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Discworld 3d print
▷ discworld 3d models 【 STLFinder 】
Discworld
thingiverse
Discworld's Great A'Tuin
discworld
thingiverse
Inspired by Sir Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels, this is a 3d printable model of the discworld travelling through space and time upon four elephants riding on the back of a giant turtle. It is mashup of several bits from different places. The...
Discworld
thingiverse
Terry Prachett is the best author ever.
Discworld
thingiverse
This is remix , i modified parts by YahooJAPAN https://www. thingiverse.com/thing:182136 and Simonarri http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1666174 plus the Disk was created by me .
Discworld Death
thingiverse
Discworld Death remixed for Multi Material printers. ... There is still room for improvement of this remix.
Death (Discworld)
thingiverse
a bust of discworlds (not so) grim reaper :-) heavily inspired by the great discworld artwork created by Paul Kidby Instructions print without (additional) support when finished remove the support strut between the chin and the omega brooch
The Discworld
thingiverse
I Tried a slightly more detailed version of the Discworld map itself, using a topologic version of a colorized map I found online.
...
**While I am happy to share the things I design here for people to print for their personal collections, please do...
Discworld remix
thingiverse
I wanted a more "realistic" depiction of the Discworld continents including the islands. The Hub is still exaggerated , but not overly so. (At 100mm diameter, the hub would be only 0.1mm high at scale. Why Mt. Everest looks almost flat from space.) ...
Discworld Swamp Dragon (WIP)
sketchfab
Discworld Swamp Dragon, based on the concept by Paul Kidby
The Luggage -Discworld-
sketchfab
The luggage from the discworld universe.
Tried to do it in the Disney Infinity style. ...Model in maya, and textures in Substance Painter.
discworld - Gran A'Tuin
thingiverse
A discworld Gran A'Tuin, you can use it as a bookmark, or re-edit to do a key-chain, enjoy!!
Discworld Ankh-Morpork Thug
thingiverse
This is a playing piece for the game Discworld Ankh-Morpork. ... For better weight distribution, print at 15% infill with 10 solid layers on the bottom.
Clacks Tower -Discworld-
sketchfab
A low poly Clacks Tower as seen in the Discworld, a fantastic fantasy world created by Terry Pratchett.
...If you want to decrypt the message :
Discworld Coin Holder
thingiverse
Coin holder for Discworld Delux board-game. Instructions The included OpenSCAD plan allows you to modify the overall design to fit your needs. ... I do not advice to use this design to hold coins...
Samuel Vimes - Discworld
cults3d
His rise from alcoholic policeman to respected member of the aristocracy, and the growth and development of the Watch under his command, have together been one of the major threads of the Discworld series. ...Born into poverty, he is now a highly.
..
Discworld toon figurine
thingiverse
This is a figurine depicting the fictional setting for all of Terry Pratchett's Discworld fantasy novels. ... Instructions Print all three parts with material support and stick them together using glue...
Havelock Vetinari - Discworld
cults3d
Lord Havelock Vetinari is the Patrician of Ankh-Morpork, the head of the fictional city state of Ankh-Morpork in Terry Pratchett's Discworld series. As a youth, he enrolled in the Assassins' Guild which, apart from teaching its students how to kill...
Fred Colon - Discworld
cults3d
Fred Colon is a fictional character in the Discworld novels of Terry Pratchett.
He is a sergeant in the Ankh-Morpork City Watch, and have been so for a long time. He is described on several occasions as "one of nature's sergeants". He is overweight,...
Mustrum Ricully - Discworld
cults3d
Mustrum Ridcully is a wizard in the Discworld novels of Terry Pratchett. He is the Archchancellor of the Unseen University. He became a Seventh Level Wizard at the exceptionally young age of twenty-seven. He owns several hunting crossbows and is...
Granny Weatherwax - Discworld
cults3d
Esmerelda "Esme" Weatherwax is a character from Terry Pratchett's Discworld series. She was a witch.
Granny Weatherwax wore a plain black dress, a somewhat battered black cloak and a tall, pointed witch's hat, skewered to her 'iron-hard gray bun'...
Nanny Ogg - Discworld
cults3d
Gytha Ogg (usually called Nanny Ogg) is a character from Terry Pratchett's Discworld series. She is a witch. She's had 5 husbands and been married to three of them and has fifteen children. Nanny Ogg has a talent for getting along with people and...
