Hobby 3d printing service

Online 3D printing service for Business & Hobby

Compare 3D Printing Technologies

Technology	FDM	DUP	DLP & SLA	MJ & Polyjet	SLS	SLM & DMLS
Tip	An affordable way to get rough prototypes, educational and hobby projects.	Budget friendly printing with resins, great for figurines, minis and scale models.	High-precision resin printing for medical applications and jewelry master models.	High-definition resin printing with multiple materials and color support. Provides accurate structure, texture and visual appearance.	Works best for low batch productions, snap-fit prototypes and mechanical parts.	Produces metal parts and components, suitable for replacements and rapid metal prototypes.
Average cost	$	$$	$$$	$$$	$$$	$$$$
Average turnaround* (including shipping)	4 days	8 days	10 days	10 days	10 days	15 days
How it works	Produces objects from string plastic or rubber, which is heated and extruded through a nozzle to form an object from the bottom up.	Uses LED lights and a masking screen to selectively cure UV resins. While similar to stereolithography, LED-based 3D printers are more prone to voxelization, resulting in parts with more visible layers. On the bright side, DUP printing is much quicker than common SLA.	With a more powerful and precise light source (projector in DLP and a laser in SLA) these technologies are more accurate and smooth.	Operates several nozzles to drop mix and combine UV resins with each layer instantly cured by the source on the printing head.	Using a laser fuses plastic powder grains layer by layer. This technology is most cost-efficient when many parts are nested and printed in one run. Parts are recommended to be post-processed or coated as they are highly porous.	Like SLS, uses a laser, however, not just sinters the powder grains but melts them together. This method allows getting complex metal parts and even pieces from precious metals.
Compatible materials	100+ Plastics, rubbers, polyesters, polyamides, exotic and engineering composites	UV & Daylight Resins, Castable, Tough, Flexible types	UV Resins, Engineering, Dental, Medical, Castable and Flexible types	UV Resins, Wide range of properties available through combinations, matte & glossy finish possible	Polyamides, Rubbers and Nylon-based composites with special properties (esd-safe, medical, etc)	Metals

* — an average value is presented, more accurate lead time is shown in the widget

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Why choose 3D printing On-Demand

Accessible Low Batch Runs

On-demand manufacturing allows creating components in small runs, scaling the number of the stock based on consumer request. It is an affordable way to get your small business running and selling your very own products.

Educational & Hobby Projects

With 3D printing, you can explore hidden talents, try new things and turn the ideas into custom objects.

Better Approach to Consumption

By producing only the parts needed, you can save space and reduce material waste. 3D printing also helps get replacement parts that are no longer available to fix machinery and tools, allowing for more sustainable use.

Earn Up to 32% back from your Order

On Treatstock you can get Bonuses from using 3D printing or any other manufacturing service. Depending on a vendor’s offer, you will earn a certain number of Bonuses, which can be later used to cover your purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to check a 3D printing service price?

You can get a 3D printing instant quote by uploading a file to our widget. It is calculating the cost of materials and work required to manufacture your parts, including support structures under the overhanging areas. Aside from the volume, the price may be influenced by excessive supports removal (lots of small pieces with lots of supports) or material changes in between the runs (many parts ordered in different colors).

How is my IP protected?

It's the manufacturer's responsibility to destroy all digital copies of files contained in the order, including all derivative work and trace logs, after completing the order, or if the order is canceled. The second layer of protection, which also covers 3D models that are not published on Treatstock, is that we use an innovative system called Watermark 3D to automatically insert a secret watermark into all STL files downloaded by the manufacturer. The watermark, which is practically invisible and undetectable without the correct password, causes no structural changes to the design and contains information pertinent to a particular order and its manufacturer.

Can we sign an NDA?

Our Terms & Conditions broadly cover intellectual property and private information safety for all users and orders that go through the platform. It serves as NDA for all the files and order information by default. However, if you need an additional document, it is absolutely possible to get that after you select a vendor.

