Bringing your models to life... literally

[McSpirit]

Preatty cool. Dunno what i was to do with it.. but can see what a designer could use it for :buttrock:

[Array]

ooo, that is VERY cool :applause:

[Agent D]

Ooooh... I've been meaning to do this for a while! Thanks for the reminder and cool article! :cool:

[ilasolomon]

PRICE PRICE PRICE ?!? :)

[jason-slab]

o wow, really cool concept

nice way to create marketing merchandise from animated movies

and yeah, what would one pay to have this done?

|jason

[rayz]

Originally posted by ila_solomon
PRICE PRICE PRICE ?!? :)

yeah how much?

very interesting, i've always wonder if this can be done and now its made possible. :scream:

[???]

made of wood.. i see

[shujumy]

very nice.

[mehdianim]

awesome, great resource to keep in mind...
they never mention a price -just to give you an idea- till you ask for a quote. :shrug:

[erikals]

Originally posted by ila_solomon
PRICE PRICE PRICE ?!? :)

Haven't got time to check, but try this :)
http://www.3darttopart.com/quote%20info.php

[More]

Well, this quote is from the '3d Art for Part' website

We provide you with a price quote for each 3D file before you can order, but in general you can expect a 6in. to 8in. tall model to be in the $40 to $80 range. In general, smaller models will cost less while large or bulkier models will cost more.

I reckon it would be great to just have a resin cast of your model sitting in your room. :thumbsup:

[Voursez]

Holy Crap! Thats some cool stuff! And i can live with the price...

[P_T]

Question...

on page 2 it was first stated...
A model can be made up of separate meshes, but the separate pieces must intersect.
then it stated...
The equipment used by 3D Art To Part is incredibly versatile, and will build separate parts when it encounters a model built from non intersecting meshes.

so wat's the deal?

[gL_spear]

cool, was going to have one of my models created out of this process....might actually get around to trying it again.

:)

[Agent D]

Originally posted by ???
made of wood.. i see

Umm... no? :curious: I think it's similar to plaster.

[Clanger]

Fantastic, I always thought the price would be far to high but this looks very afordable.
I do wonder what the surface looks like though, must be a sort of micro lego look, which shouldn't be a problem if it sands well.

[DeathBrain]

Ahh there you go...awesome concept from Floyd Bishop...Brrravooo.. :applause:

[Raul-Reznek]

kick ass
always wanted to do sommin like this! :D

[wozzyke]

Hi,

I newa little longer that this existed and yes you guys wont believe me, but we have it in belguim too, and this company has one of the lergest machhines in the world.

They provide a next day type of delivery, if you order before midday, I guess your product will be delivered the next day at your door.

On their site you can download a little program which you need to install, and with this program you can calculate the price off your model.

They also provide different types of material, depending on the needs of the client.
Pretty descent material.
Have a look if you want


http://www.materialise.be/HOME/home_ENG.html

wozz

[webfox]

I can see it now... studio apartments all over the world filled with nothing but models of naked chicks and cars.

Ah.. it is a good day.

:applause:

[Garma]

cool stuff.. Must be possible to give it some colour somehow I guess.. would be the finishing touch. Guess that's gonna take a while before we can actually use that though.

very cool anyhow:beer:

[wozzyke]

You can paint on the material, thats no problem. So can let them make the model for you, you only need to clean the surface a little and you can paint the model

wozz

[Kabab]

We have a few of these machines at work (our main industry is engineering and design).

The way the process works is.

It takes your model and cuts it into really thin slices 0.1mm thick, think of a cat scan.

Then using a laser it melts a nylon power in the shape of the cross section then lays down another layer of powder and melts the next cross section and so on, the layers fuse and harden to leave you with a model :)

The finish from the machine needs a light sand and then you can get it painted if you like (see example below).

http://www.concentric.com.au\harry\harry3.jpg

The best use of this i can see for us animation people is to get a RP made and make moulds so you can scuplt more detail in clay then use a 3D scanner to get the data back in and make displacement maps.

If anyone is serious about doing this in Australia send me a pm as i would like to try this and we have a very good 3D scanner.

The reason there are thoes constraints on the geometery is becuase you need to feed the machine a STL file.

