"Compu-Modeling"?
The reality is; the process used, is pretty much the same as with most every other item manufactured today! A Computer Aided Design (CAD) program is generated on a computer, by a technician. This program is fed into a Computer Aided Machine (CAM) raw material is chucked/fixtured into the machine(maybe by robot) and various operations performed by the machine; or, a series of machines.
Maybe "Manufactured" could work as a descriptor, also?
We all have our own interests and it is wonderful to see the diversity amongst us!
I spend roughly 10-12 hours per day on a computer. 8-10 of those hours are at work. I feel I need my modeling interests to be detached from computers! I want to cultivate and explore my mental, physical and artistic skills by this hobby, sans computer.
Other's using computers in the pursuit of this hobby, is fine, and I'm interested in viewing, just not interested in doing! Maybe I'm a hobby dinosaur?!?
NP 2626 "Northern Pacific, really terrific"
Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association: http://www.nprha.org/
First off, 3-D printing is not as easy as everyone thinks. You have to have some kind of background in 3-D modeling in some kind of CAD program to even get close to doing what Mark has been able to accomplish. Yes, there is google sketchup for free...but its pretty clunky compared to a professional program. Attached is a video of a train I built recently using 3-D printing. All the rack car superstructures were 3-D printed. The first six cars had a couple of the more difficult components 3-D printed, while the rest of the structures were built using traditional styrene. 3D printing is a geat companion to scratchbuilding...it does not have to replace it entirely.
http://youtu.be/6FoEEczTL3I
hon30critter I would be curious to know what data modelers like Mark Watson used to create their models. If they produced the data to make the models on their own then I don't think we can argue with the "scratch" part of the description. If they simply scanned a physical object then the "scratch" part clearly doesn't apply.
I would be curious to know what data modelers like Mark Watson used to create their models. If they produced the data to make the models on their own then I don't think we can argue with the "scratch" part of the description. If they simply scanned a physical object then the "scratch" part clearly doesn't apply.
The best simile for my process is as a painter creates a portrait on canvas. One could simply* a use camera, however the 3D scanner "cameras" are up in the price range of the 3D printers themselves.
Additionally, the materials and printer capabilities present specific guide lines. Creating my designs by hand, from a blank screen enables me to optimize for printer/material capabilities. * That raw data produced by 3d scanner would require extensive tweaking for optimal printability (not so simple after all). For N scale, it's far easier to start from scratch.
And since I just finished it up.. here's some more stagecoach eye candy! :D
-Mark
www.MarkWatson3D.com
I went to Mark's website. He has his designs printed by Shapeways, which is one of the leading companys in the field. From Shapeways website:
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There are 3d printers available for home use. They are expensive, but substantially lower in price than commercial models. The current " home printers" are not capable of printing fine models like those designed by Mark.
I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.
I don't have a leg to stand on.
Chuck
'Scratchforming' works for me too!
I find it interesting that at least two posters have raised the issue of copyright infringement. The 3D printing process is obviously vulnerable to that sort of exploitation. Perhaps here is where we need a legal opinion as to where personal use ends and copyright infringment begins. i.e. If I do one or two for myself is that an infringement vs if I made 50 copies and gave them to all my friends for a few bucks each. The answer seems clear to me.
Never the less, getting us into a legal mudhole was not my intention.
To re-phrase: What terms can we use to compliment a fellow modeler when they use 3D printing to produce a unique model. Mark Watson's N scale models look pretty good to me. Do I simply say "nice keystrokes!"
Anyhow, regardless of your opinion this type of modeling will become much more prevalent so ultimately we will have to come up with terminology suitable to the subject, so why not sort it out now.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
I don't think scratchbuilding is the appropriate term. Perhaps scratchforming would be closer - if the product is a three dimensional representation from an original design. If it's just a copy of a stock item, then how about just forming. If it's a copy of something somebody else designed, reproduced without permission, then the proper term is copyright infringement.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
Mark Watson I often call it scratch building, though I can get away with it as I'm the designer. The "CG" in my business name stands for "Computer Generated". Perhaps electronic modeling or digital modeling would be appropriate terms. But I agree with Tom, I just call it 3d Printing or rapid prototyping. Both are terms that define themselves. These printers are amazing and they're getting better every day. This time last year, the Stagecoach would NOT have been possible. But now, well, check it out for yourself.. It's the size of a quarter!
I often call it scratch building, though I can get away with it as I'm the designer.
The "CG" in my business name stands for "Computer Generated". Perhaps electronic modeling or digital modeling would be appropriate terms. But I agree with Tom, I just call it 3d Printing or rapid prototyping. Both are terms that define themselves.
These printers are amazing and they're getting better every day. This time last year, the Stagecoach would NOT have been possible. But now, well, check it out for yourself.. It's the size of a quarter!
Looks really amazing.
Is the completed model printed in one go or do you do printings of major subassemblies and then glue them together?
Paul
don7As an example one site dealing with 3d printing was making duplicates of lego blocks.
I can't imagine that's cost effective.
Gidday, to a technological "Luddite" such as myself I'd call it "Pretty (and I'm exercising mild self censorship and understatement) Amazing".
How about "Comgenatch Pruilding".
Cheers, the Bear
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Tom! Humour me!
That is way too easy! After all I am trying to stir a pot here!
Seriously, the hobby has a tradition of categorizing and labelling everything.
Does 3D printing qualify as scratch building?
don7:
I understand your concerns about misuse of the technology, but my question is not addressed to the thieves among us. This process will become relatively common place, although there is and will be a stiff entrance fee.
My point is that we need to include those who will use this process instead of dismissing them as copy cats. That description is unfair.
Let us revel in the creations they will make.
Why not call it "3D printing". That's pretty self-explanatory.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Copy cat? no make that Clone modeling
As 3d printing becomes more available to the general public I forsee many legal problems. It would be so easy to duplicate items that are under a copywrite.
As an example one site dealing with 3d printing was making duplicates of lego blocks.
Having said that I would get one should they become afordable for personal use.
On this weekend's "Weekend Photo Fun April 13 - 15" MarkWatson posted pictures of three pieces of rolling stock made with a 3D printer. http://cs.trains.com/TRCCS/forums/t/204976.aspx
I described his work as "taking scratch building to a whole new level" but stebbycentral suggested that 'scratch building' might not be the best term to describe the process.
So, my question is: What do you call the process of using a 3D printer to create a unique model?
Personally, I kind of favour the term 'scratch building' because the modeler is starting from scratch and is using basic materials. The two big differences are that the tool(s) being used can't exactly be described as 'basic', and the skills are more intellectual than manual.
OK, let's start the pot boiling! Your opinions and suggestions please.
We are witnessing the beginning of a whole new aspect of the hobby!