Can you 3D print my CAD files?

Yes, we can 3D print STL and STEP formats straight away. For other CAD models you may need to proceed with a manual quote to get them printable first, however, we’ll do our best to help you get from an early stage design to a finished product as quickly as possible.

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3D Printing Service: Best Services of 2022

The first step to making stunning 3D prints when you have no 3D printer at home is finding a 3D printing service. Such companies are available worldwide, and they give you a chance to bring to life your favourite characters and cosplay costumes with quick delivery to your home. Our selection of the best 3D printing services can help you get started.

Find out information about 3D print on demand, how prices on 3D printing are calculated and select a professional 3D print service you can trust.

Read also: Best 3D Printing Websites with Free 3D Print Models 2022

3D Printing Service

The creation of 3D printing in the 1980s and the super-fast growing popularity of this incredible manufacturing process amazes. Many small and big companies take full advantage of the new technology replacing the traditional production with more affordable, cheaper, quicker and easier solutions.

Even though many households can now get a cheap 3D printer, some people prefer outsourcing production to online 3D printing services. This way, they can get professional help, choose various kinds of 3D printing materials and receive full assistance with scaling the model up or down.

Here are some sources if you are looking for your home 3D printer and choose not to 3D print on demand:

The Best 3D Printer for Beginners
Best 3D Printer Under 300 Dollars
Best Large 3D Printer 2022 for Making Big Objects

3D Printing Services: Pros and Cons

Top online 3D printing services can craft your preferred 3D model in no time with your chosen filament material and colour. Top 3D printing companies deliver post-printing processed models at your house’s doorstep via international delivery. So, regardless of your location, you can easily turn your computer on, and choose a 3D printing service that best responds to your needs.

What are the advantages of using a 3D printing service instead of investing in your personal 3D printer?

Your project will be supervised from start to end by a team of professionals who know all the hidden secrets of 3D printing.
Every professional 3D printer service uses expensive 3D printers and is committed to delivering high quality (often custom-made) objects to their clients. Such companies do not compromise the working process and will never disappoint their customers’ expectations. They can truly be called 3D printing online mini-factories that deliver hundreds of 3D printed projects of different complexity every day.
It can be convenient of having your 3D printed model, object or item delivered to your home within a set time frame.

Are there any disadvantages? The best 3D printer services can be costly but the price depends on the materials, size of your model, 3D printing specifications and shipping fee.

Read also: Over 100 Fun 3D Printer Projects

Where Can I Get Something 3D printed

Gambody’s post covers the most reliable professional 3D printing services in 2022. You can use them for making character models, unique parts, prototypes and other 3D printed items.

1. Sculpteo

Sculpteo is a 3D printing service that helps those who want to order 3D prints with the tools and equipment hobbyists don’t have at home.

This online 3D printing service is easy to use. A customer uploads the files, learns Sculpteo price using the “instant quote” option, places an order and waits for the company to 3D print and ship it to the client’s address worldwide.

The company accepts files in over 25 formats. The uploaded file is being repaired by the company, if required, which ensures that you will get an accurate 3D printed object.

Sculpteo provides over 30 printing materials and various optimization tools to make any desired object take the correct shape in the real world.

2. Shapeways

Shapeways 3D printing service makes life easier for those who have an interest in this technology. Customers can personally customize their objects using this service.

There are two ways to order 3D printed parts. You can select one of the 3D printable models available on Shapeways website and print it immediately, without the need to open a new site. Or, you can upload your STL files and have them 3D printed in the colour and printing material you choose.

This is a useful 3D printing service for a hobbyist. It stocks various materials like porcelain, stainless steel, precious metals, and numerous plastics in full colour.

The price depends on the material and size of the object you want to print. The site offers the feature of an instant estimate of your price, which is a convenient tool nowadays to help stick to the set budget.

3. Hubs

Hubs is more than just an online 3D printing service. This manufacturing network helps users from all over the world to get NCN machining, sheet metal fabrication and 3D printing services.