[siquier]

The same service in Spain: http://www.x-trusion.com/

[Kabab]

Originally posted by Garma
cool stuff.. Must be possible to give it some colour somehow I guess.. would be the finishing touch. Guess that's gonna take a while before we can actually use that though.

very cool anyhow:beer:
There are some technologies comming about now that will print some colour but nothing to fancy, hand painting is best method refer to my previous post.

[shadowkeeper]

:buttrock: :love: Pretty! Very interesting!:thumbsup:

[Johnlittle]

Sounds cool.I was wondering if anyone had a idea on if the cost differs much from what polygon counts are.Lets say 10.000 polys or 500.000 polys,would there be a difference in price? Still taking into consideration that both models were still about 8 inches in height.Ok thanks.:beer:

[McSpirit]

Pascal Blanché & Stahlberg hope you guys are reading this.. would love to buy life model of your work :)

[Kabab]

The amount of poly's should have no effect its the size that cost so the bigger the part the more $$$ (thats how we base our pricing anyway).

[renderwoman]

ohhh,like a dream!
very nice...
how carfully it does!
(it was one of my wishes!)

[Leonard]

I'd personally like to see this fabricate one of Stahlberg's CG chicks. :)

Leo

[The Cross]

Originally posted by Leonard
I'd personally like to see this fabricate one of Stahlberg's CG chicks. :)

Leo


Make it in peices, so you can assembe a lifesized version.

[Neox]

well thank you for taking my model and getting money with it :annoyed:
my intention of doing a free modelpack for 3dfestival (now cgnetworks) was to show beginners how i'm working not, giving anyone the f****ing chance to earn mony with my work... i guess it was the last time i gave my stuff to anyone for free... thank you :annoyed:

PS: if no one knows what i'm talking about, take a look at the spaniards_helmet.max (or lwo or whatever) in this free modelpack (http://www.cgnetworks.com/story_custom.php?story_id=824&page=)

[Leonard]

Whoa sh*t! I didn't realize that 3D Art to Part is selling the fabricated models of the free 3D model packs that we put up. Oh boy.
http://www.3darttopart.com/product%20info.php

Time to email these guys....

L.


Originally posted by Neox
well thank you for taking my model and getting money with it :annoyed:
my intention of doing a free modelpack for 3dfestival (now cgnetworks) was to show beginners how i'm working not, giving anyone the f****ing chance to earn mony with my work... i guess it was the last time i gave my stuff to anyone for free... thank you :annoyed:

PS: if no one knows what i'm talking about, take a look at the spaniards_helmet.max (or lwo or whatever) in this free modelpack (http://www.cgnetworks.com/story_custom.php?story_id=824&page=)

[jipe]

It doesn't appear that they are actually selling the models. I understand it to be a guideline for pricing, some examples for someone to look at (A model like this, at this size, would cost this much).

Also, in the FAQ, they state:

I’ve downloaded a 3D model from a website, will you make a part from it for me?
It is your responsibility to make sure that you have the right to use any 3D model file that is sent to us for reproduction.

[Leonard]

Originally posted by jipe
It doesn't appear that they are actually selling the models. I understand it to be a guideline for pricing, some examples for someone to look at (A model like this, at this size, would cost this much).

That needs to be clarified. The page that they have makes it look like they are selling the product. Even if it's just a pricing guide, they should not use the models as representations as they have not gotten permission from the respective authors.

Leonard

[Neox]

oh you didn't know it, ok their fault... i contacted proton too, because 2 of his models are there too... they could have asked before, just taking others stuff is not the best way of getting money... :shame:

leonard do your best :)

[Chewey]

Originally posted by lildragon
Have you ever wished you could bring that cool CG model you are working on out of the machine and turn it into an object you could hold in your hands? Thanks to Floyd Bishop and 3D Art to Part you'll find out how in this article.

Enjoy

http://www.cgnetworks.com/story_custom.php?story_id=1549&page=

http://www.cgnetworks.com/stories/2003_8/floyd_bishop/catfish.jpg

-lild

A most excellent and interesting bit of info! :thumbsup: (nice modeling as well)

Just a couple of questions, Is that catfish model coated with clay? And are those feelers added on or part of the process?

