3D printed formers

[SMWulph]

Hello all.
Has anyone tried to use a 3D printer to make the formers for paper models?
Good, bad Unknown idea?
How about te molds for canopys?

[Sakrison]

Probably more work than cutting them out.

[airdave]

Not many models that use a complete inner structure that you preassemble (or could manufacture in 3D).
Only thing I can think of off hand is the inner workings of a ship hull.

But, like a lot of "3D" printed structures, it would require many 2D parts which are assembled into a 3D structure.
(The entire structure being too large for most 3D printers.)

So, you are back to the original work of producing a bunch of 2D flat parts
that interlock to create the entire substructure.

Another issue with 3D printing is the time involved.
I guaranty I can cut out and assemble all my P47 wing structures before you get the first part 3D printed.

I don't think you can improve on the Laser Cut former option that already exists.
It addresses the one and only real complaint: cutting out the thick former parts.

[eric_son]

Instead of formers, I would prefer to 3d print fiddly bits like the landing gear struts, machine gun barrels and wheels (complete with wheel treads).

[airdave]

And why not print the cockpit parts?...and those pesky landing gear boxes?
...and the fiddly propellor blades?...
oh, and don't forget the prop spinner!

and cockpit canopy...
...might as well include the Tail fin and tail wings
...and the main wings
...and the fuselage

Should you print all the fuselage sections?
or maybe split the whole fuselage down the middle, lengthwise
and just use a bit of glue and putty to fill the seam.


oh....wait...now I get it....nevermind

[eric_son]

You forgot to include the sprues.

[airdave]

Don't misunderstand me OP...
I'm all for finding ways to make some of the tedious tasks a little easier.
Like everyone else, I hate cutting formers... among other things! lol

I know I have to accept glue and printing, etc...
but I hate to see a "paper" model made from anything other than paper/card.
Maybe a little wood.
Plastic in the canopy is about all I can tolerate!

And part of what makes a "paper" model is the work involved to build it.
Some of the work is very unique to paper models.
If you take it all away, then what is the point?
The work involved in gluing, cutting and fitting formers is all part of the paper model experience!

[airdave]

Now...I do like the idea of 3D printing the molds for canopies!?

How would you do that?
I guess you need the 3D CAD artwork for the canopy?
Wow, wouldn't that be cool if you could quickly print a form to use as a vacuform mold.

[JohnM]

Originally Posted by airdave

And part of what makes a "paper" model is the work involved to build it.
Some of the work is very unique to paper models.
If you take it all away, then what is the point?
The work involved in gluing, cutting and fitting formers is all part of the paper model experience!

That almost sums it up I think!

The part of paper modeling I hate the most is that final acceptance that it's finished ... Nothing more I can caress into it ... From here on in all I can do is look at it ... It stands on it's own and (sob) it doesn't need me any more.

[eric_son]

If you can replace plastic filament spool with a cellulose based material for 3d printing, would that still count as card/paper model?

RE: Canopy mold
Once we get transparent filaments for 3d printing, it should be possible to create the canopy directly.
Transparent Material for Clear Plastics Simulation | Stratasys