Xzin's 3D Printing Side Business (Beta)

[Xzin]

I hesitate to post such a blatant advertisement. But I thought some members of this community might have some interest. I am in the process of starting up two new companies. They both use three dimensional printing so I bought a 3d printer. More specifically the highest resolution printer on the market. It prints with 16 micron layers (human hair is around 100 microns thick) and the models come out very smooth and are quite durable (unlike Figureprints). The downside is it cannot print in full color. I am offering to sell some of my excess capacity while I am getting off the ground.

I expect to formally launch at the end of January but in the mean time I am ironing out kinks and getting everything working. So no promises of an instant turn around but I will strive to make it right or offer a refund. I don't expect to make bank on this project but it would be nice to eventually pay off the machine. They cost well over $130k new. Honestly, my prices are probably at least 2 or 3 times lower than most any other company out there.

Bottom line is that I am willing to offer 3D printing services on my Objet Eden printer at very close to my cost for a limited time.

Cost is based on size. I will reorient the parts such that the thinnest part is the Z axis. Anything that can fit in the bounding box will be the same cost.

A 7" by 4" by 0.5" model would cost you $64.56 plus shipping.
A 5" by 4" by 1" model would cost $120.80 plus shipping.
A 1" by 1" by 1" model would cost you $51.04 plus shipping.

Build size tops out at around 13" by 13" by 8". But that would cost you about $3,800.00 :)

I expect to have a real time cost calculator live by the end of the month as well as an expanded gallery in the next two weeks.

In the mean time, take a look at this gallery:

http://objet.com/Misc/Gallery/tabid/70/AlbumID/393-22/language/en-US/Default.aspx

It gives a good overview of the kinds of parts you can expect. My jaw still drops when I see what comes off the machine. I can accept most any CAD data, most 3d modeling programs (Maya, ZBrush, Silo, Blender, etc), 3d screen captures (via OGLE, etc) or even point cloud or MRI/CT scan data. If it is 3d, I can print it. There is virtually no geometry that I can't print.

Send me a PM and we can work out the details. I hope to have a better writeup and website live in the near future that will better answer questions but you have to start somewhere :)

http://objet.com/Portals/0/Gallery/Album/3/Automotive_VB_Engine.jpg

http://objet.com/Portals/0/Gallery/Album/4/Cunsumer%20Goods_VB_Castle.jpg

http://objet.com/Portals/0/Gallery/Album/4/Cunsumer%20Goods_VB_Dino.jpg

http://objet.com/Portals/0/Gallery/Album/6/Medical_VW%20Sculp_bitz.jpg

http://objet.com/Portals/0/Gallery/Album/4/black%20mobile.jpg

http://objet.com/Portals/0/Gallery/Album/5/Toys_VW%20Ball_bitz.jpg

Of course any questions or comments or suggestions you have would be most helpful. Don't hold back either - I need to know your real thoughts. I will not be offended!

[keyclone]

That looks like some quality work. very nice detail, which has been lacking in the other 3D modeling services.

any ability to do automated painting? (you say no full color... does that knock out all painting??)

what about wow characters? any possibility?

[Xzin]

I am developing a dye system that would allow me to offer about 32 colors. All or nothing though. I am not willing to paint your models!

As to WoW characters.... there probably are some IP issues there. Figureprints pays a royalty to Blizzard. A few one off projects might be possible but I don't expect to be able to offer Figureprints version 2. Plus their backend ties into WoW (makes it far easier than using Model Viewer or a 3d screenshot program) and they tweak their characters. I have no desire to do that or hire people to do that at this stage.

That said, I have already printed Ragnaros and Mini Diablo :) But they aren't for sale. Maybe a free prize or something.

Also - WoW models are NOT designed to be watertight - they are designed for the screen so it can take a bit of work on my end to make them translate to the real world. They are also VERY low poly so appear somewhat blocky without the textures you normally see on screen. That too can be smoothed out a bit though.

[algol]

If you haven't already investigated this, you should look into making yourself known to some of the local universities. Mine for example has a nanofab shop which does a lot of work for the various research labs and also has a lot of commercial connections. Something like this could help you get the word around that you have the equipment available.

[Iceorbz]

I guess im really confused at how you "print" in 3d? Guess I have a new topic to research lol.