Discworld- The Luggage- Trinket Box
thingiverse
Any Discworld Fans out there? Such amazing and memorable characters. ...Even a luggage chest that will follow it's owner on hundreds of little tiny legs
Chest Discworld
sketchfab
No description provided.
stuff for game Discworld: Ankh-Morpork
thingiverse
Several counters for the game Discworld: Ankh-Morpork. ... Everything can be printed without supports, except Monstrylo.
The Luggage DiscWorld
thingiverse
Almost the same model just different legs and printed separately.
Terry Pratchett's Discworld
thingiverse
This is a small remix of https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1037806
All I have done is separate parts into their own stl files.
Unseen University Tower of Art for Discworld: Ankh-Morpork
thingiverse
Tower of Art for the Boardgame "Discworld: Ankh-Morpork"
Samuel Vimes - Discworld - 3D print ready 3D print model
cgtrader
His rise from alcoholic policeman to respected member of the aristocracy, and the growth and development of the Watch under his command, have together been one of the major threads of the Discworld series. Born into poverty, he is now a highly...
Havelock Vetinari - Discworld - 3D print ready 3D print model
cgtrader
Lord Havelock Vetinari is the Patrician of Ankh-Morpork, the head of the fictional city state of Ankh-Morpork in Terry Pratchett's Discworld series.
As a youth, he enrolled in the Assassins' Guild which, apart from teaching its students how to kill...
Fred Colon - Discworld - 3D print ready 3D print model
cgtrader
Fred Colon is a fictional character in the Discworld novels of Terry Pratchett.He is a sergeant in the Ankh-Morpork City Watch, and have been so for a long time. He is described on several occasions as one of nature's sergeants. He is overweight,...
Gambody STL files of Mustrum Ridcully Discworld for 3D Printing
This 3D Figurine consists of files in StereoLithography (.Stl) format that have been optimized for 3D printing.
Before printing the files, we strongly recommend reading the PRINTING DETAILS section.
Mustrum Ridcully 3D Printing Figurine comes in 3 versions for each 3D printer type (FDM/FFF, DLP/SLA and SLS).
Files for each version are available for download after the purchase.
Detailed information about this model is available in the DESCRIPTION section.
| version: FFF/FDM 1.0 version: DLP/SLA 1.0 version: SLS 1.0 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| File Name | File Size | Time / Filament | Object Size (x/y/z mm) | ||
| 1_Hat_FDM (repaired).stl | 16.88 MiB | 2 h 54 min 2 m | 52 x 56 x 44 | Download | |
2_Head_FDM (repaired). stl | 33.43 MiB | 3 h 14 min 2 m | 39 x 43 x 46 | Download | |
| 3_Ge_lock_7S (x2) (repair ed).stl | 0.02 MiB | 3 min | 18 x 7 x 2 | Download | |
4_Body_FDM (repaired). stl | 44.77 MiB | n.a. n.a. | 95 x 60 x 139 | Download | |
| 5_Hand_R_FDM (repaired).s tl | 11.00 MiB | 34 min | 18 x 15 x 30 | Download | |
6_Crossbow_1_FDM (repaire d). stl | 10.12 MiB | 51 min 1 m | 61 x 9 x 24 | Download | |
| 7_Crossbow_2_FDM (repaire d).stl | 11.27 MiB | 25 min | 8 x 9 x 41 | Download | |
8_Hand_L_FDM (repaired). s tl | 17.28 MiB | 36 min | 16 x 16 x 34 | Download | |
| 9_Legs_FDM (repaired).stl | 16.41 MiB | 5 h 53 min 3 m | 53 x 44 x 99 | Download | |
10_Foot_R_FDM (repaired). stl | 14.14 MiB | 1 h 35 min 1 m | 33 x 36 x 37 | Download | |
| 11_Foot_L_FDM (repaired). stl | 16.44 MiB | 1 h 34 min 1 m | 24 x 41 x 38 | Download | |
HISTORY OF MUSTRUM RIDCULLY
Mustrum Ridcully is one of the most powerful wizards in the Discworld universe and one of the main characters of Terry Pratchett’s books.
Currently the head of the Unseen University, he became a 7th-level wizard when only 27 years old. Endowed with outstanding ability, he was the first person to hold the post of Archchancellor for more than a year. Mustrum Ridcully is fearless and cold-minded. He is very pragmatic and does not trust to magic, despite his excellent command of it. By his own admission, he has never met a person who needed to be smashed with magic after being shot with a crossbow. Mustrum grew up together with Esmerelda Weatherwax, with whom he used to be romantically involved. Although Mustrum is more like a loner, he has no problem with disregarding conventional beliefs and seeking help from individuals commonly despised by wizards, such as guards, witches, and so on.