I can envision a challenge/contest in the future for those of us who can afford to get our work "actuallized" using this process. Throw in a few old fashioned real world model kit building skills such as sanding and painting and there you go.

[Grugi]

uh.. there are al loot of 3d models, I wish I had as on my desk :)

@Neox.. ganz schön dreist von denen :/ .. der Sinn und Zweck von käufl. oder auch kostenlosen Modellen wird wohl nur zu gern missverstanden :sad:

[Mouser]

Originally posted by Neox
oh you didn't know it, ok their fault... i contacted proton too, because 2 of his models are there too... they could have asked before, just taking others stuff is not the best way of getting money... :shame:

leonard do your best :)

I agree that they should have made sure the models they used for examples were cleared from the author prior to showing them as examples.. but I think you are missing their reason for use on the website. The model is not for sale.. it's showing that if one had a model that was similar in size / complexity, it would cost approx $49 to have fabricated.

If you're objecting to their use of your model as a marketing tool for their services, then I agree.. they should have gotten the rights.. but I don't think they are cranking out helmets.

[Dearmad]

What an excellent thing this is! Just sent off a model for a quote... Inevitable but I'll be getting *something* done...

Can't believe the prices...

[FloydBishop]

Originally posted by Chewey

Just a couple of questions, Is that catfish model coated with clay? And are those feelers added on or part of the process?

The catfish is NOT covered in clay. That is the finish you get by default. Also, the whiskers are part of the main sculpt... not tacked on.

*****

In response to the posts about the free models being used for pricing: They are NOT for sale, but only meant to show how much a model like that would cost to produce.

If your model is on the site, and you don't want it there, contact Rod Contreras of 3D Art To Part via email:

sales@3dArtToPart.com

I'm sure there was no ill will... probably just poor judgement.

I also wanted to say that I didn't know that the images of the models were used without permission. They are credited to CGTalk at the bottom of the images, so I thought that everything was legit. Sorry to anyone who may have been affected, but I didn't have anything to do with it.

[Neox]

well yes i read it twice and its just a showcase for possible prices, but asking isn't that hard i think, i just don't like to see my stuff anywhere without my agreement or me in the credits...

[lildragon]

I will concur with Floyd that these models aren't for sale, for instance there's no where to buy them on the site, it's just a guideline. Now if I were in the group of the affected individuals, why not use this to your benefit, now that you know your models are being used why not ask 3D Art to Part to add more credits if you prefer and even send you a complimentary copy of one of the models? Yes it's call making the best of every situation. Now they will know for next time, I guess they thought they weren't hurting anyone with showcasing free models that aren't for sale. I even stated this clearly everytime a set was released. ONLY FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES, so there's no ill intent here, just bad judgement as Floyd said.

Heck make the best of it, you're being promoted! Just have them add some copyright text to the model like they did with the winged dude on the frontpage. Just be level-headed about it when you speak to them and you could walk away with something really cool.

-lild

[victor]

I'm not sure how pricing compares, but there is another service that's been around for a while at www.toybuilders.com.

They have multiple machines, and can make the models from different materials, including wood (well, it's basically reconstituted wood from a paper-like powder).

And, while I haven't found a service that offers it, there IS actually a machine that can "print" with multiple colors. I saw it at SIGGRAPH 2 years ago.

[draconix]

@P_T: I think they mean that you can have a model with different parts that can come apart, like a pendulum. But a model that consists of, say, a dragon facing a knight and they're not connected would technically quailify as two models, see?

Not sure though.

[phoenix]

very informative..........
:thumbsup:

[Neox]

@lild: i understood what you said after reading their page a second time, sure i think its cool that they are using my work for promotion, but the should've asked first ;)

[headengine]

Floyd - the model looks great, love the design and the pose. Can you maybe give us a little more info? Your breakdown of the process on cgnetworks was very informative; but I'm still not *totally* clear on what the final stage was to get your model looking so nice...?

On page 5 of the article you explain about the binding/setting agent etc when the model has been 'dusted off' so to speak - I was just wondering whether it *then* looks like the really sexy finished one on page 6, or did you guys have to sand it down/add clay to it etc to get it looking like that.