The company can give you a detailed quote after you upload a CAD file. Hubs can help you build FDM, SLS, SLA, MJF 3D prints in any of over 35 colours and over 25 plastics. With a global network of more than 2,400 3D printers, this 3D printing service sounds like an outstanding solution.

It sounds like the entire process is extremely flexible with users having full control over it. Nothing is done until the hub confirms that your order is received and accepted. The payment procedure is secured and all the information is strictly confidential.

After completion, you can coordinate the pickup, or you can indicate that you prefer shipping, before you order 3D prints.

4. iMaterialize

iMaterialize is similar to Shapeways in the fact that it offers 3D printing services. It all starts with the user uploading the 3D files in over 40 file formats accepted. The rest is handled by the iMaterialize team of professionals. The company prides itself on awarding quantity discounts if the customer wants to order the same 3D prints several times.

Their professional 3D printing services are tailored to the user’s needs. It is easy to choose from 10 3D printing technologies, 20 materials and over 100 colours. iMaterialize prints in a wide variety of materials, from polyamide, aluminide, ceramics, paintable and transparent resin, ABS, titanium, steel, silver, gold, bronze, wood, copper and more.

Once your order is submitted, one of the top 3D printing companies takes over all the responsibility for the production process. Their facilities are equipped with over 100 printers, which means that you won’t wait too long once you order 3D printed items. They have also a flat rate shipping policy and ship worldwide.

5. Ponoko

What sets Ponoko apart from other 3D printing services is they provide free open-sourced laser cut files along with laser cutting options. They focus on delivering custom-made 3D objects, monitoring the entire production process from prototyping to shipping.

The company offers customers fast prototyping and conversion services, taking part in creating a custom-oriented object. They print in over 200 types of material, including foam, rubber, plastics and sheet metals. They can also deliver your order on the same day.

The pricing starts from $50 for one item. But the total can get 93% down if you order 10,000 items. A lot depends on the materials chosen and the model that needs to be printed.

6. Craftcloud

When looking for 3D printing services for hobbyists, look at Craftcloud. It helps to create stunning 3D prints from 68 unique materials, including Nylon, PLA, ABS, Wood, TPU, stainless steel, brass, copper, gold, resin, HIP, PETG, etc.

The 3D printing service accepts numerous file formats. Thus, you can upload STL, OBJ, STEP files and other supported formats and expect to receive a high-quality 3D print.

You can choose from the 18 3D printing technologies and order 3D prints that will make you happy with worldwide shipping.

7. Photolabs

When you are 3D printing online, you need to find a reliable 3D print service such as Photolabs. The company can become your rapid prototyping partner and deliver a high-quality 3D printing service you will love.

The firm accepts STL, STEP, ACIS and IGS file formats. You can order 3D prints made in numerous materials, including plastics (Nylon, ABS, Polycarbonate), metals (Copper, Aluminum, Stainless Steel), elastomers (TPU) and others.

With the help of the best 3D printing service according to your taste, you can always 3D print your favourite models from gambody.com.

8. Star Rapid

Among the different services Star Rapid offers is a 3D printing service you can use. It is a reliable option for anyone who wants to create prototypes or order 3D prints from steel, aluminium, titanium or maraging steel.

The firm accepts IGES, STEP and STL files, and it can ship your 3D printed parts worldwide. To use this online 3D printing service, you should upload your file and get a quote. It is easy for hobbyists and small businesses who are fond of additive manufacturing technologies but do not own a 3D printer yet.

It is fantastic that thanks to numerous 3D print services you don’t need to leave your home to receive your 3D prints.

9. FacFox

One of the 3D printing services, FacFox, is also ready to create parts for you. It gives you an option to get an auto quote or manually ask how much it costs to order 3D prints through this firm.

Since the average lead time is only three days, you can quickly receive your stunning 3D printed model or parts needed for your small business. Fans of plastic and metal 3D printing can create impressive projects from ABS, PLA, Nylon, Bronze, Titanium, Aluminum and other materials.

