The MLP Arena
Creativity => Customs => Topic started by: Pokeyonekenobie on November 10, 2016, 02:32:20 PM
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So the library where I work has gotten a 3D printer! I think it would be fun to create some 3D printed G1 boys as custom bases. I want to do molded hair (I think) and then I'll paint them however I want. (Though if someone has a tutorial on how to hair a 3D printed pony, that might change my mind.) I want to do it before they decide to start charging to use the printer (because I have no idea how much a G1 would cost to "print"). I also have no idea when they plan to do this, it's just something they've said they'll discuss "at a later date".
My question is this:
Is there a good program for beginners to use to create the model? I've never tried it before so I am very much a beginner. I know there are 3D printer users that do awesome custom work. What do you use? Any tips you would recommend for me?
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As a 3D modeling kinda-expert there are some free programs online like Tinkercad.
This one is pretty easy to get the hang of, but I haven't tried exporting files for it.
3D modeling does take some time to get the hang of though. I would watch some tutorials online and just start slow.
If you want to invest some money in a software I would recommend Zbrush for more natural and organic modeling.
I personally use Rhino, which is more for engineering and industry.
If you're looking for files to print I would head to Thingiverse and get started :)
But not to get your hopes up, but hairing 3d printed parts is a bit tricky depending on what material you use. I know my printer uses ABS plastic and you cant really use a rehairing tool for it since there is no give in the material. What kind of printer do they have, and what does it print with?
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I'll have to look at Tinkercad and Thingiverse. Thanks! With any luck I'll find some time this weekend.
I don't know the make of the 3D printer but I think it uses the long spools of plastic. (And I'm sure that narrowed down the type of material for you, too. :P) I wondered about the ability to hair a printed project so I think I will just stick with molded hair. It will probably not be any harder than figuring out how to make a model of the rest of the pony. I'm sure I can reference the cartoon for it. :)
I'm also thinking about making them a bit smaller than real G1 size because those are pretty big and will probably take a long time to print. Maybe a little bigger than G4 size, though. I'd rather get a lot of smaller ones made up before they start charging. Plus it would be good practice, I think, so when people ask how to use the machine I can actually help them.