ABOUT THIS 3D FIGURINE
The model is saved in STL files, a format supported by most 3D printers.
FDM version features:
- Contain 11 parts;
- Assembly kit includes locks.
One part of Lock (3_Ge_lock_7S (x2)) needs to be printed twice;
- Made with crossbow and divided pointed hat;
- All parts are divided in such a way that you will print them with the smallest number of support structures.
DLP/SLA version features:
- Same as FDM but smaller, also made as 3 parts;
SLS version features:
- Same as SLA but made as 1 part to save your material;
All STL files for 3D printing have been checked in Netfabb and no errors were shown.
Note: Before starting 3D printing the model, read the Printing Details for CURA 3.4.1, Simplify3D or Slic3r Software.
There are 11 parts for FFF/FDM version, 3 parts for DLP/SLA version and 1 part for SLS.
Scale: Mustrum Ridcully actual height is 1680 mm. The model’s chosen scale is 1/8 for the FDM version and 1/16 for the DLP/SLA/SLS version.
FFF/FDM version dimensions:
A printed model is 233 mm tall, 120 mm wide, 82 mm deep;
SLA/DLP/SLS version dimensions:
A printed model is 117 mm tall, 60 mm wide, 41 mm deep;
- Has few details, to keep printing costs down.
WHAT WILL YOU GET AFTER PURCHASE?
- STL files of Mustrum Ridcully from Discworld novels 3D Figurine for 3D printing which consist of 15 parts;
- 3 versions of files for this model for FFF/FDM, DLP/SLA, and SLS;
- High-poly detailed figurine of Mustrum Ridcully;
- Detailed settings that we provide for Cura 3.4.1, Simplify3D and Slic3r for the best print;
- Full technical support from the Gambody Support Team.
You can get Model of Mustrum Ridcully for 3D Printing right now! Just click the green Buy button in the top-right corner of the model’s page. You can pay with PayPal or your credit card.
Watch the tutorial on how to assemble Mustrum Ridcully 3D Printing Figurine at Gambody YouTube channel.
Also, you may like other Fiction inspired 3D Printing Figurines.
_______
FAQ:
Where can I print a model if I have no printer?
How to get started with 3D printing?
How to set up my 3D printer?
How to choose right 3D model print bed positioning?
How to paint printed figurine?
This model was tested in Cura 3.4.1 and printed on an Ultimaker 2 in PLA material. Below you can find printing recommendations for Cura, Simplify3D and Slic3r softwares.
Cura printing recommendations:
Recommendations: For all parts of Locks you need to change "Brim" type to "Skirt" in Build Plate Adhesion section.
To avoid printing problems, we recommend the following settings:
Quality
Layer Height: 0.1 mm
Initial Layer Height: 0.3 mm
Line Width: 0.4 mm
Wall Line Width: 0.4 mm
Outer Wall Line Width: 0.4 mm
Inner Wall(s) Line Width: 0.4 mm
Top/Bottom Line Width: 0.4 mm
Infill Line Width: 0.4 mm
Skirt/Brim Line Width: 0.4 mm
Support Line Width: 0.4 mm
Initial Layer Line Width: 100%
Shell
Wall Thickness: 0.8 mm
Wall Line Count: 2
Outer Wall Wipe Distance: 0.2 mm
Top Surface Skin Layers: 0
Top/Bottom Thickness: 0.8 mm
Top Thickness: 0.8 mm
Top Layers: 8
Bottom Thickness: 0.8 mm
Bottom Layers: 8
Top/Bottom Pattern: Lines
Bottom Pattern Initial Layer: Lines
Top/Bottom Line Directions: [ ]
Outer Wall Inset: 0 mm
Compensate Wall Overlaps: Check
Compensate Outer Wall Overlaps: Check
Compensate Inner Wall Overlaps: Check
Fill Gaps Between Walls: Everywhere
Filter Out Tiny Gaps: Check
Horizontal Expansion: 0 mm
Initial Layer Horizontal Expansion: 0 mm
Z Seam Alignment: Sharpest Corner
Seam Corner Preference: Hide Seam
Ignore Small Z Gaps: Check
Extra Skin Wall Count: 1
Infill
Infill Density: 20%
Infill Line Distance: 4.