To order online 3D printing, you should upload OBJ, STL, DWG or another supported file format. And it is also possible to get 3D scanning, moulding and casting services with FacFox.

10. Quickparts

The list of professional 3D printing services that can easily recreate any Gambody STL files you own includes Quickparts. This company ships worldwide and lets you choose from over 75 materials and order 3D printed parts made with SLA, SLS, FDM, DLP and DMP 3D printers.

In other words, you can get STL 3D printing service (other types of files are also accepted) in ABS, Stainless Steel, Nylon, Aluminum, Resin, Polypropylene PP and other options.

While steel, chrome and other metals are good for business 3D printed parts, Resin, Nylon and ABS can be perfect for recreating 3D printable models of your beloved superheroes from Gambody. com marketplace.

11. Xometry

Let’s continue our list of 3D printing services for hobbyists with Xometry. This firm offers manufacturing on-demand, from prototyping to production. You can upload Gambody STL files after purchasing them on gambody.com and receive an instant quote for 3D printing them with Xometry.

You can order 3D prints made of Nylon, ABS, Resin and other materials. And your finished model or figurine will be shipped to you.

Besides 3D printing services, the firm lets you buy materials, get laser cutting and waterjet cutting, CNC machining, injection moulding and other assistance.

12. Get It Made

Small businesses and individuals can discover Get It Made, a 3D printing service willing to produce your projects from plastic and metal materials. The firm assures it can 3D print low volume orders and recreate complex parts using FDM, SLA, SLM and other 3D printing technologies. The lead time for complex objects can be from one to 2. 5 weeks. But then you can receive your order at your doorsteps.

Such 3D printing service providers definitely make life easier for many hobbyists worldwide. Thus, there is no need to buy a 3D printer today if you wish to dive into additive manufacturing adventures.

13. AnyShape

Those who are searching for modern additive manufacturing partners can learn more about AnyShape. This firm offers a 3D printing service along with other methods of production.

You can order 3D components via any of the four offered technologies such as FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), SLS (Selective Lather Sintering), Multijet printing and Continuous Fibre Fabrication. Depending on your project shape, surface finish, quantity and colour, you can choose the most reliable method that would make your 3D printed parts strong and long-lasting.

You can ask AnyShape experts prior to ordering 3D prints and then decide if this service is for you.

14. American Additive

Whether you are looking for commercial 3D printing services or a way to support your hobby, American Additive could be your choice. Skilled engineers can help you recreate any project with a smooth finish and from top quality materials.

The supplier can build your 3D printing models using FDM, MJF, SLA, SLS 3D printers and other machines. It is quick to create parts for your hobby and work. The company can help you 3D print medical projects, casting patterns, industrial prototypes, etc.

15. TH Industries

With 10 years of experience, the French 3D printing service TH Industries is ready to bring to life functional parts and any models of your choice. It offers a variety of finishes, 3D printing materials and FDM 3D printers that can accomplish your projects.

The firm has 43 3D printers and is proud to be the best 3D printing service in Angers (France). So if you live in the European Union, you might want to use one of the top 3D printing companies in this area.

16. 3DExperience

Another company that can 3D print on demand is 3DExperience. This 3D printing service offers instant quotes based on the files you upload. It can work with the popular STL, OBJ, 3DS and other file formats.

The company connects users with 3D printing service providers such as Sculpteo, Xometry, Get It Made, Any-Shape, American Additive and more. This way, you get a wide choice of materials for building your project, including ABS, PLA, HIPS, PET, TPU, Resin, Nylon, Gold, Silver Steel, Zinc, Platinum, etc.

Through this online 3D printing firm, you can order directly from 3DExperience or get quotes from several suppliers to choose your best option.

17. Stratasys Direct

Seekers of outsourced additive technologies can use an online 3D printing service by Stratasys. It is called Stratasys Direct, and it offers six technologies, including the most popular FDM and Laser Sintering. The available materials are ABS, Nylon, ASA, TPE, Resin, Steel, Copper and other metals.

