Bill, It is my intent to use the RP items as end use parts. There are several materials available with differing characteristics. The one with the finest detail level that is still affordable is the "Frosted Ultra Detail", which is a UV curable acrylic. I have some other trucks made with this material, and while I would not subject them to the stresses a brass truck would handle, I think they are durable enough for reasonable use. Were I to subject them to mega-miles on a layout I would probably consider using bushings as you did with your trucks, and that is easy enough to do.
"Perfect for small high detailed models like miniatures, model trains, computer generated characters and alike due to the fine quality of the finish, thin walls of 0.5mm in Frosted Detail and 0.3mm in Frosted Ultra High Detail, in both settings we can achieve feature details of 0.1mm. The material is quite strong, slightly flexible and heat resistant up to 80/176 degrees C/F." .... from Shapeways While I am planning on using this material for trucks, I would think twice before using it on "modern" equipment. My 1885 cars are sized like HO cars, being 36' and shorter for the most part. Your 80' cars will have over twice the weight per truck. I think the greatest potential use for RP (3D printing) is in "static" details, and this does include detail parts for cars. Stake pockets, Reefer hatches, Steam domes, and the occasional one-of Tender side or Loco pilot. Plus the ever needful odd size window frame for that scratch build project. Can't find the right headlight casting, but you have a pic and dimensions? Make your own! I see a LOT of potential here. My latest (free) Google SketchUp converts a SKP file to a STL file which is usable by Shapeways. No more messing around with Netfabb or MeshLab for the conversion, however MeshLab is useful for compound curves that can not be done on the free SketchUp. Bill, you are experienced with this CAD stuff. Get yourself a Shapeways account and let's see what you can come up with! You could even make a couple bucks along the way with a shop. Bien Venue! Darrell (spelled with an A) --- In [email protected], "Bill Lane" <bill@...> wrote: > > Derrell, > > > > So your RP items are going to be your end use parts? If yes this is all new > to me. I only claim to know a little more than nothing about it, but the 3D > RP printed masters I have had made might get by for end use as a static > detail and 1 that would not be subject to handling at that. By far I would > not consider Prototherm to be used as a wear part like truck side frames. > > > > Are you sending a STL file for production? > > > > Your price is very reasonable as well. Looking forward to seeing the end > results. This might be a new avenue for me as well. > > > > Thank You, > Bill Lane > > Modeling the Mighty Pennsy & PRSL in 1957 in S Scale since 1988 > ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: [email protected] [email protected] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [email protected] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
