Bringing your models to life... literally

#61

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

#62

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?

#63

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

#64

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.

#65

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! :smiley:

#66

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

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

#67

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. :smiley: 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.

#68

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

#69

Rod this thread is for the article we just published :wink: read the first post heh.

thx for contributing to the discussion.

-lild

#70

D’oh!
:blush:

#71

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:

#72

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

#73

really nice results :slight_smile:

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 :slight_smile:

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

#74

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 )

#75

Originally posted by 3dArtToPart
[B]

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.

[/B]

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.

#76

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

#77

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:

#78

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.

#79

: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?

#80

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?