREADWING Transformers Legacy Evolution TL-57 Leader Prime Takara Tomy 2023 New"
NEW!
DREADWING Transfor ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "INFERNO Transformers Legacy Voyager Beast Wars Predacon 2022 New **IN-STOCK**"
INFERNO Transforme ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "THUNDERTRON Transformers Legacy United Voyager Class Prime Hasbro 2024 New"
THUNDERTRON Transf ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "ARMADA STARSCREAM Transformers Legacy Voyager Class Hasbro 2022 New **IN-STOCK**"
ARMADA STARSCREAM ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "OPTIMUS PRIME Transformers Leader Class Volvo VNR Hasbro 2023 New"
OPTIMUS PRIME Tran ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "WHIRL Transformers Generations Voyager complete + instructions 2014 230920A"
NEW!
WHIRL Transformers ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "NEMESIS LEO PRIME Transformers Legacy Evolution Voyager Lio Convoy 2023 New"
NEMESIS LEO PRIME ...
* Price and quantities subject to change. Shipping costs, taxes and other fees not included in cost shown. Refer to listing for current price and availability.
Find the items above and thousands more at the Seibertron Store on eBay
Transformers Podcast: Twincast / Podcast #346 - Gas Station Jamboree
Twincast / Podcast #346:
"Gas Station Jamboree"
MP3 · iTunes · RSS · View · Discuss · Ask
Posted: Saturday, March 23rd, 2024

Featured Products on Amazon.com

These are affiliate links. We may earn commissions when you purchase items or services through these links.
Buy "Transformers Titans Return Arcee Action Figure Set" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Generations Power of The Primes Deluxe Class Dinobot Snarl" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Generations Titans Return Titan Class Trypticon" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers: Generations Power of The Primes Deluxe Class Dinobot Slug" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Generations Titans Return Deluxe Misfire and Aimless" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Deluxe Ratchet Action Figure" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Studio Series 08 Leader Class Movie 1 Decepticon Blackout" on AMAZON
Buy "Masterpiece MPM-7 Bumblebee" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Generations Titans Return Voyager Class Broadside and Blunderbuss" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Playskool Heroes Rescue Bots Optimus Prime Racing Trailer" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers: The Last Knight Premier Edition Voyager Decepticon Nitro" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers: Generations Power of The Primes Vector Prime Prime Master" on AMAZON