Wouter Posted January 22, 2018 Author Share Posted January 22, 2018 (edited) Jumping in on the 3D printing bandwagon. Instead of scratchbuilding I thought, maybe it's time to try something different. I have done some 3D modelling in the past as a modder for a game (Operation Flashpoint - precursor of Arma), so I have some basic 3D skills. Besides that, i only have Sketchup and that program is easy to learn, hard to master. But I only need some basic shapes anyway. The actual printing will be done at shapeways. I'm opting for 'frosted detail plastic' as that gives the smallest printing option at 0.3 mm. Before you start 3D modelling you need some basic reference set up. Luckily for me I 'discovered' that the Germans had drawings for, well, about everything. And you can find them online! Like this one And this is what it look likes in real life The drawings provide all the measurements needed in millimeters. Just perfect! After setting things up I started modelling the instruments needed. After the first one it gets easier because the basic shape for most instruments is the same. And there is no need to go all out on detail since that can't be printed anyway. The instrument above resulted in this: Jumping straight to the end result. Here's is the completed IP with 7 instruments and the radio equipment for the Fg217. While going at it, there is another part which I wanted to try; the upper wing antenna for the FG217 warning system. You can see it here: And in detail 3D modelling resulted in this (ready for printing) Anyway, the files have been uploaded to Shapeways and an order has been placed. If it's not satisfactory I will resort to scratchbuilding. But if it is, I will try things again in the future! I'll keep you updated. Edited January 22, 2018 by Wouter LSP_Kevin, Greg W, Kagemusha and 7 others 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunnus Posted January 22, 2018 Share Posted January 22, 2018 Very cool! Eager to see the results of the custom 3D printing order. What kind of costs are associated with this? I assume it is cheaper if you supply the files but will they do the necessary computer modeling as well? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wouter Posted January 23, 2018 Author Share Posted January 23, 2018 The order was around €18 or $25 Us dollar including shipping for 1 IP and 2 antennas. About $5 per piece. Not tot bad I think. The do check your submitted files if they are ready to print. If not they cancel the order and you get a refund. And then it's back to the drawing board. But the specify which parts are to thin or of the print is to big. So you are not let in the dark why your order was cancelled. dutik, Wackyracer, Out2gtcha and 1 other 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gazzas Posted January 23, 2018 Share Posted January 23, 2018 Wow, Wouter that is amazing! I'm impressed with the depth of knowledge you have attained. Gaz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wouter Posted January 23, 2018 Author Share Posted January 23, 2018 Hi Gaz, indeed with every dive in the available research I find new and learn new things every time. Just yesterday I found some more info on the periscope system, which I'm very excited about. But that's for a future update. In other news: I just received word from Shapeways. Sadly the antennas can't be printed. The minimum unsupported wire thickness should be 0.6 mm and they are 0.3 mm in my model. I'm not going to alter this and will resort to scratchbuilding with brass rod's. Out2gtcha, Gazzas and monthebiff 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gazzas Posted January 24, 2018 Share Posted January 24, 2018 I was wondering about this. I was thinking it would be too good to be true if the could print rod this fine. I really need to practice my Soldering. Too many Luftwaffe nightfighters in my future to not get proficient with the metals. Gaz monthebiff 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monthebiff Posted January 24, 2018 Share Posted January 24, 2018 Looking foward to see how your 3D Ip comes out Wouter, I would imagine in the long run your scratch built antenna will be a better and more durable prospect long term. Regards. Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wouter Posted January 24, 2018 Author Share Posted January 24, 2018 (edited) I guess your right about that Andy. To put my money where my mouth is I did just that tonight. Since I have to wait for the 3D printed IP to arrive, I cut up several pieces of brass tubes to see if I could make it work. Well I managed to build an antenna and I'm quiet pleased with the result. For now I only have the finished result but since I have to build another one, I'll make some more pictures as I go. I'll post them here so you guys can see how I made it. Cheers, Wouter Edited January 25, 2018 by Wouter LSP_Kevin, Greg W, Gazzas and 7 others 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Out2gtcha Posted January 25, 2018 Share Posted January 25, 2018 Great work! I too love using brass, as its quite strong, easily worked, readily available and normally can be used in different forms to replicate many different parts. Wouter 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gazzas Posted January 25, 2018 Share Posted January 25, 2018 Wow, that is beautiful! Did you use a drill press to drill through the main rod? Gaz Wouter 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richdlc Posted January 25, 2018 Share Posted January 25, 2018 I know nearly nothing about Luftwaffe aircraft but I am really enjoying your build Wouter Wouter 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LSP_Ray Posted January 27, 2018 Share Posted January 27, 2018 Nice work, Wouter! You should offer the parts for sale, I would take a set! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wouter Posted January 27, 2018 Author Share Posted January 27, 2018 Wow, that is beautiful! Did you use a drill press to drill through the main rod? Gaz Yes I did. See below. Nice work, Wouter! You should offer the parts for sale, I would take a set! Thanks Ray, maybe I will... As promised, my short how to on the antenna's. Putting Albion Alloys fit and slide to use. Cheers, Wouter Wurzacher, LSP_Kevin, kkarlsen and 10 others 12 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martinnfb Posted January 27, 2018 Share Posted January 27, 2018 Amaizing work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wurzacher Posted January 27, 2018 Share Posted January 27, 2018 Nice work, Wouter! You should offer the parts for sale, I would take a set! +1 on the 3D IP! What a build! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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