Mack F700, and the woes from 3D printing.

[Repstock]

I purchased this 3D printed Mack 700. Like all too many 3D printed offerings, it was rubbery and began to curl up. I cut the top off because it was sinking. I'll replace it with styrene. The cab is very thick, and I imagine it will hold it's shape. The dash started to curl up, so I installed a length of piano wire to hold it straight. I've never had an issue with Too Many Projects cars, but my other 3D purchases run about 50/50 they'll be too soft and curl. Well, I want a Mack, so I'll just fix what I must. I wanted to use as little of the interior as possible, so I'm basing a new interior on the CO-4070A kit. The only 3D printed part I'll carry over in the interior is the dash portion. I only buy 3D printed stuff when I absolutely MUST have it. My models are all in climate controlled areas, so I don't know why I have this problem so often.

[DRIPTROIT 71]

I’m glad that you posted this. I have a couple of 3d models, but have been really concerned about ordering some others. The hydraulic tank on my recent W900 built felt a little rubbery as well. I had considered ordering this kit instead of building the old MTFA cab that I just finished. I’m interested to see this one finished. 

[yh70]

you got to watch WHO you buy 3D printed parts-body's from. do your research and ask around about the printer. i been buying 3D for about 5 years now and never got a cab like that, but i only deal with people l know. i dont think the guy cured the cab properly.

[Rockford]

I'm sorry you're having such issues, these things aren't cheap either!  Hope it turns out ok.  

[gotnitro?]

Sorry to hear your negative experience with the 3d parts. I wonder if leaving them in the sun a short period would help?

I've been working on a 1/350 aircraft carrier, and most of the corrections are 3d printed. The seller is very responsive to questions or concerns in this case 

[Repstock]

1 hour ago, gotnitro? said:

Sorry to hear your negative experience with the 3d parts. I wonder if leaving them in the sun a short period would help?

I've been working on a 1/350 aircraft carrier, and most of the corrections are 3d printed. The seller is very responsive to questions or concerns in this case 

CVN 76...The Ronald Reagan? Should be one cool model!

[Repstock]

4 hours ago, yh70 said:

you got to watch WHO you buy 3D printed parts-body's from. do your research and ask around about the printer. i been buying 3D for about 5 years now and never got a cab like that, but i only deal with people l know. i dont think the guy cured the cab properly.

I have a friend who has printed several items for me, all excellent. I had some parts printed for a truck project, and they all curled up, too. I don't know why, and neither does he. I was able to force the parts straight by gluing them to a flat surface and casting them in resin. I just wonder if the 3D resin technology needs to catch up with the amazing fidelity these printers can achieve. 

Edited June 13, 2024 by Repstock

[gotnitro?]

22 hours ago, Repstock said:

CVN 76...The Ronald Reagan? Should be one cool model!

Yep, Peace Thru Strength! 

[Repstock]

The basic interior is done, and the basic top is ready to add. So far, it looks as though this is going to work.

[yh70]

On 6/13/2024 at 4:51 AM, Repstock said:

I have a friend who has printed several items for me, all excellent. I had some parts printed for a truck project, and they all curled up, too. I don't know why, and neither does he. I was able to force the parts straight by gluing them to a flat surface and casting them in resin. I just wonder if the 3D resin technology needs to catch up with the amazing fidelity these printers can achieve. 

is he using a UV light to cure his parts ? or maybe hes not using the right material.

[Rockford]

Well saved! Looks good. 

[Repstock]

3 hours ago, yh70 said:

is he using a UV light to cure his parts ? or maybe hes not using the right material.

I don't know enough about it to say. I have come to notice all of my issues come with gray resin. I don't know if the color matters, but the gray is the only resin I've had curl, and even then, not always.

[Repstock]

Got the roof on. Looks like a cut-down Astro 95 windshield will work for this Mack. Windshield has blue tape on the back side to hold the two halves together for fitting.

[DRIPTROIT 71]

Impressive as always! You are going to knock this one out of the park! Looking forward to seeing more!

[yh70]

On 6/13/2024 at 4:51 AM, Repstock said:

I have a friend who has printed several items for me, all excellent. I had some parts printed for a truck project, and they all curled up, too. I don't know why, and neither does he. I was able to force the parts straight by gluing them to a flat surface and casting them in resin. I just wonder if the 3D resin technology needs to catch up with the amazing fidelity these printers can achieve. 

next time you have a problem use what we have been doing cause 3D will warp if left in a hot area, but i never heard or seen any curl up. hold part under HOT water faucet till you think its flexible to straighten out. once you have it straighten out hold it under COLD water in the shape it needs to be..

