Re: [figures] Interesting development

It could be a lot more expensive to get good detail.  You're probably
looking at the
method they use to make jewelry.  However, if you're making masters for
a spin canster
and a commercial production run, it could be great.  No resculpting,
just be sure to
back up you're 3d models...

IAS

Mark Reindl wrote:

> Hmm, given the probable cost of the equipment, I wouldn't expect to
see 3D printers
> in the (average) household price range for some years yet.  However,
assuming that
> Toybuilders is legit, you could start making your own stuff now. 
Simply draw a
> sketch of it, tell 'em the size, and let them do the "sculpting" so to
speak.	They
> send it to you, you make a mold using rtv and the master, and you're
off and
> running.  Seems to me that you could see a veritable explosion of new
minis if this
> catches on.  It'd certainly be a boon to those who like to produce
custom designs
> (I'd consider it for Battletech minis myself, it'd certainly be easier
than
> kitbashing something together, if a bit more expensive).
>
> Mark
>
> Michael Brown wrote:
>
> > But when will this be available for home use?  Looks like we may
have an outlet
> > for REALLY custom fleets.
> >
> > Michael Brown
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From:   Scott B. Jaqua
> > Sent:   Saturday, September 30, 2000 10:48 AM
> > To:     gzg-l@CSUA.Berkeley.EDU
> > Subject:	    Re: [figures] Interesting development
> >
> > Check out a new firm on the web at http://www.toybuilders.com
> >
> > This company started in July of this year and seems to offer this
very same
> > process to the consumer with a claimed price of $25-$25,000. They
take your
> > drawing and make the toy/game piece. They claim to work off of
drawings, but
> > I'm sure the price goes down if you do the design work your self.
Looks like
> > they use a 3D CAD program called Solid Works (which I have at the
office).
> >
> > Scott B. Jaqua
> >
> > Charles Stanley Taylor wrote:
> >
> > > Not specifically GZG related (except that GZG produces figures),
but
> > > have a look at the article on 3D printers in this weeks New
Scientist
> > > (either in the printed magazine or on the web site,
> > > www.newscientist.com).
> > >
> > > This has interesting implications for the future of miniatures
games,
> > > and the companies that produce the miniatures!
> > >
> > > Imagine, design your own spaceship on a 3D CAD package, hit the
print to
> > > 3D icon, wait a bit, and you've got your own custom miniature!
> > >
> > > Of course, a lot depends on whether they can get the cost of a 3D
> > > printer and associated media down cheap enough for public
consumption -
> > > and I think these machines will always be too slow to compete with
> > > standard figure moulding techniques except for a few special cases
(so
> > > I don't think Jon & Co. should worry, yet).
> > >
> > > Anyway, take a look, I found it interesting.
> > >
> > > Charles