Its clear from your pics of the catfish etc that the model has a rough texture... is it very rough when you have it in your hands or is it appropriate for the scale of the maquette...?

Sorry for being so nosy!!

Thanks

:)

[Adam]

At siggraph this year they offered this service for free at the gorilla studio. I think they offer it every year. I was going to get one done but waited to long and they didn't have enough left to do mine. They looked pretty cool though

[FloydBishop]

Originally posted by headengine
Floyd - the model looks great, love the design and the pose. Can you maybe give us a little more info? Your breakdown of the process on cgnetworks was very informative; but I'm still not *totally* clear on what the final stage was to get your model looking so nice...?

The model you see at the end of the article is how we got it back from 3D Art To Part. The way their process works is that after the model leaves the machine, and the dusting chamber (where the excess powder is removed), an additional coat that works like a fixative is applied. As far as I know, the models were not sanded at all after leaving the machine.

On page 5 of the article you explain about the binding/setting agent etc when the model has been 'dusted off' so to speak - I was just wondering whether it *then* looks like the really sexy finished one on page 6, or did you guys have to sand it down/add clay to it etc to get it looking like that.

Nothing extra was added, and no sanding took place. The first image in the article shows the wireframe next to the finished piece, and as you can see, it is an exact replica of the digital model.

http://www.cgnetworks.com/stories/2003_8/floyd_bishop/floyd_1.jpg

Its clear from your pics of the catfish etc that the model has a rough texture... is it very rough when you have it in your hands or is it appropriate for the scale of the maquette...?
:)

It is not very rough, but there is a definite texture to it. It's kind of like sedimentary rock. You can see the layers in some spots, but nothing that is very distracting. The individual layers are about as thick as a piece of standard printer paper. The photos don't really convey how powerful the piece is once you're holding it.

[jum'bok]

got one of my quickie models printed out at sigg, and though it's nothing special as far as the model itself goes, it has quickly become a prized possession.

there's just something about seeing your work somewhere besides a monitor that makes it all seem so much more... legitimate hehheh.

[Windex]

i wanna know how much the machine costs

[lildragon]

Got a question Floyd, we're using this process for a tv series at Calibre Digital (tho ours is more like a resin in appearance), but I've always wondered how heavy they are, the turtle looks quite solid and I definitely would be buying him soon ;) told ya bud, my fiancee loves him to much heh and it would be a great testament, I might even find out about Kar also. Nice work on the article.

-lild

[headengine]

Fantastic Floyd, thanks for the reply - I'm much wiser now! I've already spoken to Rod at 3darttopart and he was a very nice guy, very helpful, but your article has made my mind up for me...

:applause:

[nemoo]

anybody knows if there is a place to do stuff like that in austria or germany?

cheers

[wozzyke]

you can have a look at the link I posted that company is from belgium and if you dont know where that is, that next to germany

MATERIALISE


wozz

[JDaniel]

I can't wait 'til the day the model can come out surfaced w/ all channels! :love: Can you imagine a big display case of various artists models? ie TARON.

[FloydBishop]

Originally posted by lildragon
Got a question Floyd, we're using this process for a tv series at Calibre Digital (tho ours is more like a resin in appearance), but I've always wondered how heavy they are, the turtle looks quite solid and I definitely would be buying him soon ;) told ya bud, my fiancee loves him to much heh and it would be a great testament, I might even find out about Kar also. Nice work on the article.

-lild

The Frank sculpt weighs about three pounds. I would bet that your resin models are heavier.

Glad you liked the article.

[3dArtToPart]

First of all, my apologies to anyone that thought we were selling models of their mesh. As others have said they were used for a pricing guide only and as requested we will remove the pictures ASAP.

We treat artists property rights very seriously and do not produce customer models for ANY purpose other than to fill a customers order.

Let me also say that the work of the many artists that post on CGTalk has been part of the inspiration that prompted us to provide an affordable service for producing solid models for the 3D community. As artist ourselves the last thing we would want to do is alienate ourselves from this community.

Regards,

Rod Contreras
www.3dArtToPart.com
sales@3dArtToPart.com

[ASCIISkull]

Hey, how does fine detail on an object(say, a minature figure for a game) hold up? What is the minimum detail size, and how study are small features?

