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Old 08-12-2011 | 10:18 AM
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invertmast
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Default RE: 3D printers..how about scale cocpits

Actually, i am planning on having the instrument panels and side consoles for my F-14 kit 3D printed. Depending on how they charge you (most charge by volume of material + machine time) if your parts are able to be hollowed out, the pricing is very reasonable. Now, if you have large parts for example a 1/7 Aim-54 phoenix (about 24" long) the pricing is around $1,000 for ONE missile.
I am expecting the 3D printed parts for my F-14 cockpit to be under $500. The down-side, is many of the printers are limited to about 2.5mm resolution (.098") so anything smaller than this can not be printed. And at 1/7th and smaller scales, many of the switch details and all will either have to be omitted or done from scratch anyways.