Remote 3D print services are very popular these days even though many households have their personal 3D printers. Still, sometimes you need to order big quantities at once or create something life-size, with a smooth and perfect finish from the first attempt.

Online 3D printing service can save your time and nerves, and you won’t have to buy a 3D printer if you plan to 3D print only a couple of times for yourself or place bulk orders for making many 3D printed parts for your business needs.

18. Fast Radius

Manufacturing lighthouses are a new reality for many business and individuals who wish to outsource their needs and use remote services as much as possible to achieve their goals. Professional 3D printing services offered by Fast Radius can be very helpful to anyone who is looking for additive manufacturing companies.

The company can 3D print parts in ABS, Nylon, Resin, Cobalt Chrome, Stainless Steel and other materials and have your finished project shipped to your door.

Upload your STL files or OBJ, BIN, SAT and other supported formats to get your quote and start 3D printing on demand today.

19. Beamler

Commercial 3D printing services such as Beamler let you enjoy all the advantages of industrial 3D printing without having to buy a 3D printer. You can easily manufacture high-quality 3D printed parts, items and models for yourself or your business, get fast delivery and enjoy your chosen finishing.

You need to upload your 3D files (STL, OBJ, STEP, etc.) and get a quote online. You can also specify the exact size of your project, select preferred material (polymer, metal, ceramic, carbon, sand, stone, or wax) and get professional assistance from the first step.

20. Treatstock

Some best 3D printing services are only willing to take big orders. But Treatstock has no minimum size or quantity requirements, thus you can order 3D prints using this company and receive your items in your area.

Uploading files is simple. The service supports STL, OBJ and many other formats, including PNG and JPG. You can customize your project and have it 3D printed for you in ABS, PLA, Nylon, TPU, Steel and other materials.

Such a remote approach to getting 3D printed things done is very popular. It is a chance to get acquainted with the technology and receive your models to paint yourself or parts you can use in your business.

Choosing Your Best 3D Printing Service

With so many professional 3D printing services willing to take your orders online you might get lost on which company to choose. Everything depends on your project, size, quantity, materials, colours and total cost.

It is impossible to try each company out before selecting the one for your needs because a 3D printing service transforms your 3D model into a physical object, and it cannot make a free sample based on your files.

Learn what factors you should consider when reading a review of each 3D printing service on our list or on the web.

Materials & Colours

Every 3D printing service lists the materials and technologies it uses to complete your online orders. Some smaller companies can 3D print in a limited number of materials & colours, but bigger companies are willing to work with gold, wax, steel and other materials.

Thus, you should clear for yourself how you see your desired 3D model. Would it be a prototype, mould or wax casting? Or should it be a smooth and great-looking PLA, ABS or Resin character from your beloved video game, movie, or comics?

Think about the complexity of the shape and how you are planning to use your 3D prints ordered from an online 3D printing service. Read about different 3D printing materials, their mechanical and chemical properties, and typical use suggestions. Then choose your priorities. After this select all 3D print shops that list your desired materials and colours.

Production Volume

You can further limit your number of 3D printing services by production volume. Smaller companies might be happy to 3D print a piece or two to entertain you. But giants often work with individuals and businesses with higher production volume.

If you need a big batch production of over 1,000 items, you might need to look for a big 3D printing service that can handle your order. This question becomes especially vital when you need to receive your big order of 3D prints by a particular date. Your local 3D print shops might not be able to help you. But big players in the market could manage large jobs within 1-2 days and have your order shipped to you asap.

It is always a good idea to check a 3D printing service beforehand to ensure it has the equipment that can deal with your production volume and deadline.

Price

What matters a lot when you select your best 3D printing service is the final cost you’ll have to pay. Every company has its price policy which you cannot affect. It is hard to calculate how much 3D printing material your project needs because it all depends on the size. What you can do is upload your 3D files to as many services as possible and ask for their instant quotes.