[3dArtToPart]

Every model is made up of layers that are the same thickness, so smaller models look rougher than larger models.

We have made models with small thin features but in general we ask that you keep features at least .07 inches thick.

A small game piece would probably lack detail. Small features will be delicate.




Rod Contreras
www.3dArtToPart.com
sales@3dArtToPart.com

[peachstapler]

Time to throw away my old monopoly pieces and make my own. Let's see ... I'll make Juggernaut, the G.O.A.T., Stitch, The Hulk, and Woody.

[Evenflow]

This is great, makes me want to get back into clay sculpting. I will definitely look into this service once I have a nice model done. Like Jum'bok said, having your own models on your desk must be something. Imagine that, inspired by your own work! :D

[BRUTICUS]

the catfish looks smoother than the turtle maybe it was sanded down?

I see a large explosion of toy companies in the future :)

[ZrO-1]

I work at the New York Institute of Technology and we have one of these machines.
Basically what these RP (rapid prototype) machines do is they print a liquid solution (which is basically crazy-glue) into a bed of corn starch. SO your model is really just corn starch and crazy-glue. :D LOL it sounds so funny IMO.

It's really awesome to be able to hold a model in your hands which before you could only look at through a monitor.
However, the models are EXTREMELY fragile before they get coated with the hardner, and even after a thorough coating of hardner they are still pretty fragile in thin areas.

The best thing to do with a model after you get it from an RP machine is to really coat it thickly in paint/sealant, then make a cast of it and make a resin/plastic copy.

If anyone here from CGnetworks would like to get some more first-hand experiance with one of these RP machines and are in the New York City area I might be able to arrange something with the school.

[3dArtToPart]

BRUTICUS
The geometry of the model also effects the surface roughness, basically it's the relationship of the surface curvature to the plane of the binder coupled with the accuracy of the system and the build material properties, phew!.

ZrO-1
We use a plaster based powder which is more expensive but stronger and holds better detail than the cornstarch you are referring to. The binder is a non-toxic water based solution. Your offer is very generous, I would urge anyone in your area to take you up on it.

I also recommend that people read the excellent CGNetworks article by Floyd Bishop ( http://www.cgnetworks.com/story_custom.php?story_id=1549&page= )
The turtle and catfish are perfect examples of putting some personality into your models, I can't wait to see the short movie they are working on, http://www.bassholemovie.com .

Rod Contreras
www.3dArtToPart.com
sales@3dArtToPart.com

[lildragon]

Rod this thread is for the article we just published ;) read the first post heh.

thx for contributing to the discussion.

-lild

[3dArtToPart]

D'oh!
:blush:

[inkyspot]

Man, Oh Man

Thank you, The prices are working for me. I have a little neice that I was making something for.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

I can't believe it.

:drool: :buttrock:

[RYGUY182]

THAT IS DEFFINITELY ONE OF THE KOOLEST THINGS EVER, I JUST ADDED ANOTHER BULLET ON MY ENDLESS TO-DO-LIST!:D

[squidinc]

really nice results :)

anyone know of a place that do this in the uk or at least are able to send items to the uk without it costing a bomb?

the fish looks incredible, I really like fact that the whiskers came out so well with this process :)


edit: I did a quick search and found some uk based companies that seem to do the same sort of thing if anyone is interested
http://www.foundryonline.com/rplinks.htm
there are a few listed at the link above

[Taharez]

Wow, this is a real jaw-dropper, never seen something like this before :drool: And the price is really reasonable too ( now if I just weren't a poor student ;( ). Any Scandinavian know about something similar up here? ( at a similar price )

[JA-forreal]

Originally posted by 3dArtToPart


Let me also say that the work of the many artists that post on CGTalk has been part of the inspiration that prompted us to provide an affordable service for producing solid models for the 3D community. As artist ourselves the last thing we would want to do is alienate ourselves from this community.



Rod, on that note, I went to your website and I was hoping to find a service offering pricing for models that are to be produced in a more preset fashion. Something like, I don't know, a series of target sizes and corresponding prices per size. Say, a 4 in duplicate goes for yay $$, a 9 in, etc. If there was a quick service solution like this it would allow the 3d artist to ponder over that 4 in model that sits on their desk as a paper weight, etc. Then think of other areas to use this technology in their work.

