Hello !
We at the European Regiment have something going called PrintPool as many of you guys probably know. For those who aren't in the know : it's basically a group of 3D printer owners who freely donate their "machine time" to people who are interested in 3D printing (own developments, open and free stuff from Thingyverse or 405th's own vast File Repository ...) but don't have easy or affordable access to such devices.
So basically, we're a "nearly free printservice" to those who are interested. We don't run on a money-earning model : the "customer" only pays for the used filament, shipping, and 10€ "troublefee" which covers the electrical bill, wear and tear and what do I know, and an added 10€ "model bank money" which will be used to offer a financial compensation for modellers when we at 405th European would want to see a commission made for a specific, yet to be developed 3D model. Those who want to know how we work : drop me a line. While we're oriented at European members (shipping costs to the US tend to cost more than the models themselves so it's not really ideal for non Europeans to use our services), it would be cool if the idea would result in other, comparable initiatives on your side of the world and if need be, I would share the way we worked out the internal workings of our little ship of fools.
Anyhow.
This week, I received a M7 SMG 3D model from our member Samsa000, better known to us as Johannes, and he can be reached at Johannes Schmidt | Facebook for those who want to know more or want to get in direct contact with this wonderful and friendly guy.
He's been working on this one for some time but he himself has no capabilities of printing it at affordable prices -and let us be honest, quite some printservice shops over here do exist, but cheap, they are not-, so he came to us. Also, We have a policy that states that workable, new models will be printed for _free_ for the original designer if he so wishes. A service that is liked by many a student who's normal status in life seems to be "low on cash" on a permanent basis.
While his model was already excellent imho, me and Johannes worked on it together on a lazy sunday afternoon to give it that little extra. So by the end of the day, the static prop had evolved into a model with a removable/interchangable barrel, an extendable stock and a removable mag to complement the foldable front grip which was already in place.
Since then, the model is currently being proofprinted for the very first time. Additions and enhancements will be made to the V1,0 model for sure, but It's already looking quite nicely.
The Silencer/Target Laser addon is already been created, but it needs a little extra care to be fully usable. Expect this to be added at the end of the week.
Also, the mechanism to lock the stock still needs some tinkering.
When the model has passed print proofing, it will be made available as a bunch of printable STL files for everyone here on 405th.
With a little bit of luck, that will happen mid next week.
Here's how it looks at the moment. First big print segment is running at 0,12 in ABS+ and nearing completion, which is about the full gun minus the front barrel assembly and the stock.
I'll add the pics of the result later this evening.
As said, as soon as the V1,0 version passes print test, the full files will be added here too.
PS : (20-3-2017) : Johannnes was kind enough to send me some pictures of the completed gun yesterday. So for you enjoyment : that's how the M7 looks like using these files. Consisdering this was Johannes FIRST attempt at building any prop in 3D, not only does this one look amazing, it doesn't look any worse than several ready-sold props do while costing 10x as much as this one did in terms of material. There will be a slightly imrpoved version of this one soon, with caliber designation stamping and such but unless you're a lefty, nobody will be able to read them anyway.
We at the European Regiment have something going called PrintPool as many of you guys probably know. For those who aren't in the know : it's basically a group of 3D printer owners who freely donate their "machine time" to people who are interested in 3D printing (own developments, open and free stuff from Thingyverse or 405th's own vast File Repository ...) but don't have easy or affordable access to such devices.
So basically, we're a "nearly free printservice" to those who are interested. We don't run on a money-earning model : the "customer" only pays for the used filament, shipping, and 10€ "troublefee" which covers the electrical bill, wear and tear and what do I know, and an added 10€ "model bank money" which will be used to offer a financial compensation for modellers when we at 405th European would want to see a commission made for a specific, yet to be developed 3D model. Those who want to know how we work : drop me a line. While we're oriented at European members (shipping costs to the US tend to cost more than the models themselves so it's not really ideal for non Europeans to use our services), it would be cool if the idea would result in other, comparable initiatives on your side of the world and if need be, I would share the way we worked out the internal workings of our little ship of fools.
Anyhow.
This week, I received a M7 SMG 3D model from our member Samsa000, better known to us as Johannes, and he can be reached at Johannes Schmidt | Facebook for those who want to know more or want to get in direct contact with this wonderful and friendly guy.
He's been working on this one for some time but he himself has no capabilities of printing it at affordable prices -and let us be honest, quite some printservice shops over here do exist, but cheap, they are not-, so he came to us. Also, We have a policy that states that workable, new models will be printed for _free_ for the original designer if he so wishes. A service that is liked by many a student who's normal status in life seems to be "low on cash" on a permanent basis.
While his model was already excellent imho, me and Johannes worked on it together on a lazy sunday afternoon to give it that little extra. So by the end of the day, the static prop had evolved into a model with a removable/interchangable barrel, an extendable stock and a removable mag to complement the foldable front grip which was already in place.
Since then, the model is currently being proofprinted for the very first time. Additions and enhancements will be made to the V1,0 model for sure, but It's already looking quite nicely.
The Silencer/Target Laser addon is already been created, but it needs a little extra care to be fully usable. Expect this to be added at the end of the week.
Also, the mechanism to lock the stock still needs some tinkering.
When the model has passed print proofing, it will be made available as a bunch of printable STL files for everyone here on 405th.
With a little bit of luck, that will happen mid next week.
Here's how it looks at the moment. First big print segment is running at 0,12 in ABS+ and nearing completion, which is about the full gun minus the front barrel assembly and the stock.
I'll add the pics of the result later this evening.
As said, as soon as the V1,0 version passes print test, the full files will be added here too.
PS : (20-3-2017) : Johannnes was kind enough to send me some pictures of the completed gun yesterday. So for you enjoyment : that's how the M7 looks like using these files. Consisdering this was Johannes FIRST attempt at building any prop in 3D, not only does this one look amazing, it doesn't look any worse than several ready-sold props do while costing 10x as much as this one did in terms of material. There will be a slightly imrpoved version of this one soon, with caliber designation stamping and such but unless you're a lefty, nobody will be able to read them anyway.
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