You can experiment with different 3D printing materials, colours, object dimensions and volume production to get the best price. Of course, such actions require your time, but if you end up with a better deal it makes sense to try.

Keep in mind that shipping cost and time depend on where the production company is located. You could ask your chosen 3D printing service in advance how soon your order can be shipped and delivered to you.

Production Time

While it is impossible to 3D print your order needed for yesterday, many 3D printing services do take rush orders and are happy to assist you with express printing and shipping.

However, if you depend on a particular 3D printing material and colour and have a complex shape that requires testing and a large job, you should find your best 3D printing service in advance. This way, you can have your 3D printed parts ready and delivered to you in time for your project.

Your geographical location and the location of the 3D printing service are what influence the shipping time. Sometimes it is best to order from a nearby shop just to receive your 3D prints on time than save money ordering from a firm abroad and experience delivery delays.

Confidentiality

When you choose online 3D printing shops, the first thing you should check is their policy, terms, certifications and confidentiality.

If you are printing something for personal use, you might not pay close attention to these things. But you need to order 3D prints for your business needs and are planning to upload unique 3D models you want to protect, it is best to ensure that your manufacturer will not use your designs to fabricate your parts for someone else.

If a 3D printing company agrees to sign a non-discloser agreement, it is a big plus. Sometimes granting a non-exclusive license to the shop to 3D print your parts is not enough.

You can also check if the company works according to ISO:9001 standards. It does not influence your orders or 3D prints, but it shows that the 3D printing service is committed to providing you with the highest level of standards and adheres to stringent auditing. It is more about the service, product quality and dedication to excellence.

Conclusion

Finding a 3D printing service is not as hard as it may seem. There are a lot of 3D printing online services that deliver accurate results and print in almost any material imaginable. Research and compare prices and delivery time frames. Take advantage of having your 3D print delivered to your doorstep in a matter of days and enjoy a worry-free printing experience.

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REC Wiki » Ten Interesting Hobby 3D Printing Projects

We can talk about the possibilities of additive technologies as much as we like, but it's better to see once than hear a hundred times. Better yet, print your own! We offer a selection of interesting projects that can be implemented using a home 3D printer.

James Webb

The James Webb Telescope is the latest and arguably the most advanced space observatory in human history. The diameter of the mirror reaches six and a half meters, so in order for the device to fit on board the Ariane-5 launch vehicle, the mirror had to be made segmented and foldable. It will not work to build such a colossus at home, but to assemble a detailed model is quite. nine0003

Brian Murnoff's replica perfectly reproduces the telescope's folding design. The project will require some Mylar foil, a few small magnets, cloves, and glue.

Since there are no specific restrictions on materials, for 3D printing we would recommend choosing a plastic that is simpler and more comfortable, with low shrinkage and hot end requirements, such as REC PLA or REC Relax.

3D models and assembly instructions are available here.

Model of the solar system

According to a recent poll by VTsIOM, every third Russian is convinced that the Sun revolves around the Earth, and something needs to be done about it. If your neighbor has never heard of Copernicus, show him this wonderful model of the solar system.

The author of this project is a Dutch engineer named Dragonator. Wait, you say, astronomers don’t consider Pluto a planet anymore, but where did Neptune and Uranus go? Everything is simple here: if you add two extreme planets to the model, it will grow to indecent sizes - for this reason, Neptune and Uranus are absent in most of these models. But the Moon revolves around the Earth! nine0003

The optimal material for 3D printing gears is wear-resistant nylon (REC Friction), but for this it is desirable to have a 3D printer with a closed chamber, since the dimensional tolerances are small and the details must be as accurate as possible. If you have an open 3D printer, PETG (REC Relax) is good, and if you are not going to drive the whole city on tours and drive the model around the clock, you can do with simple polylactide (REC PLA). Additionally, you will need bearings, brass tubes, an electric motor, an LED and fasteners. nine0003

Detailed instructions are available at this link.

