this post was submitted on 12 Nov 2024
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cross-posted from: https://hexbear.net/post/3884192

For the purpose of miniature wargaming, I’m considering getting into 3D printing because there are tons of amazing sculpts I’d love to get my hands on.

A couple of questions, though

I’ll admit I know next to nothing about 3D printing, but I could spend up to 300 eurodollars (or a bit more) on a 3D printer. Are there any key things to consider when picking up a printer? I don’t need the cheapest model, as price isn’t the main reason I’m getting into 3D printing. I care quite a bit about the quality of the finished models.

I live in an apartment, so does this even work logistically? I’m aware there are some health hazards with resin/3D printing—how serious should my concerns be about that? (That’s why I’m asking here and not in a 3D printing subreddit, where folks might be biased.)

Are there any recommended communities or YouTube channels for 3D printing? As I mentioned, I’ll be using this primarily for gaming miniatures and possibly wargaming terrain, not for other 3D-printable items.

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[–] NaevaTheRat@vegantheoryclub.org 3 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Pretty much, also I'm pretty sure prusa are still all open hardware so you can do your own thing if you enjoy suffering.

I will say you should probably not run a fdm machine in the same room as you without filtration. I would recommend enclosing them for myriad reasons, and in the enclosure run a fan that forces air through a filter and activated carbon. No reason to increase exposure to VOCs and microplastics.

If you get a fdm that can dual material fiddly prints become a lot easier as you can use a support material you can dissolve off. That starts getting expensive.

Also consider material running cost. Resin is expensive (but minis don't use much), plastic is cheaper but not that much cheaper buying quality, adding in supports, and dealing with failed prints.

[–] buckykat@hexbear.net 1 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Pretty much the entire FDM printer industry is built on the back of Prusa's open hardware.

You're probably not wrong about the microplastics, but worrying about microplastics from FDM in a world filled with cars kinda feels to me like using a paper straw when there are private jets.

well it's all reprap although prusa'a i3 design has been the foundation of bedslingers since it. I was there when the old magic was written and we were trying to find ways to print wires for motors haha.

you don't often have a car driving through your bedroom or whatever. I'm not saying you should put as much effort into filtering the exhaust from a 3d printer chamber as nation states should to removing car dependence. I'm saying if you're spending 300 euros on a printer spend 10 on cleaning it's pollutants.

Or not, take whatever risks you like it's your body.