0 mm
Infill Pattern: Grid
Infill Line Directions: [ ]
Infill X Offset: 0 mm
Infill Y Offset: 0 mm
Infill Overlap Percentage: 10%
Infill Overlap: 0.04 mm
Skin Overlap Percentage: 5%
Skin Overlap: 0.02 mm
Infill Wipe Distance: 0.1 mm
Infill Layer Thickness: 0.1 mm
Gradual Infill Steps: 1
Gradual Infill Steps Height: 1.5 mm
Infill Before Walls: Check
Minimum Infill Area: 0 mm2
Skin Removal Width: 0.8 mm
Top Skin Removal Width: 0.8 mm
Bottom Skin Removal Width: 0.8 mm
Skin Expand Distance: 0.8
Top Skin Expand Distance: 0.8
Bottom Skin Expand Distance: 0.8
Maximum Skin Angle for Expansion: 90˚
Minimum Skin Width for Expansion: 0.0
Material
Initial Layer Flow: 100%
Enable Retraction: Check
Retraction Extra Prime Amount: 0 mm3
Retraction Minimum Travel: 0.8 mm
Maximum Retraction Count: 90
Minimum Extrusion Distance Window: 6.5 mm
Nozzle Switch Retraction Distance: 16 mm
Nozzle Switch Retraction Speed: 20 mm/s
Nozzle Switch Retract Speed: 20 mm/s
Nozzle Switch Prime Speed: 20 mm/s
Speed
Print Speed: 45 mm/s
Infill Speed: 45 mm/s
Wall Speed: 22.
5 mm/s
Outer Wall Speed: 22.5 mm/s
Inner Wall Speed: 45 mm/s
Top/Bottom Speed: 15 mm/s
Support Speed: 45 mm/s
Support Infill Speed: 45 mm/s
Travel Speed: 45 mm/s
Initial Layer Speed: 22.5 mm/s
Initial Layer Print Speed: 22.5 mm/s
Initial Layer Travel Speed: 30 mm/s
Skirt/Brim Speed: 45 mm/s
Maximum Z Speed: 0 mm/s
Number of Slower Layers: 2
Travel
Combing Mode: All
Avoid Printed Parts when Traveling: Check
Travel Avoid Distance: 0.6562 mm
Layer Start X: 0.0 mm
Layer Start Y: 0.0 mm
Cooling
Enable Print Cooling: Check
Fan Speed: 100%
Regular Fan Speed: 100%
Maximum Fan Speed: 100%
Regular/Maximum Fan Speed Threshold: 10 s
Initial Fan Speed: 0%
Regular Fan Speed at Height: 0.3 mm
Regular Fan Speed at Layer: 2
Minimum Layer Time: 5 s
Minimum Speed: 10 mm/s
Support
Generate Support: Check
Support Placement: Everywhere
Support Overhang Angle: 50°
Support Pattern: Zig Zag
Connect Support ZigZags: Check
Support Density: 15 %
Support Line Distance: 2 mm
Support Z Distance: 0.
1 mm
Support Top Distance: 0.15 mm
Support Bottom Distance: 0.1 mm
Support X/Y Distance: 0.6 mm
Support Distance Priority: Z overrides X/Y
Minimum Support X/Y Distance: 0.3 mm
Support Stair Step Height: 0.3 mm
Support Stair Step Maximum Width: 5.0 mm
Support Join Distance: 2.0 mm
Support Horizontal Expansion: 0.2 mm
Support Infill Layer Thickness: 0.1 mm
Gradual Support Infill Steps: 0
Use Towers: Check
Tower Diameter: 3.0 mm
Minimum Diameter: 3.0 mm
Tower Roof Angle: 65°
Build Plate Adhesion
Build Plate Adhesion Type: Brim (for all parts of locks use "Skirt")
Skirt/Brim Minimum Length: 250 mm
Brim Width: 8.0 mm
Brim Line Count: 15
Brim Only on Outside: Check
Mesh Fixes
Union Overlapping Volumes: Check
Merged Meshes Overlap: 0.15 mm
Special Modes
Print Sequence: All at Once
Surface Mode: Normal
Experimental
Slicing Tolerance: Middle
Maximum Resolution: 0.
01 mm
Flow rate compensation max extrusion offset: 0 mm
Flow rate compensation factor: 100%
Disclaimer: This model will look outstanding if printed on SLA/SLS 3D printer. The accuracy of the model printed on FFF printer can vary from the result shown in the pictures.
Simplify3D printing recommendations:
This model was tested with PLA material.
To avoid printing problems, we recommend the following settings:
Extruder
Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm
Extrusion Multiplier: 0.97
Extrusion Width: Auto
Retraction Distance: 5.00 mm
Extra Restart Distance: 0.00 mm
Retraction Vertical Lift: 0.08 mm
Retraction Speed: 5400.0 mm/min
Wipe Distance: 5.00 mm
Layer
Primary Layer Height: 0.2 mm
Top Solid Layers: 8
Bottom Solid Layers: 5
Outline/Perimeter Shells: 2
Outline Direction: Inside-Out
First Layer Height: 90%
First Layer Width: 100%
First Layer Speed: 20%
Additions
Use Skirt/Brim: Check
Skirt Layers: 1
Skirt Offset from Part: 6.