I mean, I can see immediate usage of this technology as promotional tools to help us to turn our computer cg designs into something physical to place in our offices or in our next sales presentation. You know something that we could pass around to our clients and help create another level of access to our designs beyond the visual mode.

This is just how my mind works. I always try to find a solid practical solution for any development technology. Anyway, it will interesting to see what level in other areas that we as 3d cg artist/ designers will take this stuff to.

[Taharez]

Did a bit of searching and came up with this page, I never heard about this stuff before, and there's so many companies doing it, though I guess it's mostly for other companies.

http://www.cc.utah.edu/~asn8200/rapid.html

[dingo]

I been looking at different RP shops for a while now and considering different vendors.

I must say that your prices are Awesome, I have yet to find any shop that can come close. I will be using your service!:buttrock:

Hey Lildragon, how about a contest to create the next 3d Awards trophy?

I can't get over the prices, I mean, wow!:buttrock:

[oxyg3n]

Wow, this process is really interesting. I have heard of it before but had no idea how it worked. THanks for sharing the article with us.

[Rivendale]

:drool:
To Rod at 3dArtToPart: Is it possible to make an order from Sweden? I read that you were thinking of expanding your service to outside the US if there was an interest. I'm very interested. Isn't it hard to package the models so that they don't brake in the mail?

Or else: Does anybody know of any company in Sweden who offers this service to private persons?

[pearson]

Couple of questions:

- Does the complexity of the model affect the cost, or is it only the amount of material used (volume) that determines cost?

- Is it possible to model a hole in the base and leave the center hollow (eg of a bust) to maximize size while minimizing volume?

[Steve Dallas]

Cool stuff. Pixar has been doing this since Toy Story. Only, they do get displaced textures and subd's in the output, because their STL's come out of the rendering engine. Check out www.gentlegiantdigital.com

[gnarlycranium]

This looks almost exactly like something I saw running at siggraph-- but somebody said something about it melting nylon powder, whereas what I saw was printing on the power with ink that was basically glue. Cool thing about that was that it could be in color.

The surface of the objects were quite rough, but they could still hold a lot of detail. It was pretty cool.

What a way to decorate your office, eh? Bring in a client and tell them all the sculptures on your desk are things you actually made, that could be spiffy. :)

[Strob]

Originally posted by Gnarly Cranium
This looks almost exactly like something I saw running at siggraph-- but somebody said something about it melting nylon powder, whereas what I saw was printing on the power with ink that was basically glue.

(Hi Gnarly) I saw it too. And they could scan you body with the textures and then print them.

Rapid protoyping is not new, I used it myself when at school in 1997 (I was studying Industrial Design) But the price has dropped considerably!!!! It cost me 500$CDN for this little model (it was a bicycle multi-tool):

http://www.phylactere-cola.com/v1/strobout.jpg

Now it would have cost me around 40$...

[ASCIISkull]

Originally posted by 3dArtToPart
A small game piece would probably lack detail. Small features will be delicate.

On the website there is a picture of a 2 inch tall figurine. Is there a better picture of it? That's the target size I'm interested in... Also, what would the price range on models that size be?

[gnarlycranium]

Originally posted by ASCIISkull
On the website there is a picture of a 2 inch tall figurine. Is there a better picture of it? That's the target size I'm interested in...

That would be so cool. That's one reason I never got into Warhammer and those other figurine games-- forget painting somebody else's work, I wanna make my own!! :cool:

[3dArtToPart]

JA-forreal - Because the pricing is, in part, dependant on the model volume it's difficult to price based soley on model height since a short fat model could have a larger volume than a tall thin model but we are open to suggestions. We require the mesh in order to make the volume calculation.

Rivendale - We've successfully shipped all around the world. The main problem is that the shipping costs can exceed the price of the model!

pearson - The complexity will affect the cost but it's mainly the amount of material that is used. We build all our larger models hollow in order to reduce the cost, we pass the savings directly to our customers, it's a great way to be able to afford large models. We can also build large models as separate parts that can be assembled. We've recently built a three foot long dinosaur this way and it looked fantastic, the modeler did a great job.

