1st Build 3D printing?

[Terrabella 072]

How much easier is it to invest in a 3d printer to create pieces vs hand making them? Is the material from a printer often sturdier?

 

[PlanetAlexander]

Welcome to the 405th Terrabella. It's a hard comparison to make on which is easier between 3D printing and hand making armour (by that I assume you mean pepakura/foam), because it all comes down to what the individual is competent at. I'd say foam and pepakura are more "straightforward", as in you can get in and start right away. As you work you start to refine your skills over time with experience and different tools. 3D printing however requires you to learn a few things about how 3D models work, as well as some engineering/chemical properties of your printer and filament. Not rocket science, but can be a bit of a learning curve.

In the end, it boils down to personal preference. If you love working with your hands, making a part from scratch, foamsmithing or pepakura may be the way for you. If you're a bit more tech savy, or want more of a hands off approach for the construction of armour (it gets more hands-on when cleaning up and painting), 3D Printing might suit you better. Many of us even take the hybrid approach to our builds!

Compared to foam, printed parts will of course be more solid, but are prone to damaging in different ways. Whereas foam can be flexed, cut or torn, printed material can warp in the heat, or shatter if it lands with enough force (this depends on a large number of factors though, and there are ways to toughen it).

 

[Terrabella 072]

Welcome to the 405th Terrabella. It's a hard comparison to make on which is easier between 3D printing and hand making armour (by that I assume you mean pepakura/foam), because it all comes down to what the individual is competent at. I'd say foam and pepakura are more "straightforward", as in you can get in and start right away. As you work you start to refine your skills over time with experience and different tools. 3D printing however requires you to learn a few things about how 3D models work, as well as some engineering/chemical properties of your printer and filament. Not rocket science, but can be a bit of a learning curve.

In the end, it boils down to personal preference. If you love working with your hands, making a part from scratch, foamsmithing or pepakura may be the way for you. If you're a bit more tech savy, or want more of a hands off approach for the construction of armour (it gets more hands-on when cleaning up and painting), 3D Printing might suit you better. Many of us even take the hybrid approach to our builds!

Compared to foam, printed parts will of course be more solid, but are prone to damaging in different ways. Whereas foam can be flexed, cut or torn, printed material can warp in the heat, or shatter if it lands with enough force (this depends on a large number of factors though, and there are ways to toughen it).

Thank you so much for answering ^-^ if the foam were to tear or flex what would be a way to patch it up? Adhesives?

 

[PlanetAlexander]

Thank you so much for answering ^-^ if the foam were to tear or flex what would be a way to patch it up? Adhesives?

Flexing isn't so much of a problem for the foam itself, but more for the paints and sealants you use on it. You can always glue foam back together, but you may need to patch the seam up too, and reseal/repaint it

 

[Terrabella 072]

Flexing isn't so much of a problem for the foam itself, but more for the paints and sealants you use on it. You can always glue foam back together, but you may need to patch the seam up too, and reseal/repaint it

Awesome ^-^ thank you so much