00 mm
Skirt Outlines: 5
Infill
Internal Fill Pattern: Fast Honeycomb
External Fill Patern: Rectilinear
Interior Fill Percentage: 10%
Outline Overlap: 22%
Infill Extrusion Width: 100%
Minimum Infill Length: 5.00 mm
Combine Infill Every: 1 layers
External Infill Angle Offsets: 45/-45 deg
Support
Generate Support Material: Check
Support Infill Percentage: 15%
Extra Inflation Distance: 1.00 mm
Support Base Layers: 0
Combine Support Every: 1 layers
Dense Support Layers: 0
Dense Infill Percentage: 70%
Support Type: Normal
Support Pillar Resolution: 5.00 mm
Max Overhang Angle: 60 deg
Horizontal Offset From Part: 0.50 mm
Upper Vertical Separation Layers: 1
Lower Vertical Separation Layers: 1
Support Infill Angles: 45 deg
Temperature
Extruder 1 Temperature: 210
Heated Bed: 60
Cooling
Increase fan speed for layers below: 45.
0 sec
Maximum Cooling fan speed: 50%
Bridging fan speed override: 100%
Speeds
Default Printing Speed: 4800.0 mm/min
Outline Underspeed: 50%
Solid Infill Underspeed: 80%
Support Structure Underspeed: 80%
X/Y Axis Movement Speed: 10800.0 mm/min
Z Axis Movemen Speed: 1002.0 mm/min
Adjust printing speed for layers below: 15.0 sec
Allow speed reduction down to: 20%
Other
Unsupported area threshold: 20.0 sq m
Slic3r printing recommendations:
Layer height
Layer height: 0.1 mm
First layer height: 90%
Vertical shells
Perimeters: 2
Horizontal shells
Soid layers:
Top: 8
Bottom: 5
Quality
Detect thin walls: Check
Detect bridging perimeters: Check
Advanced
Seam position: Random
Infill
Fill desity: 20%
Fill pattern: Honeycomb
Top/bottom fill pattern: Rectilinear
Reducing printing time
Combine infill every: 1 layers
Advanced
Solid infill every: 0 layers
Fill angle: 25 deg
Solid infill threshold area: 0mm
Skirt
Loops: 2
Distance from object: 6 mm
Skirt height: 1 layers
Minimum extrusion length: 4 mm
Brim
Brim width: 10 mm
Support material
Generate support material: Check
Overhang threshold: 45 deg
Enforce support for the first: 3 layers
Raft
Raft layers: 0 layers
Options for support material and raft
Contact Z distance: 0.
1 mm
Pattern: Rectilinear
Patter spacing: 2 mm
Pattern angle: 0 deg
Interface layers: 2 layers
Interface pattern spacing: 0.2 mm
Speed for print moves
Perimeters: 60 mm/s
Small perimeters: 20 mm/s
External perimeters: 20 mm/s
Infill: 60 mm/s
Solid infill: 60 mm/s
Top solid infill: 30 mm/s
Support material: 50 mm/s
Support material interface: 100%
Bridges: 30 mm/s
Gap fill: 50 mm/s
Speed for non-print moves
Travel: 60 mm/s
Modifiers
First layer speed: 30 mm/s
Acceleration control
Perimeters: 800 mm/s
Infill: 1500 mm/s
Bridge: 1000 mm/s
First layer: 1000 mm/s
Default: 1000 mm/s
Autospeed
Max print speed: 100 mm/s
Max volumetrix speed: 0 mm/s
Extrusion width
Default extrusion width: 0.42 mm
First layer: 0.42 mm
Perimeters: 0.
42 mm
External perimeters: 0.42 mm
Infill: 0.42 mm
Solid infill: 0.42 mm
Top solid infill: 0.42 mm
Support material: 0.42 mm
Overlap
Infill/Perimeters overlap: 20%
Flow
Bridge flow ratio: 0.95
Other
XY Size Compensation: 0 mm
Threds: 8
Resolution: 0 mm
How to make money on 3D printing: an overview of promising niches
The heyday of 3D printing was in 2010-2015. Additive technologies have rapidly burst into the market, making possibilities that previously existed only in science fiction films a reality. Even the most pessimistic critics had no doubts that very soon approaches to the production and customization of goods will change dramatically.
