I recently tweeted about ordering some prototypes from Shapeways – http://www.shapeways.com/designer/319media. The designs were made using their “2D to 3D” creator tool. Three designs were attempted and ordered:
The first one went through with no problem so far. The other two were kicked back for a variety of reasons that they could not be printed. The Black Clown I’ve shelved for now. The Tribal Dragon I did some revisions on.
The original tattoo design. This wouldn’t work since it has disconnected gaps, and I didn’t want to have it extrude from some kind of backing.
First revision, connecting all the lines and attempting to make it a little more simple. It was rejected due to parts being too close together and possibly too thin.
Second revision, attempting to address the problems, although the holes may still be too small.
It’s difficult to measure since the 2D to 3D tool resizes. If this fails, I’m going to try an extrusion in the 3D program they suggested instead, and keep the 2D to 3D stuff for simple designs like the Witch. So far though, no email rejecting the current revision.
I’ve also tried ordering a design that used grayscale height mapping to see how it would come out, but it’s likely going to need it’s edges (walls) thickened and the center simplified.
Update: 11-03-13
So far, so good! The new dragon has been approved for printing, the skull monster is still under review.
Update: 11-04-13
Skull/monster wasn’t approved, but I’m not surprised since I didn’t really read the material guidelines. Tribal Dragon is still good to go so I am awaiting that and the witch before fixing up others.
