Hello

I made my first attempts to design 3D parts for the Dragon T-34.
Available are rear armor plates from Factory 112, 174, 183 and STZ.
All parts where designed for the T-34/76 version upper hulls.
My first goal was to design a replacment part of the rear armor plate for the Factory 183 kit. Then I came up with the idea to do a plate for the Factory 174 version and the different versions of Factory 112 (very early style with rectangular hatch and small round hatch). To complet the range I add also the rear plate from Factory STZ (Stalingrad) which you can build as a early or late type.
There was no way to do the screw heads in good quality, thats why you have to use masterclub products to achieve a perfect look.

http://www.shapeways.com/shops/newfuturedesign

Some new releases are in the pipeline and will
follow soon (parts for T-54 and T-55).
Any feedback and comments are very welcome.

Kind regards

Igor http://put.url.here http://put.url.here

What sorts of T-54 and T-55 parts? Welded fuel tanks, smoke canisters, correct engine decks? No matter the parts I'm interested. Is it possible to replicate this style of idler wheel? It's an integral part for early T-54's that no one makes.



Erik

3D printing can do even screw heads if you can make the CAD drawing high enough resolution. And yes, they can do the T-55 idlers if you have a good enough CAD drawing. Check out shapeways.com , for instance...

Hi Erik

The next release will be a engine deck with exhaust for the T-54. The second release should be a set of different engine decks with gun mantel cover (polish production) for the T-55. All parts designed to fit with Tamiya T-55.
I'am only waiting for the last test print from shapeways. In best case the release will be next Weekend.
The idler wheel should be printable to my judging. But I would have first to design it to be sure. Do you have technical drawings of the original part? That would make the design process much faster.

Thanks for your comment

Igor

Hi Jacques

Yes you are right about the screw heads and the resoulution of CAD files.
But I did more than one test with a file which was about 42MB big (my CAD System couldn't generate a bigger one) and at the finished part you had always visible raised lines parallel to the screw heads. And after primering they were still visible. Sanding could be a solution but that would be to much work for a replacment part (in my opinion).
So I decided to do the part without screw heads but with a very smooth surface which looks perfect after painting.
But I think the 3D printig will be for sure improved so maybe in some months i try it again

Thanks for you comments

Igor

Igor this is great work how about czech engine deck that would be outstanding!!!! how much is the shiping to the states
dave

Sanding 3d printed parts doesn't work well. It tends to take off granules of material, so you never get a smooth finish. Best method is to cast the part in resin, then sand the part to remove print lines and bring out detail. Then use the finished part as a new master for resin copies.

But, manufacturing your own parts kind of defeats the whole purpose of having people order from a 3d printing service.

Hi Dave

Thanks for your kind words.
The czech version is very similar to the factory 174 type.
If the differences are minor maybe it will be released soon.
As soon I have checked the Details you will be informed.
Concerning the shipping cost I have no idea for the US. But when you log in at shapeways.com you get a quote before order conformation.

Best regards
Igor

Igor - I have seen small bolt heads, 1mm, printed perfectly. I have not seen in hand, but have seen photos, of screw heads and rivets done at less than 1mm. Shapeways was getting ready to allow sub-1mm detail printing the last time I checked (about 6 months ago). My understanding is the tech keeps upgrading every 6 months or so...still. A lot of money put into printers has to be recovered before they invest in the next print tech.

What do I mean by this? I guess check again in the next 6 months?

Also, when I have CAD files put up for printing, they are HUGE do the detail level is available even if it is not printable.

This is all just informational, so people go explore it.

Great work, Igor! What type of filament did you use for making the plate? It looks tough and very well printed. I’m planning to create one of this also, and I’m wondering if this kind of filament will be okay: http://www.3d2print.net/shop/product-category/premium-filament/taulman-nylon/. What do you think?