However, the revolution did not happen. Mass-produced products are still mass-produced without the use of 3D printing, and the idea of moving production closer to the consumer has not been realized, despite billions of investments and the active participation of the world's largest players from various industries.
What's the matter?
A global failure
In 2015, Amazon applied for a patent for using in-vehicle 3D printers to print ordered items at a nearby pickup location. A patent was obtained, but the idea was never implemented.
During the same period, UPS deployed 100 CloudDDM (now Fast Radius) start-up 3D printers to one of its logistics hubs in the United States to create full-cycle automated production.
The site could operate 24/7 under the control of just one operator. UPS resources made it possible to deliver manufactured goods to another continent the very next day. All conditions were created for the success of the project, but it also did not receive development.
Global retailers Tesco, Walmart and Carrefour tried to introduce 3D printing as a service, but they also stopped at the testing stage. Just like toy manufacturers Mattel, Lego and Toys "R" Us - with 3D printing projects.
New strategy
The lack of rapid and large-scale results excluded 3D printing from the list of hype topics, but did not kill the idea itself. The market got rid of the excess of those who want to change the world and become famous, clearing the way for those who really want to work.
Over the past five years, favorable conditions have developed in the industry for the development of projects in the field of additive technologies.
To take advantage of the situation, the new wave of businessmen should abandon large-scale ideas and focus on narrow niches and specific customers. Of course, it does not sound as incendiary as the presentations of Amazon and Google, but it can bring real money.
This is exactly the path followed by the founders of Align Technology (USA), who created and patented the Invisalign dental alignment system with caps, having previously received FDA approval and a $140 million investment.
In 2015, the company shipped 583.2 million 3D printed caps to customers and generated a net profit of $144 million at a 17% margin.
The success of the American startup was repeated by the Russian company 3D Smile, which uses 3D printing to produce removable transparent mouthguards for bite correction. In terms of cost, they are comparable to braces, but much more convenient to use. In August 2014, 3D Smile was certified by Roszdravnadzor, launched sales in October, and reached operating profit in December.
SOLS (USA) raised $23.7 million in investment and implemented 3D printing technology for custom-made orthopedic insoles. The service was tested in partnership with 50 orthopedists, from whose patients up to a hundred orders were received per week. At the launch stage in 2014, the cost of a pair of personal insoles was 300-500 dollars (for analogues in pharmacies, you had to pay 500-1000 dollars). Two years later, they managed to reduce the price to $ 99 per pair and increase the flow of orders many times over.
Several Russian projects have been successfully launched in a similar niche. The most famous of them is the Motorika children's traction prostheses, which have now evolved into bioelectric prostheses with built-in gadgets. The company's turnover for 2018 is about one million dollars.
We can also mention the Zdravprint service - 3D printing of individual orthoses that replace plaster and its alternatives, as well as used in complex fractures after plaster removal. They are printed on a custom printer. At the product creation stage, the founders invested $50,000 in the project, and then raised another $100,000 from Maxfield Capital venture fund.
Not a single print
Not only manufacturers of goods, but also equipment sellers make money on the wave of popularity of 3D printers.
After the expiration of the first patents, the price of the printer dropped from $20,000 to $2,000.
This was taken advantage of by several Russian companies, which now make up the main pool of sellers of such equipment.
Each manufacturer has developed its own technological solution with unique elements, which helped to divide niches and not create heat in the competitive field.
One of the first manufacturers in the Russian Federation was PICASO 3D, ApisCOR created the first really working construction 3D printer, 3D SLA is responsible for printing metal products.
There are also desktop 3D printer vendors on the market (TOP 3DSHOP, 3D REP) that rely on import and distribution. In addition, they are engaged in 3D modeling and custom printing, and offer CNC machines and robotic systems.
For new players, the entrance to a clearly segmented business that operates in each of the listed niches is still open. At the same time, to start, it is not necessary to have a unique technology or idea, it is enough to identify your client and focus on demand.
In addition, there are a sufficient number of empty niches on the market that you can enter and work in.
Open niches
Jewelry
The jewelry market is stagnant, buyers are increasingly trying to save money and get an interesting design, so they choose jewelry not from gold, but from silver, as well as bijouterie.
Manufacturers are responding by reducing the weight of precious metals and introducing cheaper substitutes into the range.
3D printing gives the market the missing element - personalization of jewelry.
This allows you to "drop" the cost of production under the order, reduce lead times and meet real demand. There is no need to invent technology, any jewelry shape can be easily found on the Internet and adapted in a 3D editor.
