I have been a CAD designer since the early days of CAD in the mid 1980’s and have been applying these skills using Licenced Fusion 360 software to produce 3D models in 1200/1250 and other scales.
The amount of time needed to produce a good 3D model varies depending on the complexity of the model being created and during this phase due account needs to be taken of print limitations. “Free” models from Cults/ Thingiverse/ Grabcad bypass the CAD phase of the process but please appreciate the amount of effort that has gone into them. We all remember how “Free music downloads “ affected the music industry.
Anyway that’s for the individual to ponder.
Print Limitations vary, my own resin printer has a print volume determined by the vat dimensions and the Z or vertical component which are 134 x 75 x 130 mm.
But the main limitation is that a resin printer doesn’t like to pull an object through a vat of viscous liquid, therefore the model needs to be angled in order to reduce the resistance , allow uncured resin to run off and also reduce the layer lines. A by product of this angling is that a slightly bigger model can be created on the diagonal a model circa 200mm could be printed albeit some careful manipulation is needed to ensure clearance from the vat sides.
I’ve previously produced a number of models that have sold through Shapeways, this does increase the print size available and the material choice. https://www.shapeways.com/shops/ship-write
One of my current projects is an ACL G4 vessel, this will require printing in 2 parts to accommodate the hull length, will require a careful joint design and clever orientation to allow resin run off.
https://a360.co/3FYH7FN Link to model opens in a browser window.
So if you want a CAD model producing from your reference material, or a print within my print parameters that could be used as a master for casting feel free to contact me for a quote.
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