We’ve abandoned the mammoth tests for a while, because the tusks created too many variables between those processes that require support material – SLA, FDM, Objet – and those that don’t. We wanted an apples-to-apples comparison of a range of texture depths and types.
We created a standardized set of textures in an 8 x 8-inch grid, and had them done on each of the major technologies. Thus far, the really good SLA and polyjet/Objet systems are the top tier, but only a little bit over the SLS Accutough. The other SLS systems are good, but the powdery residue and slightly pebbled texture are objectionable at the sizes we are working on now. Probably would not be at some other sizes… and we’ve had some OK success using airbrush-based fillers and primers over the SLS, although at the expense of some texture. Anyway, the goal is to find the combination of model texture and output fidelity that works. We are going to be doing resin, cold-cast and traditional bronzes from these, so a range of materials and costs will probably be OK… Our typical target footprint is “toaster sized”… so 10 x 10 x 8" systems are what we are focusing on mostly. The FormLabs form1+ is good, but at the lower end of what we need in a build size.
Here’s the test chip:
It’s 8 x 8. It is pretty useless when printed on low-end FDM units, marginal to adequate on higher-end FDMs like Mojo and the Fortus series, pretty good on SLS systems and very good on SLA/photo resins… On a price basis, the Accutough SLS is significantly less expensive than any of the SLA options and we can probably dial in the textures. We’re working now with post processing, seeing what chemistries work best for priming and painting.
Here’s a mammoth (without tusks or ears – failed print on a Form1+) getting primed, and you can see a little texture… but it is hard to get a good photo…
Love the variety in the textures!