Characters and artifacts for gamers
3D printing of game artifacts or characters (Warcraft, DotA, GTA) is an interesting and promising niche, not just printing children's toys.
In the USA there are examples of cases with high sales volumes. For example, the WhiteClouds company offers fans and lovers of computer games to create a personalized figure of their favorite game character.
The demand from gamers for such products is stable and will grow. According to Newzoo forecasts, this solvent audience will reach 28.2 million people by the end of 2019. And most of them like the idea of printing out their sword, armor, or an entire character from the game.
Orthopedics
In Russia, this niche is practically not occupied. Individual players are engaged in insoles and orthoses, however, this market is much wider and includes everything that is made of plastic, rubber, requires a certain level of rigidity and individual settings.
Today, the main sellers of such goods buy them in bulk from China. The use of 3D printing will help to abandon this in favor of small-scale production on site on demand.
The result is cost savings, simplification of logistics, and an increase in turnover. For the client, this is an opportunity to quickly, right at the medical center, get what the doctor has prescribed. No need to search, order and wait.
There are successful cases in this market, they can be studied and “tried on” for other groups of orthopedic products.
Auto Parts
3D printing of automotive parts is an idea that has been successfully implemented by a number of companies in the US. Moreover, we are not talking about the nodes of running systems, but about simple spare parts that constantly break down.
Door handles, sun visors and blinds, disk covers are all products of steady demand. They can be printed on a 3D printer, make a markup of 400-500%, and at the same time successfully compete with official dealers who are not interested in selling "trifle".
Owners of used cars often look for such parts at dismantling sites, since it is not possible to order a new one or the price is not acceptable.
The range can be expanded with plastic elements for tuning and car customization.
Also, 3D printing can be used in auto tuning and more globally. For example, the RingBrothers company is engaged in the creation of unique "custom" cars. At some point, the team decided that it was too expensive to constantly make metal parts, figure out how they would look on the car, and then make a new version. Therefore, I began to use 3D printers to create cheaper prototypes.
Another example is the collaboration between MINI (BMW) and Belgian personalization software provider Twikit. The automaker has brought in Twikit so that car buyers can use the platform to create their own interior and exterior elements using 3D modeling. These models were sent to BMW's additive manufacturing center, where customer-designed parts are 3D printed and then integrated into the ordered car.
Manufacture of consumables
A fairly simple business that requires one Chinese machine and a pack of plastic in granules to start.
The output is a filament for 3D printing, a product needed by a wide range of consumers.
Now the market is at a stage where even major players do not have their own production of consumables, so you can not only make money on startups, but also get a flow of orders from stable customers. The economics of such a project is clear to both business and investors, and the simplicity of the idea makes it convenient for resale. The main thing is that the 3D printing market develops, and there are all conditions for this.
Photo in the text and on the cover: UNSPLASH
Optimization of production in the energy industry using 3D technologies
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Application of 3D printing in the energy industry | Solar cells, batteries and power plants | New generation wind turbines | Graphene and liquid batteries | 3D printing in the gas sector: turbine blades
In a recent article, we talked about how 3D printing is beneficial for the production of solar panels.
But this is only a special case of the use of additive technologies in the energy sector. Their potential is much wider - 3D printers can be used for prototyping and manufacturing in other sectors of the industry, for example, in oil and gas companies or to create wind and solar power plants.
Additive manufacturing is becoming a strong ally of the energy industry, allowing it to explore new areas and applications. In this article, we will discuss all the advantages of 3D printing and talk about projects implemented in the energy industry using additive technologies.
3D printing applications in the energy industry
Prototyping and production
Today, 3D printing is used not only for prototyping, but also for the production of new parts, devices and designs. The examples that we will give perfectly demonstrate the advantages of this technology.
3D technologies allow you to work more efficiently at various levels.
You can use 3D printing or 3D modeling to improve the visualization of your designs. 3D models - including printed ones - can be used not only within the company, but also to demonstrate projects to customers.
Photo: www.greentechmedia.com
Customization at lower prices
Additive manufacturing attracts many companies with the ability to create parts tailored to individual requirements. If you are making parts to order, then 3D printing is exactly what you need.
No less important is the fact that 3D technologies owe their widespread use in the energy sector to low cost, especially for prototyping - 3D printing allows you to carry out as many iterations as you need.
3D printing in the development of new devices
We already wrote that 3D printing has made a real revolution in renewable energy and that solar panels made on a 3D printer are 20% more efficient than standard ones.
New materials and technologies are further increasing the efficiency of devices - for example, recently materials have been developed that have allowed rethinking the production of solar panels.