[Bren]

I do a fair amount of 3D printing - but don’t hold myself out as an expert (I’ve posted my prints under the 3D aftermarket section here). Here are my suggestions. Firstly - for what aftermarket suppliers often charge for their stuff I’d consider investing in my own printer - they are much more affordable these days - then you have complete control over resin type and curing. One thing often overlooked is thick parts containing uncured resin inside - this will “split” or curl your part. Simple fix - hollow the part in your slicer software, and leave a drain hole. Next, there are a few “non-negotiables” - an ultrasonic cleaner is a must - remove ALL uncured resin. The other must is a UV curing station, 2-4 minutes works for most 1/25 scale parts. Then place any thin parts under weight to completely cure - I use 123 blocks - and leave them 1-3 days. I use Elegoo water-soluble grey resin for model parts - a bit brittle but overall a good choice. I suspect your supplier is not curing properly - and may be in a different humidity climate than yours. Last thing - if you’re a Mack fan check out Alfa-Centauri on the Cults website. He’s got a great assortment of Mack’s with interiors - l’ve printed them without problem. Most are 1/14 and scale easily to 1/25. Hope this helps. 

[Bren]

I’ve had a chance to look at your photographs in more detail - here are some additional observations. I believe your print IS Alfa-centauris’ Mack 700 file from Cults.com. Originally he published it in 1/32 - it can scale up to 1/25 no problem but that makes the walls kind of thick - like you are seeing. It appears the body was printed flat based on the layer lines of the cab roof - which makes the lines more visible and is prone to sinking. - as your copy did. Parts should usually be tilted at about 20 degrees to minimize lines like this. I also question the resolution of the printer- the dash details appear a tad fuzzy - they should be crisper - this should be printed at a resolution of .05 mm at a minimum. I’ll try printing this file and post my results to see what I can achieve. 

[Repstock]

14 hours ago, Bren said:

I’ve had a chance to look at your photographs in more detail - here are some additional observations. I believe your print IS Alfa-centauris’ Mack 700 file from Cults.com. Originally he published it in 1/32 - it can scale up to 1/25 no problem but that makes the walls kind of thick - like you are seeing. It appears the body was printed flat based on the layer lines of the cab roof - which makes the lines more visible and is prone to sinking. - as your copy did. Parts should usually be tilted at about 20 degrees to minimize lines like this. I also question the resolution of the printer- the dash details appear a tad fuzzy - they should be crisper - this should be printed at a resolution of .05 mm at a minimum. I’ll try printing this file and post my results to see what I can achieve. 

I appreciate your input. I can afford a 3D printer, but I simply don't have the room. My house is bursting at the seams. I'd also like a paint booth, but same thing. I still live in my first starter home and never traded up. Plus side is it's paid for, and cheap to heat, cool, and operate. Down side...no room for expansion. I am close to retirement, and I don't want to screw that up with any new purchases like buying a home. From what I do know about 3D printing, I'd tend to agree with all of your observations.

[Bren]

1 hour ago, Repstock said:

I appreciate your input. I can afford a 3D printer, but I simply don't have the room. My house is bursting at the seams. I'd also like a paint booth, but same thing. I still live in my first starter home and never traded up. Plus side is it's paid for, and cheap to heat, cool, and operate. Down side...no room for expansion. I am close to retirement, and I don't want to screw that up with any new purchases like buying a home. From what I do know about 3D printing, I'd tend to agree with all of your observations.

I getcha! I’m on the other side of the retirement thing. Anyways - when I get to the bench next week I’m going to print the Mack on my larger anycubic mono printer which means I should be able to angle it and avoid some of the challenges you are having. If it works I’ll send you some pix and if you’d like me to send you a copy I can do that, no charge. 

[Repstock]

16 hours ago, Bren said:

I getcha! I’m on the other side of the retirement thing. Anyways - when I get to the bench next week I’m going to print the Mack on my larger anycubic mono printer which means I should be able to angle it and avoid some of the challenges you are having. If it works I’ll send you some pix and if you’d like me to send you a copy I can do that, no charge. 

I've got this Mack looking pretty good...hope it stays that way! If not, you may hear from me. Very generous of you to offer!

[Repstock]

I've been plugging away at the Mack. The body is ready for paint, and the interior is done except for some detailing. 

[Rockford]

That looks fantastic! The interior is amazing. Great job. 

[yh70]

you have got it going your way now for sure..looking great Tom.

[Bren]

On 6/21/2024 at 6:25 PM, Repstock said:

I've got this Mack looking pretty good...hope it stays that way! If not, you may hear from me. Very generous of you to offer!

I've been following the build - you have some great scratch-building chops - and it looks like you licked the roof issue. Just for your interest here's the F700 I printed last week - angled the body - no roof sag issues. If you want one just let me know....

[Repstock]

8 hours ago, Bren said:

I've been following the build - you have some great scratch-building chops - and it looks like you licked the roof issue. Just for your interest here's the F700 I printed last week - angled the body - no roof sag issues. If you want one just let me know....

 

 

Good looking print. Thank you for your offer, but one is enough for me. Storage of builts is very limited.