Post by Zach on Jun 17, 2019 20:56:58 GMT
EDIT:
It appears that the next generation of 3D printers is now upon us. The future is going to be multi-color and blended color tech. The things are already out there, and the prices are coming down very rapidly, especially in the DIY category. DIY printers are also pretty cheap through the hubs, so that isn't a bar to accessing one even when you don't own the thing. In fact, I know through some email exchanges that my current printer-of-choice here in the US is going to be buying some multi-color printers in the next year or so. Below is some information and videos showing what can be done with a multi-color 3D printer. The color mixers that the dude in the youtube video custom-made are now available commercially, and the price is coming down to as low as $500 for an entire printer (at the end of the vid the host says that the dude expected a $2500 price point, but the prices a year on are already down to $1000 and below).
Multi Color 3D Printer Vid
More info on the tech
How's that affect FMS?
Well, I'll have to take advantage of it, definitely. This will allow me to provide models that are printable, not only in single colors, but in almost any shade that I want. I could then create distinct British, French, Russian, etc troops, horses of different shades with riders in distinct coat colors, etc. Artillery bases could be printed with the carriage designed in one color, the gun barrel separate (and printed metallic!) and the crew painted up too. I'll be able to have the bases print out in blended shades of green. The basic flags could even be printed. Basically, there will be no need to paint your FMS figures anymore.
This will take awhile, and it won't include the entire range, but certainly the basic troops types and the buildings will all end up being color coded. I will probably combine this plan with another plan I have to create an online store for drop-shipping, so that people can buy without needing to interface with a 3D printer at all (this won't affect your license if you're already a holder!). This will probably come together over the next year, once I have some time to tinker around again. At least that's the plan!
Might have to think it through a bit more.
It appears that the next generation of 3D printers is now upon us. The future is going to be multi-color and blended color tech. The things are already out there, and the prices are coming down very rapidly, especially in the DIY category. DIY printers are also pretty cheap through the hubs, so that isn't a bar to accessing one even when you don't own the thing. In fact, I know through some email exchanges that my current printer-of-choice here in the US is going to be buying some multi-color printers in the next year or so. Below is some information and videos showing what can be done with a multi-color 3D printer. The color mixers that the dude in the youtube video custom-made are now available commercially, and the price is coming down to as low as $500 for an entire printer (at the end of the vid the host says that the dude expected a $2500 price point, but the prices a year on are already down to $1000 and below).
Multi Color 3D Printer Vid
More info on the tech
How's that affect FMS?
This will take awhile, and it won't include the entire range, but certainly the basic troops types and the buildings will all end up being color coded. I will probably combine this plan with another plan I have to create an online store for drop-shipping, so that people can buy without needing to interface with a 3D printer at all (this won't affect your license if you're already a holder!). This will probably come together over the next year, once I have some time to tinker around again. At least that's the plan!
Might have to think it through a bit more.