The 3D Printing Adventure Continue...

[richardandtracy]

After seeing this I have has a look at 3D colour printing at Shapeways. At the moment they are restricting it to coloured 'Sandstone' for Joe public, which is a shame as it's really coloured plaster of paris, and isn't a suitable material for pen making. It seems coloured plastic has been available to selected users for about a year now. Surely the bugs are ironed out by now, after all, they seem to be doing plastic models for one 3d figure animation company: http://www.daz3d.com/prints This really looks like Shapeways output...

 

The other problem is that they want the model to be sent as VRML2 format bundles with texture maps in a zip file. That's a pain. All the software I have uses obj files for texture mapped models. Where VRML export is possible, it's VRML 1, which is very different from VRML 2. I have written a 3D modeller for creating stress analysis models which can import (and export) obj files, and I could write another export routine - if I could understand the wretched VRML 2 format, and I can't!!. Very frustrating - VRML 1 is difficult but possible, I just have no idea with VRML2. May have to contact Shapeways to see if they'd ever consider supporting .obj files.

 

Regards,

 

Richard

[18111]

This is absolutely fantastic. Thanks for sharing this wonderful and exciting work.

Thank you for your kind words!

 

I am interested in seeing that clip in action. As for the staining, I see that a character for each individual pen, making each one unique.

This clip system is a unique one; unlike standard spring system, It catches the fabric by its wide rough tapered groove like a vintage wooden clothespin. it works surprisingly well. It's also an advantage of 3D printing. You can see its brief action in the end of this video. For the staining, it's a personal preference so, it can be an available option.

[18111]

After seeing this I have has a look at 3D colour printing at Shapeways. At the moment they are restricting it to coloured 'Sandstone' for Joe public, which is a shame as it's really coloured plaster of paris, and isn't a suitable material for pen making. It seems coloured plastic has been available to selected users for about a year now. Surely the bugs are ironed out by now, after all, they seem to be doing plastic models for one 3d figure animation company: http://www.daz3d.com/prints This really looks like Shapeways output...

 

The other problem is that they want the model to be sent as VRML2 format bundles with texture maps in a zip file. That's a pain. All the software I have uses obj files for texture mapped models. Where VRML export is possible, it's VRML 1, which is very different from VRML 2. I have written a 3D modeller for creating stress analysis models which can import (and export) obj files, and I could write another export routine - if I could understand the wretched VRML 2 format, and I can't!!. Very frustrating - VRML 1 is difficult but possible, I just have no idea with VRML2. May have to contact Shapeways to see if they'd ever consider supporting .obj files.

 

Regards,

 

Richard

At this point, I don't know how to apply colors and textures to my models but I'm also interested in full color plastic. However, I’ve heard many complains that quality of color plastic is not even close to the full color sandstone; the color came out inconsistent and faded. I’ll pass it until its quality improved to at least sandstone level. It means, I have to learn uv-mapping and texture mapping to take advantage of it before its ready.

 

For the file format, I’m not an expert nor a programmer who can tweak CAD file like you (I envoy you!); however, the Blender (3d program I use) has import and export faction that convert many 3D file formats including VRML2. It’s a bit awkward to learn this program; but, You don’t have to learn everything, just learn import and export function. After all, it’s a free program and you might like it if you try.

[richardandtracy]

I've tried Blender & PovRay, but it was some time ago (ye Gods, it must have been 10-12 years ago, where did that time go?) - when the interfaces were rather random and behaved in utterly unexpected ways. Maybe it's time to go back and take another look. I used to play with Poser & Daz Studio a fair bit, coming up with a visual pun for the Links page of my Geocities web site:

http://i771.photobucket.com/albums/xx356/richardandtracy/links_zpscmcfmhp6.jpg

The model uses quite a few texture maps to generate a realistic figure. Maybe with better software & faster computers I could do better with less effort. But then, pigs could fly too. There don't seem to be enough hours in a day.

 

Regards,

 

Richard

[18111]

I've tried Blender & PovRay, but it was some time ago (ye Gods, it must have been 10-12 years ago, where did that time go?) - when the interfaces were rather random and behaved in utterly unexpected ways. Maybe it's time to go back and take another look. I used to play with Poser & Daz Studio a fair bit, coming up with a visual pun for the Links page of my Geocities web site:

http://i771.photobucket.com/albums/xx356/richardandtracy/links_zpscmcfmhp6.jpg

The model uses quite a few texture maps to generate a realistic figure. Maybe with better software & faster computers I could do better with less effort. But then, pigs could fly too. There don't seem to be enough hours in a day.

 

Regards,

 

Richard

Wow! What a gorgeous pen you posted here!

The Blender improved dramatically last few years. I too gave it up once a decade ago same reason as you but picked it up again last year because of 3D printing trend. It is much stable now and I belive its capability is close to high end program like Maya. I don't think you can find any free program with this capability and it's also highly customizable.

 

Fortunately, my kids are big enough to take care of themselves so I have plenty of time to play with things I like.

Edited April 20, 2015 by 18111

[richardandtracy]

Hadn't thought of that image as a pen.

What would the cap be? Twist her head off? Or pull a leg off? Oh dear.

 

Regards,

 

Richard.

[18111]

Thank you all for your kind wards and support! The Moai pen is no longer a prototype. It's launched as an official product here.

[richardandtracy]

What can I say apart from 'That's great'?

 

Regards,

 

Richard

[18111]

What can I say apart from 'That's great'?

 

Regards,

 

Richard

Thank you Richard! It was fun doing this project.

[araybanfan]

Hi Mr Yoshi, do you have any of these available without the clip? Which is darker? Polished or unpolished version? Thanks for info.

[18111]

Hi Mr Yoshi, do you have any of these available without the clip? Which is darker? Polished or unpolished version? Thanks for info.

araybanfan, Thank you for your interest. I'm designing few more 3D printable pens that include non-clip version as well.

Is "without the clip" mean the face is there but "no" clip function or just a plain cap without clip? The pen above photo is fleshly printed pen that have not been treated with sealant. The sealant treated pen is little darker than non treated one. It also can be dyed to many other colors if you want. Please describe your idea little more specific, or pm me if you prefer to discus it privately. I'll refract any good ideas on to the next designs. Best regards, Yoshi

[mudman]

That is way cool!

[18111]

That is way cool!

Thank you!