[Xzin]

Print a layer 16 microns thick. Print another layer on top and drop the tray down 16 microns. Repeat thousands of times until you build it up thick enough. This can take 1 - 60+ hours, depending on the thickness.

[Stabface]

Hmm... EVE Online ship models? :~)

[Xzin]

How easy would it be to extract the model data? A few for demos could be really great looking.

[matexoza]

so is this like a pic... or like A Statue? LOL looks cool thowe

[Spook]

I'm curious about the durability of the finished model.

If it would stand up to vibration, varying from modest to pretty severe, it might be worthwhile to market to those that build and fly radio control scale model airplanes. Some of those guys will spend a fair amount to get things made like, scale engines, machine guns, drop tanks, missiles, bombs, and pilot figures that feature their own face. Weight and durability would be concerns to these guys. I have no idea how you'd collect the data needed to print this stuff, just sorta thinking out loud.

[Gadzooks]

3-d printers are amazing. I have a few 3-d models that I'd love to have printed, but I'd want them BIG - $3000 big! :)

Anyway, I'm heavily into 3-d professionally and as a hobby, you might want to throw a few posts up over at http://www.cgsociety.org/ - there's a TON of 3-d artists there who might want to use your system. (there's some *amazing* artists over there).

[Xzin]

The material can hold up to vibration just fine (it is somewhat similar to a lego block) but weight may be a concern. It is about as dense as water. Not super heavy but not ULTRA light either. But then again, Aluminum is 2.7g/cm³ and mine is about 1 g / cm³ but lacks the tensile strength of aluminum. Not sure if it beats out say carbon fiber for strength to weight but for custom accessories it might be a winner.

[blast3r]

This is some very exciting technology. They are actually even working on printing of human organs with more advanced models. Actual real ones that could be used for a transplant. I saw one discovery channel show once where a researcher printed out on layer of a human heart and the slice was actually pulsing/beating.

[Stabface]

How easy would it be to extract the model data? A few for demos could be really great looking.

Fairly easy, they are in some special (.gr2 ?) format which I am not familiar with, but there is a custom tool called TriExporter which will put it in to some more easily handle-able format (.3ds ?). Check the eve-online forums in the dev or tech discussion something something forum, I'm sure you can find it.

[Xzin]

This is some very exciting technology. They are actually even working on printing of human organs with more advanced models. Actual real ones that could be used for a transplant. I saw one discovery channel show once where a researcher printed out on layer of a human heart and the slice was actually pulsing/beating.

Some people are conducting trials of biocompatible calcium based materials used as a scaffolding to replace bone. Others are directly sintering metal with a laser for truly custom implants and joint replacements.

Some other people use machines like mine to print custom hearing aids or other medical devices.

[Stabface]

And teh p0rn industry is liek PENIS PENIS PENIS. LULZ.

[gankzer]

Get your website up and I can do some free marketing for you. I manage a satellite program and L3 communications (Salt Lake City Utah) has a rough version of this capability. More or less for government programs - say integrating a payload onto a satellite - we pay to have the CAD drawings of the hardware "modeled" - similiar to what you have here. We then provide those models to the satellite vendors for early integration. Obviously weight and power draw still needs to be tested but we can at least ensure the volume of the hardware fits within available space, cables and connectors have enough room, etc. Modeling works good but doesn't compare to being able to put hands on a replica of what you expect the metal benders to provide.

It's amazing what these things can do. It's paper and thier machine sprays a resign to harden it. Pretty nifty.

EDIT: What drives the limfac on the size model you can produce?

[Xzin]

What limits the model size? Cost and time. Models are limited by how accurate the machine's physical rails are, etc. The longer and straighter they are, the more expensive. There are a FEW machines that can do larger format work, like say up to 2 or 3 feet per side but they start at a million bucks and go up from there. And their quality isn't that impressive either.

The larger the model, the longer it takes to print. Some really large models for me (meaning full sized - 13" x 13" x 8") might take nearly 3 days to produce.

[yarr]

that jewlery looks pretty cool, although the tough part would be actually making the model of something I would like made.

