This is true. I have likely 250+ hours of design and testing just into my Compact Recoil Units alone. Let alone my cost associated with prototyping along the way.Will01Capri wrote:It is hard to find good quality stl files. But although it may be hard, I can understand why and in a way, I think I like it that way.
I think alot of people dont understand the level of work that goes into producing a high quality 3d cad model.
If quality stl files were freely available it would take away from those who are building top quality models. There's delicate balance for sure.
I've built and scrapped probably four dozen rough working models (Saving & reusing parts as I can) and durability tested another dozen final products.
(I'm still tweeking for the next generation version).
- I initially model a very precise model and convert to STL
- print to determine the actual print dimensions since ABS shrinks, and the volume of shrinkage depends on the sizes of the built item
- Adjust model to compensate for shrinkage & convert to STL
- Print and Measure again
- repeat previous two steps until print is proper dimensions.
- At some point you need to assemble the products together and determine fit/form/function is working properly.
- If lucky (not likely) you succeed on the first try. If not repeat from step one any changes that need to be made
However, the above list is also the reason why I have never posted any of my STL files. That is because every single one has been tweaked to print on my printer for ABS so my STL files may/may not work for others and I'm not going to post a file that will cause me negative feedback because the DL'd print doesn't fit properly.
That also happens to be one of the reasons I rarely even look at Thingverse or these other STL repositories as most are either for resin printers or for PLA FDM printers, which I do not use (I'm not resetting and re-tweeking my settings for a few prints in PLA, just to switch back for production. My personal choice.)
I know it comes off as a rant, but I see 3D printed recoil/elevation kits on Ebay and cringe at the engineering behind them, let alone their prices.
support YOUR TOTM competition, I'm doing my part, are YOU?