The possibilities of using 3D printing in the energy sector are very wide, but their implementation requires special materials. The properties of the materials depend on the intended use of the final parts - resistance to loads, pressure, chemicals or heat may be required.
Siemens 3D printing technology speeds up turbine blade production by 90%
Energy Innovation: Best Projects Using 3D Printers
We have collected examples of the best energy projects using 3D printers. They will help you better understand the current possibilities and potential of additive manufacturing in this industry.
Solar cells, batteries and power plants
A Dubai-based company has chosen 3D printing for a project called Smart Palm.
The idea is to create stations on city streets and beaches where people can charge their phones, connect to Wi-Fi, and so on. "Smart palm trees" have a modern design and collect solar energy.
"Smart palm trees" with solar panels / Photo: inhabitat.com
Stations are printed on reinforced plastic 3D printers. At first it was planned to make them from steel, but the creators sought to reduce the weight of the structure and therefore chose 3D printing from plastic.
Some of Sculpteo's customers work with solar energy and use 3D printing. For example, Simusolar, founded in 2014, is building solar power plants in rural Tanzania by designing and implementing compact, green solutions that help people in their daily lives. The company's customers are farmers, fishermen and villagers who need equipment powered by solar electricity. Simusolar uses 3D printing because there is a need for many custom parts.
The Australian organization CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization) uses 3D printers to print rolled solar cells.
CSIRO produces A3 size photovoltaic sheets that are suitable for all surfaces (eg windows and buildings). This opens up completely new possibilities: the high efficiency of solar panels and 3D printing technologies allow the company to create accurate and reliable systems. As we have already found out, solar panels printed on a 3D printer are 20% more efficient than traditional ones.
Solar cell printed on a 3D printer / Photo: 3DPrint.com
To date, these are the largest photovoltaic cells. They are made of flexible lightweight plastic. Researchers have developed an ink with photoelectric properties that is applied to a strip of flexible plastic. The production process includes coating the strips with an engraved cylinder, applying ink using a slotted die, as well as squeegee printing.
New generation wind turbines
Additive technologies make it possible to create new types of wind turbines. Wind farms are known to be an efficient source of energy, but Orange Silicon Valley decided to go even further and find out if it is possible to manufacture microturbines, and if so, how.
Conventional wind farms are difficult to transport, which is why the company has focused on developing smaller plants. Such installations can be easily transported to areas where it is difficult to use traditional wind turbines. In addition, they are ideal for urban conditions. Prototypes of installations were printed from ABS plastic on a desktop 3D printer.
Startup RCAM Technologies decided to introduce 3D printing for the production of wind farms. The goal of the project is not to create microturbines, but, on the contrary, large ones. Indeed, the higher the setting, the more efficient it works. The idea is simple: print some wind farm parts on the spot. In 2019, StartUs Insights analysts included RCAM Technologies in the list of the best startups using additive technologies in the energy sector.
The rapid development of large-scale 3D printing makes it possible to implement ever larger projects. In other words, 3D printers will make wind energy more efficient.
At the moment, the company is creating prototypes of wind turbines using a robotic arm.
Graphene and wet batteries
We already know about the benefits of graphene batteries; but if you print them on 3D printers, they become even more productive and greener. Researchers from the City University of Manchester, the University of Chester and Central South University in China have created an entirely new energy storage device.
Inside it are disk electrodes printed with graphene on a 3D printer. This amazing material is the future of electrical engineering and electronics. Many different materials can be used for printing, depending on the purpose of the project. Additive technologies make it possible to create entire systems for the production and storage of renewable energy.
Parts of the Redox Flow battery case printed on a 3D printer / Photo: jss.ecsdl.org
Researchers from IBM and ETH Zurich have created the first liquid battery that simultaneously produces electricity and cold.
It is called "Redox Flow" and is produced using 3D printing. The research team uses additive technologies to create a system of microchannels through which the electrolyte moves. This minimizes energy consumption and avoids high internal temperatures.
3D printing in the gas sector: turbine blades
Siemens UK engineers decided to use 3D printing for the production of gas turbine blades. The blades must be resistant to high pressure, speeds up to 1600 km/h and withstand an ambient temperature of 1250°C with rapid cooling down to 400°C.
Siemens UK launches additive manufacturing of turbine blades / Photo: www.siemens.com
What are the advantages of 3D printing for the production of such equipment? The technology speeds up the blade manufacturing process by 90%! This is a typical use case for 3D printing for oil and gas companies.
Steel components are expensive. Additive methods can reduce their cost and allow you to get any parts of any size, fully adapted to specific equipment.
