3D Printer for Building Tanks
 

I was looking at the 3D Print Engine from BitsfromBytes.com (RapMan 3.2 3D Printer Kit) and with a background in 3D CAD, I began dreaming of all the tanks and parts I could build. There's even a complete T28 3D model on TurboSquid that could be created on the 3D Printer.

The 3D printer can build objects up to 10" by 8" by 8" (roughly) by simply taking the 3D File and transferring it via usb to the printer. It uses ABS spool wire and can build very intricate pieces.

Does anyone own and use a 3D printer? If so, how does it work and is the ABS material strong enough for 1/16 tank treads?

With my son, our goal is to build a IS-7 which we'll start by creating the 3D model. I found a 3D Cad file out of Russia, but the file server was shut down for any US residents..... Probably just as well.

Thanks
tjs

RE: 3D Printer for Building Tanks
 

I know of someone using something similar for tank detail parts. Never really enquired into the brand or cost, just that the parts are fairly robust and structurally sound.

They do leave an uneven surface so that must be taken into consideration if you're planning on building a complete tank. I have a "conversion kit" to change the early KV wheels into late style simply by replacing the outer stock wheel ... made by such a machine.

I forget but last I looked into such a machine and they are not cheap. :D










~ Jeff

RE: 3D Printer for Building Tanks
 

I was looking at a 3D Printer Kit for schools and universities that (in kit form) retails for under $1,500. You can find it at http://www.bitsfrombytes.com/usd/con...3d-printer-kit. This kit can 3D print up to 10" x 8" x 8". Enough for most parts and turrets (like a IS-7...) including wheels and treads - I hope.

All the work would go into the 3D model. Once the 3D model is complete, the kit provides the software to transform into the proper code for the 3D printer and attach a USB with the file and hit "print". I like building physical things rather then computer code, but it's pretty thrilling at the thought of being able to build almost anything at the touch of a button. There's plenty of 3D tank models that you can buy. Here's one from TurboSquid for $129 (expensive....) http://www.turbosquid.com/FullPrevie....cfm/ID/525614 and a IS-7 from a Russian Server (which I can't get to...) http://gamemodels3d.com/model/r45.

tjs

RE: 3D Printer for Building Tanks
 

I have a friend who is getting a 3D ploter and he has invited me to draw up some tank parts to use to test his new machine. His is made for indstury and costs about $30,000.

I have not decided what part to make yet, but it will be for a tank I own. I too do AutoCAD drafting in 3D and 2D.

Any ideas about what part to make?<br type="_moz" />

RE: 3D Printer for Building Tanks
 

Just as a test, how about some kind of a track link that is not available. I have run out of projects that can use HL PzIII track links.

Rex ;)

RE: 3D Printer for Building Tanks
 

Well, cost should be considered and maybe some pocket money for you and your friend. Something that is seriously needed and not made right now or something that is always out of stock.

One can never have too many Sherman parts? ;) Whatever, I'm in if you offer it publicly to members here.










~ Jeff

RE: 3D Printer for Building Tanks
 

Hmmm...  both good ideas.  I would like to keep it simple at first so a track link seems like a lot to try.  I don't have a Sherman (yet) but there does seem to be a lacking in the US tank area.  His machine would not be good for mass production, but he also does lots of other plastic molding.  I see an opportunity here, but it is still too early to know what kind of opportunity it is.  He does not have the machine yet, it's just ordered.<div>
</div><div>I want my first project to be simple.  A small part so I don't waste too much of his money while I learn.  I can work myself up to more complex stuff later, if this works out at all.</div><div>
</div><div>So far my best idea is a US .30 cal machine gun with a mount.  All in ABS and as accurate to scale as I can.  For Sherman tanks...</div><div>
</div><div>If that works then I could do bigger, more complex stuff.</div>

RE: 3D Printer for Building Tanks
 

He just told me last week about this... I have not had time to think on this very much.

Rex, do you have any specs on the track link you have in mind???

Is it something I could translate into AutoCAD?

Would we need a sprocket design too?

I can do metric or English ('merikan)

The size would make a good first project and would be a good test of repeatability...<br type="_moz" />

RE: 3D Printer for Building Tanks
 

Well, one thing that is needed. The Firefly mantlet. It must fit both the Tamiya barrel and the IMPACT unit as well.

I think some detail parts for the Sherman, like the engine screens (if possible) for the A3.

I don't know the limitations of such a machine, but affordable detail parts that are not available would be a start.










