3D Printing Star Trek Models

[LtCmdrNeXuS]

Hey guys,

I'm new to this forum as a user, meanwhile I was reading many topics for some time.

Today I finally registered, because I have a question:

As a game designer (for boardgames) I'm looking for models I can use to print with a 3D printer.
Unfortunately I'm just a game designer and not a designer, so I'm not familiar with the process (or file extensions) I need. Perhaps you could give me a helping hint.

Is it possible to download a model from your resources and transform it into a printable format to use the model for board game purposes?

Best wishes

 

[kjc733]

Hello. The short answer is... it depends

The majority of models in our resources section are for Star Trek Armada 2. In order to get them in the game they need to be in .sod format. In general, it's not possible to do anything with a sod file except use it in A2.

Some modders are kind enough to provide original meshes used to create the .sod files. Typically these will be in .ms3d or .obj (although there may be a few others). A .ms3d file is the bespoke file format for Milkshape 3D, which is a cheap and cheerful 3D modelling software package. I'd be very surprised if any 3D printers recognised the format. A .obj file is probably as close as we'll get to an "open" standard and can be used by most if not all CGI/modelling software. Now that's not to say that a .ms3d file is useless, as it is possible for Milkshape to convert it to .obj.

I know for a fact that Shapeways will accept .obj files because that is the format which I use to upload my meshes to the store. What I don't know is what formats any particular home 3D printer software package will accept.

Now there are (at least) two other issues to consider.
1. Permissions. If you are intending to upload the model to Shapeways or some other third party to print then I strongly suggest asking permission as you need to upload it to another company. If you are intending to sell the models on Shapeways then you MUST ask permission as you are selling that persons work.

2. A2 is an old game and typically the models are pretty poor resolution. The modellers here work hard to make the most of the game engine but we are only working with 1-3 thousand polygons typically and then disguising the slab sided nature with textures. This won't necessarily make for a good physical model.

I believe that Adm_Z has been doing some of his own 3d printing stuff, I suggest dropping him a PM and taking a look at his thread: http://www.msfc.com.au/community/index.php?threads/zs-models.4227/

Or if you're looking more at Shapeways then I have my own store (including some bits for Attack Wing / X-Wing) and can offer advice.

 

[Hellkite]

While there are many different file types that can be used in 3D printing and modeling, here's a list of some most common file extensions you'll see in 3D printing:

OBJ: OBJ is an open file format that represents 3D geometry. It is a common file used in 3D printing because many design software exports to OBJ and most printers accept OBJ as a printable file.

STL: STL files are a standard file type that interfaces between Computer Aided Design (CAD) software and 3D printers. Most CAD software exports to an STL file and most 3D printers accept STL files.

VRML: VRML (or WRL) files are commonly used when a 3D model has color and you want to transfer that color to the print.

X3G: X3G is the file type that interfaces with the MakerBot 3D printer. MakerWare and ReplicatorG will output an X3G file.

PLY: PLY files are normally scanner-generated models that will have to be imported into some type of design software before sending to a 3D printer to print.

FBX: FBX is a file format owned by Autodesk. It is used to efficiently exchange data between Autodesk program including 3ds Max, AutoCAD, and Maya.

 

[kjc733]

Oh yes, and Hellkite has his own printer. How could I forget

 

[Hellkite]

Yep I have a

MakerBot - Replicator + Model:MP07825



Some of my son's printings in "1.75mm pla filament - Cool Gray" he did for his class for show and tell

On a side note he gave the T-rex skull to his teacher.

 

[Atlantis]

I've had a basic 3D Printer (Anet A8) for a couple of years now. Found it a bit temperamental though, and it's not seen much use in recent months. But I did take advanage of the Black Friday deals and got an AnyCubic Photon at about 60% normal price, so will likely be testing that out on a few models of my own too. Should mean I can finally get some custom Lego pieces made to get my Omega Destroyer finished!

 

[kjc733]

I never even considered looking at buying one - blast it. Oh well, may in the Boxing Day sales.

 

[Hellkite]

I've had a basic 3D Printer (Anet A8) for a couple of years now. Found it a bit temperamental though, and it's not seen much use in recent months. But I did take advanage of the Black Friday deals and got an AnyCubic Photon at about 60% normal price, so will likely be testing that out on a few models of my own too. Should mean I can finally get some custom Lego pieces made to get my Omega Destroyer finished!

Nice photosensitive resin "AnyCubic Photon "

Never used a resin printer hear that they are a lot easier to use and to get fine detail

 

[Mike Davis]

Yes, resin printing is the way to go, though be aware that some of the solutions can be poisonous and needs to be cleaned throughly before handling.