Gnarly Cranium - It's probably the same type of machine that you saw. The color versions that we've seen produced models that lack intensity but the equipment is always improving. The surface roughness is a issue will all rapid prototyping equipment some are much better than others but it’s a cost issue. We've chosen to use equipment that would allow us to make affordable models.

ASCIISkull - send us a file and we can let you know if the size will be an issue, this particular equipment does better on larger models. We do have a $30 minimum but this can cover the cost of more than one small model, depending on the model.

We have just finished our first monthly contest, and will be starting the next one soon. It’s a chance to win a free model and all you will need is a picture of your model in order to enter. Winners would need to supply the mesh in order for us to build their model. We will be posting details for the new contest on our site soon and you can also view the entries for the previous contest.


Rod Contreras
www.3dArtToPart.com
sales@3dArtToPart.com

[pearson]

Bummer, no Maya support. I could export a .dxf, which can be imported by 3D Studio, is that good enough?

On the turtle model you did for Icepond it appears the turtle's eyelids didn't come through. Is 0.07" about the maximum detail we can expect? Is the resolution different in the x/z and the y (assuming a "Y"-up world)?

How do hard edges come through? (ie mechanical parts) Would a perfect 90 degree edge be rounded at about 0.07" radius or is it more (or less)?

How durable is this material for drilling? I fear it may be like plaster and chip/crumble.

Thank you.

[3dArtToPart]

pearson - We've received Maya designs in .obj format and they've worked out well, we can also work with .dxf files as well as .3ds, .c4d and .stl.

The mesh we received for the turtle model did not have eyelids, they must have been added to the mesh later. Looking at the picture they would have reproduced just fine.

The .070" thickness is a general rule to ensure a sucessfull build of things like clothing or blades. Much finer detail will appear but you may lose some definition due to surface roughness. Sharp edges have a small radius around .005".

We apply a surface hardener that infuses into the part about .08" deep. This makes the parts suitable for handling but in general I wouldn't recommend machining the parts other than simple drilling or grinding.

Rod Contreras
www.3dArtToPart.com
sales@3dArtToPart.com

[pearson]

Thank you for the info!

On an unrelated note, this topic makes me wish I had a model of this (http://www.cgtalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=28603) sitting on my desk! I couldn't seem to find the 3D version that Fellah did... :(

[Flog]

I'm not sure how pricing compares, but there is another service that's been around for a while at www.toybuilders.com.

they are way to expensive and I think out of business now.

Gotta go.

[FloydBishop]

Originally posted by pearson

On the turtle model you did for Icepond it appears the turtle's eyelids didn't come through.

I just checked it out, and you're right, they didn't get through. The mesh had them as only a flat plane with no thickness... that's why they probably didn't make it.

The Turtle was exported from Maya as an ".OBJ" file, so it is possible to get your Maya files reproduced.

[kromekat]

Great article and thread! - I saw the website and services of Art to Part some months ago, and I for one will definitely be having some of the ships I designed and made for a Star Wars fan film 'printed' into little desktop trophies!! :)

As for the shipping to the UK, do you have any approximate costs for that? - assuming models made out to the maximum 8" dimensions!?

If it doesn't survve the journey - do you send another?

[simarilius]

I'm assuming this is a z-corp machine. we had them come in and do a demo for us a coulpe of years back, some very cool stuff. I particularly liked the fact it can do stuff like fully linked chains, objects within objects (as long as you leave room for the powder to get out) and even rubber like components (they had a stress ball thing they'd made by using a rubber layer instead of the hardener.) like i said, very cool (i still have several demo bits they printed off for me)

if your in the UK have ties to a company that might at least appear interested in this tech try taking these guys up on their offer:
http://www.printin3d.co.uk/online/free/index.php

[FloydBishop]

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to let everyone know that I'll be the guest speaker at the September "Club Maya" event in Rocky Hill, Connecticut. The topic will be the 3d Fabrication process. While it will be geared toward Maya, the process and techniques will be the same for any software package. You'll also be able to see the sculptures from the CGNetworks article.

Go here to register:
http://www.get.com/registration.html

It's free, and the registration is so that they know how much pizza and soda to have.

