Model Railway Structures
Posted
Inactive Member
3D Printed Items
I've had no reply yet from Shapeways to the email I sent them yesterday.I've been investigating alternatives to Shapeways. There is a company called Sculpteo that operates similarly to Shapeways and seems to print currently in the USA and what would be more relevant to you, in France. I uploaded a file to get a cost comparison and unfortunately it's about 20% higher than Shapeways.
Posted
Inactive Member
Hi Peter,
Thanks for your email.
The only thing that can be done is to rise the detail level a bit. I suggest to 0.5 mm.
The models are being orientated so that the circle will be round and not oval. Unfortunately while doing this one side can be bad and one side is good.
Please let me know if you think you can change it (detail level) otherwise I will have the models be shipped.
Personally I think they are pretty good. The customer can sand it down a bit and the detail level is visible but as sharp as possible.
Regards,
Customer Service Agent
When I emailed him I commented that on the column trusses that I have the detail is sharper one side than the other. His email doesn't make it any clearer why this should be.
I'll look at the model and see if I can increase the height of the detail to the .5mm that he suggests (Shapeways spec for minimum height of detail is 0.2mm).
I took a couple of pictures of a recent column I have received here.
Good side ..
Bad side…
Earlier columns that I had printed in February do not have this issue.
In my case I have to say that I hadn't really worried about it because it isn't really that noticeable at a normal viewing distance. The picture below is of the bad side.
I'm not convinced that the increase of detail height by 0.17mm is really going to make much difference. I think there is something in their current printing methodology that needs attention.
It's your call Peter, but if I were you I think I would ask them to print to create an equal quality of finish on both faces of the model and ask them not to ship the columns as they currently are. I will be taking the issue up with them in a response to their email to me.
Posted
Full Member
Certainly the columns you've shown are far better than in the photo they forwarded to me. If they were like yours, I wouldn't have any issues but, the ones they've currently printed are, to me, unacceptable.
I'll do as you say and ask for a reprint.
Can I send them the photos you've posted here to show the difference ?
'Petermac
Posted
Inactive Member
Posted
Full Member
I'll contact them and see what they propose.
As you say, close-up photography is very cruel but even so, I think the photo he sent me was rather worse than just close-up photography - more like a printing problem, particularly as one side looked fine.
I will give them a brush over with fine wet-or-dry although, as Maxmill isn't an exhibition layout, I'll cope with a few imperfections. I'm building it so I've got used to imperfections ………………:oops::oops::oops::oops:
'Petermac
Posted
Inactive Member
Posted
Full Member
Thanks for you help with this. We'll wait and see what Postie brings when they arrive. They didn't give any dates this time ………..:roll:
'Petermac
Posted
Full Member
The platform benches, chimney pots, assorted windows including the set for the Kingsway Georgian terrace and the reprinted station canopy columns and integral trusses.
First impressions are extremely encouraging. A really first class product Peter and one I'd urge anyone dithering about, to have a go at - you won't be disappointed.
There is an almost imperceptible grain on the windows and benches, slightly more noticable on the chimney pots although nothing worth doing much about and, on the reprinted columns, the underside of the truss bracket gussett will need a quick rub over with fine wet or dry to tidy up a slightly rough finish.
The strength of the products is incredible.
I'm delighted with what I've bought - many thanks for your design efforts Peter. :cheers:cheers
One further thing.
I've only bought the column and integral truss for the canopy - as a "taster" before lashing out millions of euros on the whole thing. I'll need the intermediate "slot on" trusses, the central frame and the valances to complete the roof framing. There is an "exploded view" of how all the components fit together both on here and on your shop site but it's too small for me to read properly. If I blow it up, I lose difinition. Any chance of a downloadable copy so I can order the remaining bits please ?
'Petermac
Posted
Inactive Member
I have the instruction sheets for canopies as PDF files. I don't think there is a way of posting them here, so I've sent you a PM.
Posted
Full Member
Superb items and I just know that I am going to be spending a fortune for the 'OO' gauge items both buildings and furniture.
Superb work and I will be bulk buying in 2015, when I hope to have the railway room finished and track laid!
ATB,
:thumbs Ian
Time flies by when I'm the driver of a train
And I ride on the footplate there and back again.
Cooper St.
And I ride on the footplate there and back again.
Cooper St.
Posted
Inactive Member
I will be looking at how I go about restoring a more competitive price; printing things on sprues, looking at alternative printers etc. If anyone has been thinking about buying any of my products, the price re-structuring is due to be implemented on October 7, so get an order in quick!
Posted
Full Member
Time for a re-think as far as Shapeways are concerned I think. Either, as you say, printing on a sprue or even looking elsewhere - I think you said there was another printer here in Europe but their prices were higher. Is that still the case.
I received my doors and platform canopy skeleton the other day - I'm as pleased with them as I was with my first order although, as far as Shapeways themselves are concerned, I heard nothing for what seemed like ages, then an e-mail to say they were running late, immediately followed by another saying the order was on it's way !!! I'm not sure how the company operates but their admin leaves a little to be desired to say the least …………………….
'Petermac
Posted
Inactive Member
I'm sure the pricing will settle down again in the long term. In the short term there are a lot of angry designers who have had the rules turned upside down with very little notice.
Posted
Full Member
If the canopy skeleton doubles in price, it's dead in the water. It's already a pricey item and the cost of building a platform of any length would become prohibitive.
Time for a look at another printing company I think ………………………………..they must be out there :roll::roll::roll:
'Petermac
Posted
Inactive Member
Last edit: by Wizmacnz
Posted
Full Member
As you say, that loop shows just how stupid their pricing policy is - more plastic printed but a reduced price !! :twisted::twisted::twisted::twisted:
Is the loop attached to the windows or just a "loop" ?
'Petermac
Posted
Inactive Member
Posted
Full Member
A totally bizarre situation and one that ultimately, will do them no good at all - unless there's something about 3D printing we're missing ………………:roll::roll::roll::roll:
Maybe they're not interested in our kind of printing …………………….:hmm
'Petermac
Posted
Banned
Cheers, Gary.
Posted
Inactive Member
I already have a domestic 3D printer. Unfortunately it's not anywhere near in the same league as the commercial printers that Shapeways use.
Last edit: by Wizmacnz
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