Pendraken Miniatures Forum

Wider Wargaming => Painting & Modelling => Topic started by: Shapur II on 12 February 2022, 11:22:31 PM

Title: 3d printed structures.
Post by: Shapur II on 12 February 2022, 11:22:31 PM
No painting today as I. have been repairing and running the printer most of the day.  As I push building through my slicer program I am aware that the footprint of most structures are quite large.

To counter that I often play with the x,y scale to reduce the footprint while leaving the z scale as recommended to keep the structures height relative to the figures. 

Do other's do this?  If so is there a preferred footprint for structures?  I typically try to keep buildings under 10cm in any one dimension. This is individual structures, not farm complexes like La Haye Sainte or Hougoumont.  That may mean reducing a 28mm scale model by 50% or more or increasing a 6mm scaled model by 125% .  I do aim for 35-45 mm in height.  Larger buildings will house a single troop base  with a standard at 50 x 25mm



Stu
Title: Re: 3d printed structures.
Post by: John Cook on 13 February 2022, 02:23:33 AM
Quote from: Stewart.gibson on 12 February 2022, 11:22:31 PMAs I push building through my slicer program I am aware that the footprint of most structures are quite large.
To counter that I often play with the x,y scale to reduce the footprint while leaving the z scale as recommended to keep the structures height relative to the figures. 

Never really thought about it.  As long as the feature look right I don't worry about x,y or z.
Title: Re: 3d printed structures.
Post by: Aksu on 13 February 2022, 05:15:21 AM
I haven't used scaling when slicing, but I remember hearing somewhere that many modellers keep the height accurate and distort the width dimensions when designing structures for gaming. Basically the same thing as your approach. Less windows vs skinny windows is the only difference I suppose.
Cheers,
Aksu
Title: Re: 3d printed structures.
Post by: fred. on 13 February 2022, 08:37:56 AM
I've done something similar with wargames buildings - aiming for a 1/300th ground scale, but keeping 1/150 vertical scale.  As Asku says if you are just scaling within the software then you will need to check that windows and doors look sensible.

Total Battle Miniatures have a whole range based on reduced footprint, while keeping vertical scale in line with figure scale. I have quite a few of these, and they work really well when your bases of troops are at a representative scale too. 
Title: Re: 3d printed structures.
Post by: John Cook on 13 February 2022, 10:00:23 AM
Quote from: John Cook on 13 February 2022, 02:23:33 AMNever really thought about it.  As long as the feature look right I don't worry about x,y or z.

Ah, I see this is about 3D printing.  Shouldn't post when I'm outside half a bottle of red.  Ignore my last.
Title: Re: 3d printed structures.
Post by: Shapur II on 13 February 2022, 12:52:55 PM
Quote from: John Cook on 13 February 2022, 10:00:23 AMAh, I see this is about 3D printing.  Shouldn't post when I'm outside half a bottle of red.  Ignore my last.

Many things loose their perspective when disguised by the fog of wine.  Most times for the better I find...
Title: Re: 3d printed structures.
Post by: Shapur II on 13 February 2022, 08:56:16 PM
Quote from: Aksu on 13 February 2022, 05:15:21 AMLess windows vs skinny windows is the only difference I suppose.

This is an issue of course. Which, depending on technology available,  can become a printing issue.   Alas I lack the tools and skills needed to design my own models. I have designed some in tinkered but they lack textures like thatched or tiled roofs and stone/brickwork. 

Stu