Combination lock

So that no one steals precious filaments, it is advisable to hide them under lock and key. The castle, of course, can and should also be printed, otherwise it’s not interesting. In addition, the castle itself serves as a container in which you can hide various small but valuable things. At the very least, this project by Bredbord will help you get your hands on the 3D printing of complex structures.

In order for all the parts to fit well, it is desirable to use materials with low shrinkage for 3D printing - REC PLA or REC Relax are great. nine0003

If you're looking for a stronger lock, try our carbon- and glass-filled composites from the X-line, Clotho or Technika families.

3D model and instructions can be found here.

Quadcopter LEAF

This drone is designed to fly in tight spaces such as indoors. The design is as simple as possible, and the rotors are protected from collisions by the frame. In general, this is a great project for beginner pilots, because even if the quadcopter breaks down, you can quickly print spare parts. nine0003

In principle, details can be printed with any plastic, but since the idea itself provides for the possibility of falls and collisions. it is desirable to use materials of increased strength.

Traditionally, quadcopter carriers tend to be made of lightweight and strong carbon fiber, so the REC FormaX carbon-filled composite is ideal here.

3D model and instructions available here.

Robotic Arm

This small, tabletop robotic arm was created by student NWayland. If you share a young engineer's interest in robotics, give it a try. nine0003

The project is educational and experimental in nature: the author wanted to test the possibilities of 3D printing and his own engineering knowledge on the most complex project with many moving parts, so there are no electric motors or circuit boards. The manipulator is controlled manually, mechanically - with the help of rotary knobs.

All parts of the device, with the exception of the rubber band that tightens the grip, can be printed on a 3D printer. The author used a polylactide such as REC PLA, but inexpensive and easy-to-work PETG (REC Relax) is also great for the project. Just be careful about the orientation of the parts on the table: some of them need to be printed horizontally to increase strength. nine0003

Files and instructions can be found here.

RC Cars

A great project for kids aged 6 to 60 who want to be racing drivers. These RC cars are a fully open source and customizable project by Swedish maker Daniel Bori.

Of course, electronics and electric motors will have to be bought, but the body, suspension, spoilers and other parts can be printed on a home 3D printer.

Body and suspension parts are best printed with some kind of shock-resistant material, such as REC ABS or REC Relax. Wheels for better grip can be made of elastomer. Which one, choose for yourself: for hard and wear-resistant tires, our filament made of synthetic rubber REC Rubber is well suited, and if you are going to lay steep turns, you should probably use softer “rubber”, for example, polyurethane REC Easy Flex.

3D models and instructions are available here. nine0003

Hovercraft

Why drive at all when you can fly, at least low? This is a project of the German student Jan Bertsner, who is interested in the problems of studying the polar regions.

The base can be printed, but Yang chose to use foam for two reasons: First, the base has a very simple shape, and second, if the engines fail while flying over water, the foam will hold the model to the surface.

Three DC motors are required to assemble the model, two for lifting and one for propulsion. An additional servo will be required for heading control. If desired, you can install LED headlights. All plastic parts are printed: the author used PLA, but we would recommend PETG as it is just as easy to work with, but it has higher impact resistance and a wide operating temperature range, which is important outdoors, especially in summer. nine0003

Required files and instructions are available at this link.

Fractal Vise

This interesting device allows you to clamp objects at almost any angle, not just flat, and therefore is well suited for working with parts of complex geometric shapes. The tool is quite large, so for 3D printing at original scale, you will need a 3D printer with a table that is at least 200x200 mm in size.

I used polylactide, but if you want to increase strength, try one of our composites: ABS-based carbon-filled FormaX or PETG-based glass-filled rPETG GF can withstand higher loads and last longer. nine0003

Files and instructions are available at this link.

Lathe

Believe it or not, this lathe started out as a school project. The power and strength of the machine is enough for processing wood and some soft metals and alloys. The author claims that he copes with aluminum and brass, and if you do not cut too deep, you can even overcome steel.

