1/24 Scale 3D Printed Engines

[Metalmad]

Has anyone purchased a 1/24 scale 3D printed engine ? and if so how was the fit and finish ?

I have purchased resin engines and I have not been satisfied on the fit and finish of the engines and I know that there will be some finishing to be done on the resin. Maybe I'm just picky but the last resin engine I purchased was not all that and it will need a lot of work to get it looking correct. 

I have found on the Shapeways web site that you can purchase a 1/24 scale 3D printed engine so has anyone purchased one.

 Thank You

[Jeremy Jon]

Any 3D printed items will have a grain to some degree, its just part of the printed layer process, even using SWs newest extra fine material option (which is only option I use now)

I like to seal mine before working at all on it, to avoid easy damage, I use super thin CA glue and spread a small drop at a time over the surface using a toothpick, this actually soaks into surface and hardens, so can be fine sanded + primed

Its true that resin items vary in quality, even with my own products using bespoke resin mix + pressurized casting, there is small variations + prep work required, thats just part of it unavoidably

Good luck!

[Metalmad]

Thank you for the reply !

I will be  ordering a engine assembly from Shapeways for a upcoming project.

[peteski]

Shapeways FXD-printed parts usually have some wax leftover from the printing process.  That wax needs to be removed before gluing or painting the parts.  Heptane (sold as Bestine rubber cement thinner in arts stores) works the best to remove the wax residue. Naphtha (Ronsonol lighter fluid, or also sold as VM&P Naphtha in the hardware stores) also does a good job.  Soak the parts in one of those liquids overnight and the wax should be dissolved. When the pars are clean they become white in appearance. At that point hey are ready for glue and paint.  Both liquids are flammable - use common sense when dealing with them.

Edited December 7, 2015 by peteski

[matthijsgrit]

I've bought some stuff from TDRinnovations via Shapeways. They do offer complete engines, but I only bought some parts. But, their stuff looks really smooth to me.

 

MG