[bigp3rm]

I am an unemployed 3D architectural visualization artist. Since we are posting work and money here thought I would trow my hat in.

http://apokolips.org/images/3D/BMW1.jpg

http://apokolips.org/images/3D/Building1a.jpg

http://apokolips.org/images/3D/Building1b.jpg

http://apokolips.org/images/3D/Building1c.jpg

http://apokolips.org/images/3D/Building2a.jpg

http://apokolips.org/images/3D/Building2b.jpg

http://apokolips.org/images/3D/Building2c.jpg

Is it ok to post here or should I have made my own I need work/money thread?

[oogally]

Lol, I was wanting to build my own rep-rap (http://reprap.org) to make RP parts. It seems like a pretty goofy idea looking at those models though.

[Los]

xzin where are the sex toys :(


btw for eve ships, wtb phobos!

[Xzin]

xzin where are the sex toys :(


btw for eve ships, wtb phobos!

http://www.eve-wiki.net/images/thumb/a/aa/Phobos.jpg/250px-Phobos.jpg

Phobos does look surprisingly like a certain male anatomy doesn't it?

[Talamarr]

What? You don't have 5 of them? Booooo, solo is the new gimp!

[Hachoo]

xzin where are the sex toys :(


btw for eve ships, wtb phobos!

http://www.eve-wiki.net/images/thumb/a/aa/Phobos.jpg/250px-Phobos.jpg

Phobos does look surprisingly like a certain male anatomy doesn't it?Hehe theres a whole line of ships like that in Eve - the base model is the "Thorax" - the Phobos is based off that.

One ship that looks really cool that would be awesome to 3D model is the "Rifter" look it up. Another great one would be the Megathron.

[Xzin]

Megathron .... sounds like Magtheridon. I think I will print that one out as a sample.

[cairnz]

Megathron .... sounds like Magtheridon. I think I will print that one out as a sample.

If you're going for EVE ships, do the Onyx (luxury cruiser), and some Jovian models - not the "boring" player ships :)

[Xzin]

Should have told me that last night before I started printing :)

[Stabface]

Pics or it didn't happen, Xzin ;)

[Xzin]

Man you guys are so cynical :)

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x45/Xzin-WoW/EVEandOny.jpg

Fresh off the machine - I also did Onyxia for fun :)

[Stabface]

Looks... edible!

[welwyn]

miniature eve ships.. now thats a good idea! they would make ideal presents for some people i know! ill try getting some models off of the install and send you some to see if they would work on your machine. dunno if that would be legal with eve though lol.

[Xzin]

I couldn't sell them but a few for free or for friends would likely fall under fair use.

And no - not edible :)

[algol]

They do look a bit like gummi candy...

I notice it starts with a flat base and there's never a point that doesn't go all the way to the base layer. Is that just the designs you used, or does it have a problem with the solidification rate or cohesion being too low to allow freestanding portions?

Also - pics of the machine! :D

[Xzin]

In these pics, I had not yet removed the support material, which supports the models. You can't jet into empty space and have it hover so you have to have something. The support material washes away.... the above pic is how it comes out of the machine and the support material is not unlike a gummy candy in consistency. It is able to be crushed or broken fairly easily though.

[Xzin]

Removed the support material and dyed the EVE model black.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x45/Xzin-WoW/EVEandOny2.jpg
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x45/Xzin-WoW/EVEandOny3.jpg
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x45/Xzin-WoW/EVEandOny4.jpg

Ony still needs her wings. I removed them to reduce costs and print time. Reattaching is easy - they dovetail back in.

These are REAL quick and dirty pics - they do not do the models justice at all.

[Hachoo]

I can tell they don't do the models justice, especially the megathron which has all sorts of cool facets...man if you're artistic or could find someone to paint the megathron that would be sweet!

[algol]

You can't jet into empty space and have it hover so you have to have something.
Obviously not, but there are a number of ways to handle it. The wash-away substrate is one of the cooler tricks. When I was playing with it, it was a photolithography method inside a working fluid - provided support so you could pretty much shoot a point at an arbitrary z-level, but you had to worry about vibration jiggling the fluid and making your layers wash away if you weren't careful about isolation and tweaking the energy of exposure so it solidified fast enough (this was ~50-100 nm stuff though, so methods for a large scale 3DP have to be different).

Pretty sweet results so far.

