Thank you for taking an interest in my project. As with any 3D printer, accurate set up and calibration is vital to the success of the prints. All 3D prints have striations, there visibility depends a number of factors including the size of the print nozzle and the layer height. In my case I am using a 0.4mm nozzle and each layer is 0.2mm high.Herr Dr. Professor wrote:I have been checking in on your Comet now and then. I am impressed by how clean the castings are--seemingly free of any of the striations I have seen on other castings. In fact, given that you even used a specific color suggests to me that you might be intending for the castings to be unpainted. Could that be so?
Can any of you 3D printing wizards watching this thread recommend a simple primer from which I might learn about the types of casting plastics and 3D printers? (Actually "simple primer" is redundant wording, for emphasis.)
There are available numerous materials that can now be used on a home printer. The most common, and what I am using for most of this project, is PLA (Polylactic Acid). The tracks are printed in ABS, Lego brick material, and the tyres will be printed in TPU which has a rubbery property. Other materials available include Nylon, Pteg, PLA+, Light Weight PLA, and so on. A Google search will provide you with a vast array of materials.
To answer your comment on the colour of the tank, Originally I intended to leave it in the gray colour but now I am going to paint and weather it. I have never done this before so any hints and tips on this would be appreciated.
Finally, if you are thinking about getting a printer the the Ender series (other printers are available) of printers are a good starting point because there is a lot of support out there if you run into difficulties.