Club Maya CT

Wednesday, September 24
XVIVO - Rocky Hill CT

6pm-7pm | Networking Hour
7pm-9pm | Presentation

I hope to see a lot of CGTalkers there!!

[Book]

Thanks a lot Floyd and Rod for this great article. I've talked about this with co-workers before. We were all thinking of doing it... Floyd demystified the process!

[butchoi]

Thats really amazing ...
How did they do that? Do u mind if Im going to ask?

:buttrock:

[butchoi]

oops! sorry! I think I know where to find out
the answer to my question....

:rolleyes:

[FloydBishop]

Originally posted by butchoi
Thats really amazing ...
How did they do that? Do u mind if Im going to ask?

:buttrock:

Follow this link:

http://www.cgnetworks.com/story_custom.php?story_id=1549&page=

:rolleyes: :D

[FloydBishop]

Hey everyone,

Rod at 3D Art to Part and Icepond Studio will be giving away a Catfish model at the Club Maya meeting on Wednesday, September 24th. But this is no ordinary Catfish model! It will be a special edition model with a fake bronze finish. Come on out, throw your name in the hat, and you may come home with a Catfish!



Originally posted by Floyd Bishop
Hello everyone,

I just wanted to let everyone know that I'll be the guest speaker at the September "Club Maya" event in Rocky Hill, Connecticut. The topic will be the 3d Fabrication process. While it will be geared toward Maya, the process and techniques will be the same for any software package. You'll also be able to see the sculptures from the CGNetworks article.

Go here to register:
http://www.get.com/registration.html

It's free, and the registration is so that they know how much pizza and soda to have.

Club Maya CT

Wednesday, September 24
XVIVO - Rocky Hill CT

6pm-7pm | Networking Hour
7pm-9pm | Presentation

I hope to see a lot of CGTalkers there!!

[pgp_protector]

Originally posted by Floyd Bishop
But this is no ordinary Catfish model! It will be a special edition model with a fake bronze finish. Come on out, throw your name in the hat, and you may come home with a Catfish!

Can you post a photo of it ?

[FloydBishop]

Congratulations to Jen Woodbury on winning the special edition "bronze" catfish. Also, thanks to 3D Art to Part for supplying the sculpture.

A good time was had by all.

[pgp_protector]

So no photo :(

[FloydBishop]

Originally posted by pgp_protector
So no photo :(

I'll see if I can get Jen to send me a picture of it.

I didn't want to unpack it before I got to the meeting. Sorry!

[Sinkywinky]

I was in tech/college last week and the head of faculty gave a talk about encouraging students to try and start their own businesses, and how the tech would support them and all that.
He then mentioned that he was waiting for a new £30000 rapid prototyping machine to be delivered...

Hopefully i'll get a chance to speak to him on monday and ask what sort of machine it is and how much stuff costs to make (and if he would let me use it...)
Would anyone in the uk be interested in getting models made?

[flingster]

if you get a cinema 4d file...i presume it shouldn't be in a hypernurb? and the smooth/phong tag shouldn't be there?

what about file sizes...i converted one of my models and the file size was 50meg in c4d and 150 as an obj file? how do you go about getting this to you? is it an upload process?

also i know this might sound odd but i'm unsure on one of them about holes in the mesh....would you guys be able to check once the file is sent for a quote

can you give us a few more details for those that are UK based.

cheers

[squidinc]

Originally posted by flingster
if you get a cinema 4d file...i presume it shouldn't be in a hypernurb? and the smooth/phong tag shouldn't be there?

what about file sizes...i converted one of my models and the file size was 50meg in c4d and 150 as an obj file? how do you go about getting this to you? is it an upload process?

also i know this might sound odd but i'm unsure on one of them about holes in the mesh....would you guys be able to check once the file is sent for a quote

can you give us a few more details for those that are UK based.

cheers

just do a search for rapid prototyping on google uk, there's loads of places that do it :)

[flingster]

cheers squid i did check out your link...
what worried my about the UK was the rip off britain attitude...hence high cost...but i'll check em out...lemme know if you come up with anything will ya.

[t-man152]

so cool. print out your own toys :D

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