Re: [figures] Interesting development

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.
> >