Delta Magnus wrote:This stuff looks pretty amazing! I have Blender and I'm hoping to make some stuff to sell on ShapeWwys myself- I already have an idea for a figure I could make.
A few questions:
1: I know the Shapeways guys will fix imperfections/errors in 3D models if the model you send them isn't quite right (so if there's a small gap in the mesh); what are they prepared to fix and what will simply get the model rejected (I assume they'll tell you why it was rejected though)? So for example, if a model isn't quite manifold due to a few minor oversights, will they be prepared to fix that error?
Thanks! I'm far from the most experienced TF CAD modeller, but I'll do my best to answer.
They will only assist with extraordinarily minor fixes, and I've had things not print correctly due to mesh gaps I missed before. You can force things to print as test prints for yourself, but you can't set a model for sale that way to the public. They are, however, extremely good about pointhing out what any errors are... Usually with annotated renders.
Delta Magnus wrote:2: Do multipart models have to be printed on a sprue? So could I just send them a model of, say, a simple figure with the parts separated (I know I couldn't send it with it "assembled" as it would end up printed fused) or would I have to model it onto a sprue?
3 months ago, the answer was no. As of early October, they changed the price structure on the cheapest (and strongest) material so that now they charge per individual part... Several people like myself, Wulongti and Fakebuster had sets triple in price, which was absurd. Sprued, they now work out slightly cheaper than they were before October, but the amount of effort involved is very frustrating, especially as they keep moving the goalposts regarding sprues... However, see my image below for an example of what can still print.
Delta Magnus wrote:3: Can NURBS surfaces be used in models for printing?
Can you export an STL from a model using NURBS? I'm a very old-fashioned poly/vertice modeller who's entirely self taught from a mis-spent time in highschool making Quake mods, so I can't helpfully answer there I'm afraid.
On a related note! I finally got round to making a big order from Shapeways;
Despite all the complaints from Shapeways about sprued parts breaking recently, somehow this massive bundle managed to print in one piece!
Finally got to see this in-hand for myself. Overall, very pleased. The neck extension needs some work but I like the overall look.
Without neck extension...
With neck extension!
He even still transforms, although the panels at the front of the car have a very small gap.
He looks taller than BB in person, but the photo doesn't really show it.
Another MtMtE-style mod I've had sitting on the back burner for nearly a year now is this guy! He looks like a cross between his MtMtE design and Cloud Brawn, which I can live with. Need to edit his model in a few places though before he goes back on sale.
Of course, I also really want to finish my next project over the holiday break:
Nautica fans should consider investing in a BH Deluxe Starscream.
Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2014 1:38 am