[Xzin]

Yes, that is stereolithography. It's far more expensive though and the results are not any better. Other methods use powder beds or calculated support structures.

I will try to get some better photos up.... need to find my tripod to get the EVE ship in more detail - not enough light.

[yarr]

what type of modeling software do the pros use?

I was curious whats the "Adobe Photoshop" of 3-d modeling. Are there any decent free programs to do this type of stuff with?

[Xzin]

Every industry has its own software. CAD is different than artistic which is different than medical, etc.

Meshlab and Blender are good open source, free applications but they aren't as powerful as, say, Solidworks for CAD work.

Really depends on what you want to do really.

[Los]

I want a fleshlight, xzin editon!

(god that was comming now wasnt it?)

Looks like a very cool expensive piece of machinery zin, hope you have lots of fortune (and fun) with it :)

[Drizzit]

how much would this go for about?
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x45/Xzin-WoW/EVEandOny3.jpg

Could you do a voltron model? Be cool if the pieces could connect.

[Xzin]

That Ony (without wings) was 3.76" by 1.81" by 1.29" and would cost $74.44.

You can voltron parts together as long as the geometry fits together.

[Talamarr]

Awesome looking stuff.

Is this final material rubbery or harder like plastic?

[Talamarr]

That Ony (without wings) was 3.76" by 1.81" by 1.29" and would cost $74.44

Rats. That would mean creating your own Warhammer 40,000 army not worth it.

[Xzin]

This material I am using right now is rigid plastic but I can also use rubbery material, ranging from very soft to bendable but reasonably stiff.

[Xzin]

That Ony (without wings) was 3.76" by 1.81" by 1.29" and would cost $74.44

Rats. That would mean creating your own Warhammer 40,000 army not worth it.

It would be if you were to make more than one - e.g. make a mold and copy it dozens of times then sell those.

[Stabface]

If you wanted to cast miniatures... what temperature would the rubbery plastics stand up to? I believe there are lead-free casting alloys that melt in the 400-500F range...

[Xzin]

The parts off this machine would start to deform at around 130 or 140F and probably melt at 200F+

You could always cast in silicone though then cast 500F stuff in that.

[Leon]

Amazing looking tech

[Skuggomann]

WTB pic of ragnaros you were talking about.

[Xzin]

I ordered a better lens for my camera and some professional photo lights so I should be able to get some better shots in a week or so :) I will also take some pics of Ragnaros although the one(s) I have printed out so far have only been about 1" tall :)

[Vicker]

Lol, I was wanting to build my own rep-rap (http://reprap.org) to make RP parts. It seems like a pretty goofy idea looking at those models though.

I want one of those! Where can I get a rep-rap?

[Xzin]

You can buy or partially make a rep-rap. The quality is nowhere close to what these machines can do but it does work.

[yarr]

I can also use rubbery material, ranging from very soft to bendable but reasonably stiff.

I just thought of a possible application.

>.>
<.<

Might not be appropriate on these boards though...

[Xzin]

Why is it that *every* person's initial thought is that???

[Kural]

If I had one of these machines, I would immediately print two things:

1) A second layer of face, that had open eyes and delightful, hand painted flesh tones. This would allow me to sleep in work whilst wearing it.

2) Boobs. (Not for wearing in work of course. I would wear them at home. Only a sicko would wear boobs to work).

[Xzin]

What about the ~ 50% of the population that already wear boobs to work?

[Xzin]

Bought a new lens so I can take up close shots.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x45/Xzin-WoW/EVEShip1.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x45/Xzin-WoW/EVEShip2.jpg

MUCH better detail shown this time.

[algol]

MUCH better detail shown this time.Indeed. Huzzah for quality optics!


Why is it that *every* person's initial thought is that???Mine wasn't, but then again I've built a similar piece of tech.

[welwyn]

hey xzin can we see a quality pic of onyxia and her wings please?

[Xzin]

Onyxia had a little.... accident. I guess I could always print another though.

[algol]

Noo! What's a poor dragon to do? You're chilling out, laying a few eggs, maybe infiltrating a kingdom or two...and not a week goes by but along come a bunch of egg-smashing adventurers that shoot you full of arrows and shadow bolts! The horror...

[welwyn]

it wasnt an accident it was a "stress test"