Would you like to test it in practice? Then stock up on bearings and electric motors. Since structural strength and rigidity play a key role, we highly recommend printing load-bearing parts with reinforced materials. UltraX and FormaX filaments work best here, but our new budget rPETG GF composite can also be used. nine0003

Files and detailed assembly instructions can be found here.

RC catamaran

Do you think this is a toy? But it’s not: it’s quite a serious apparatus, built to monitor the environment, that is, to collect samples in water bodies for further testing for the content of chemicals and dangerous microorganisms.

The boat is propelled by a propeller and steered by aerodynamic rudders. The original version is printed from polylactide and reaches one meter in length. Printing one-piece floats of this size on a home 3D printer will not work, so after assembly, the structure must be waterproofed with a suitable material, such as polyester resin. nine0003

Detailed instructions and 3D files are available here.

Create miniatures using 3D printing.

What 3D printer?

3D printing is used not only on an industrial scale and professional tasks, but also in a hobby. A prime example of this is the creation of thumbnails.

What is it?

Miniatures are small figurines that have an amazing appeal. The thumbnail size is from 6mm, and the most popular and demanded format is 28mm. The creation of miniatures is almost a jeweler's work. Each figurine has its own story. Based on the figurines, entire game locations, dioramas are created. Every smallest detail is worked out so carefully that it turns the product into a real work of art. nine0003

A diorama is a special kind of art, a piece of the universe frozen at a certain moment in time. The size can be very different, but the detail and elaboration is always amazing. The diorama consists of individual miniatures and objects that merge to give rise to a certain landscape.

The creation of miniatures is currently possible in several ways: modern technology and classics. It is on these options that we decided to dwell in more detail.

Yesterday

Even at the dawn of this type of hobby, figurines were very, very expensive. But it was far from always possible to purchase the desired “hero”, and sometimes it simply was not on sale. In such cases, they resorted to modeling. nine0003

Self-hardening or bakeable plastics were used. To begin with, a wire frame was formed, which served as a reinforcing basis. This guaranteed the high strength of the future figurine. The frame is fixed on a stand, which guarantees the stability of the figurine and the convenience of working with it.

Layer by layer plastic is built up on the frame. In this case, each layer is dried (self-hardening plastic) or baked (baked plastic). Gradually, with each layer, they begin to work out the details. The process is very painstaking, complex, requiring perseverance. For work, special tools for sculpting are used. The result is a thumbnail. nine0003

This principle is used to create various figures, including large table figures, as well as dioramas.

Another option is to work with plasticine. The figurine is molded from plasticine, placed in a silicone mold, which is then used for casting. In this case, most often the figure is divided into several parts, which are subsequently connected. For ease of assembly, parts are made with a special “lock” that fixes individual parts into a figure. As a result, the miniature is assembled like a puzzle. nine0003

Miniatures are also made of fusible metals, in particular lead. Casting takes place using plaster molds. Sometimes silicone can also be used, but it is much more difficult to achieve good and high-quality pouring of a metal product in it.

Another option for creating thumbnails is conversion. This technology involves the alteration of an already finished figure. This method is used by many hobbyists, especially those who do not have good sculpting skills and do not know how to create miniatures from scratch. nine0003

With the help of conversion, you can achieve high detail, add missing elements to the figures. So you can create characters that are not on sale.

Modelers create colorful and interesting locations for complete immersion in their favorite world. This is a very difficult and painstaking work. In this case, various means, both special and improvised, can be used.

Today

Currently, 3D printing is actively used to create miniatures. The Internet offers users a huge range of different models, both paid and free. There are also options for elements of locations: houses, trees, fences, mechanisms ... 3D technologies allow you to change existing models, add or remove details. "Digital clay" is even more malleable than regular clay, and people with creativity and sculpting skills shouldn't have any problems. nine0003

The main advantage of 3D printing is high detail. Another advantage is repeatability. Printing a batch of miniatures is much easier than creating each individual model by hand. Casting is a complex process that requires not only skills, but also equipment.