~ Jeff

RE: 3D Printer for Building Tanks
 

I don't want to bother making parts you can buy now... I'm looking at a future market of goods that are not avalable now, but that are not so simple that all you guys will just go make your own.

A FF mantlet is a good idea.

RE: 3D Printer for Building Tanks
 

Agreed!

No one is making a mantlet for the 17pdr in the Sherman and I doubt anyone will anytime soon so jump on it! :D It's the single reason why I don't have a FF in my arsenal. I've tried making it but to no avail.










~ Jeff

RE: 3D Printer for Building Tanks
 

The is-7 model you are looking at is a compiled hitbox model from World of Tanks for players to look at various module locations. I am currently extracting attempting to extract the is-7 model if you want it.

RE: 3D Printer for Building Tanks
 

I have my REVIT/AutoCad software fired up and running through the first tutorials. I once owned a company (pre-recession) that was successful in building 3D CAD custom homes prior to construction. It was a great service to the client to walk them through a home that had never been built.

With the 3D print engine, my goal is to build up a rounded turret like on the IS-7. Plus, all the parts and pieces. With the ABS thread, it is similar in strength to a lego. I'll keep posting what I've discovered and how this project works out. It's a pretty amazing concept, - build it in 3D CAD and hit print. A little cleanup, paint and bingo!
tjs

If you can create and print this, think what you can do with a tank.

RE: 3D Printer for Building Tanks
 

Thanks for the offer on the IS-7. YES - I WOULD LOVE THE FILE! The only one I found was from a ripped copy that www.gamemodels3d.com had. Unfortunately, the forum is in Russian, my translation is terrible and the server no longer downloads to the USA. I started looking at the rip software versus drafting a completely new IS-7 which I have a pretty good idea how long that would take.

I'd really appreciate the file when you are done and when I purchase the 3D printer, I'll definitely help you out!
tjs

RE: 3D Printer for Building Tanks
 

It looks like they have seperate files for the turret, chassis, gun etc, and various level of detail versions (lod1,lod2,lod3), so I will just give you all those, I doubt you want the collision or destroyed versions. They are in .model files though, not sure if your software uses that. PMing you the link, anyone else who wants one just say.

RE: 3D Printer for Building Tanks
 

Here is the hobby 3D printer that I have crowd invested in and soon to be shipping out.
Basically $300 for the printer and $50 in shipping any where in the world, at this price I thought why not.
It will use the standard 1.75mm filament and you can use any of the free software to drive it. (ReplicatorG, Slic3D)
check it out if your interested,
Tom

http://www.makible.com/projects/7-ma...top-3d-printer

Ps - This is a hobby 3d printer and will not do what the $30K printers will do...just thought I would add this to possibly head off the statements and questions regarding printer resolution. This will do the same as the printerbot, makerbot, mendelbrot, prusa...etc.

RE: 3D Printer for Building Tanks
 

That is the cheapest I have seen yet! Very interesting and much more affordable than the makerbot or others I usually think of. However, where are examples of what It can make? I would like to see tangible evidence of its printing.

RE: 3D Printer for Building Tanks
 

There's always the [link=http://store.makerbot.com/thing-o-matic-kit-mk7.html]Thing-O-Matic[/link] for $1099.

If I had the cash I'd buy it just for the name.

RE: 3D Printer for Building Tanks
 

That is our collective question at the moment, it's controller is based on a proven board in the 3D printer public domain, ie. reprap, makerbot, printrbot.
The crowd funding this project are ready to see some prints...even the most basic of prints would be ok with us.
Due to ship out next month

RE: 3D Printer for Building Tanks
 

Thanks again - appreciate the file. The .model file type is from CATIA (version 3 I believe). I know there is some STEP translator programs, but do you or anyone know of any cheap and effective .model translators?
Thanks!
tjs

RE: 3D Printer for Building Tanks
 

I may have a lead for a .obj set of the files-it may take some time though.

RE: 3D Printer for Building Tanks
 

Thanks! Looks like the STEP translators have a high degree of vertices connection issues from the CATIA file system. I once know a CATIA engineer at Boeing and his running commentary of CATIA was never pleasant.
tjs

RE: 3D Printer for Building Tanks
 

I work in the 3D Rapid Prototyping industry (Field Engineer). The equipment I deal with prints at .001" resolution, and I could be persuaded to build parts at cost plus shipping... ;)

PM me with questions or if interested; I would need STL files.