Aur0ra145's TIE Phantom

[aur0ra145]

Howdy folks!

I'm going build a TIE Phantom. As of now, there are no polystyrene kits available, so this will be a completely 3d printed project.

I bought the .stl files and now it's time to print. I'm doing what is pretty close to 1/72 scale as the .stl's are in 1/42. So with math, I think I have the parameters correct.

The ship first appeared in Star Wars: Rebel Assualt II - The Hidden Empire. I loved the game as a kid. When I got older and started playing X-wing: The Miniature Game, I was overjoyed when they released a TIE Phantom. That mini will be what guides me through this project.

First up is the body and some engine coolers.

[RangerNeil]

Now thats a different looking TIE fighter - I like it!! Should prove an interesting build so comfy chair, popcorn & soft drinks are at the ready!

[aur0ra145]

Whelp, the first print failed. The main body piece needed thicker supports. Not to worry, back to the editor.

[digger303]

This is cool. Are you using a newish resin printer......2 generation or is it 3rd I don't know no clue really. However I've been listening a lot to those who do and there is a steep learning curve for guys like me.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Super cool project

[aur0ra145]

The prints were meh. So far.

[aur0ra145]

We figuring it out.

[bfrd]

I've had my Moai for years and still haven't got it all figured out. I am confident that with some patience you will have it sorted out in no time.

[aur0ra145]

This is cool. Are you using a newish resin printer......2 generation or is it 3rd I don't know no clue really. However I've been listening a lot to those who do and there is a steep learning curve for guys like me.

I'm using an Anycubic Photon Mono SE. It can be had for $200 USD when it's on sale. Not really sure of what generation it is.

To be honest, the printing part is not that bad. I just pour in resin and hit print. Adding supports to an object for printing is a bit more tricky. It's somewhat time consuming; but, if done right, it makes the print come out looking amazing.

Additionally, if you have extra cash you can buy pre-supported models and completely skip doing that step.

[aur0ra145]

The failed print. This I believe was due to the weight of the block without appropriate supports. I'm looking into hollowing the object.

[bfrd]

Autodesk Meshmixer is a great tool for hollowing.

[aur0ra145]

Another failed print today. The wing panels had a layer shift during the print. Two layer shifts are easily discernable. I've never had that happen with the resin printer. I think tightening down the indexer screws should fix the issue.

In the mean time. I'm trying to come up with solutions for the heavier parts. Hollowing with Meshmixer is part of the solution. The other will be placing drain holes for the resin trapped inside, which is proving to be more difficult than I originally thought.

[bfrd]

Another failed print today. The wing panels had a layer shift during the print. Two layer shifts are easily discernable. I've never had that happen with the resin printer. I think tightening down the indexer screws should fix the issue.

In the mean time. I'm trying to come up with solutions for the heavier parts. Hollowing with Meshmixer is part of the solution. The other will be placing drain holes for the resin trapped inside, which is proving to be more difficult than I originally thought.

When you hollow with Meshmixer it immediately lets you place escape holes. You just have to figure out how the orientation. It is easier than I thought it would be.

[aur0ra145]

Another failed print today. The wing panels had a layer shift during the print. Two layer shifts are easily discernable. I've never had that happen with the resin printer. I think tightening down the indexer screws should fix the issue.

In the mean time. I'm trying to come up with solutions for the heavier parts. Hollowing with Meshmixer is part of the solution. The other will be placing drain holes for the resin trapped inside, which is proving to be more difficult than I originally thought.

When you hollow with Meshmixer it immediately lets you place escape holes. You just have to figure out how the orientation. It is easier than I thought it would be.

Nice, I'll have to try that tonight.

[Tomcat64]

Late to this party but absolutely intrigued by how it all comes together

[Kingdan]

Another thing I do when hollowing things is not to put any holes in while it’s printing as it’ll only trap resin once it’s fully printed then once it’s done I then drill holes in the piece to drain the remaining resin out that way it can save you on trying to wrap your head around an object to get best placement for holes, as long as you drain and cure the inside it’s all good, and also to note it does make somewhat of a difference what type of infill shape you use on the inside of the hollowed out piece just another thought for you to mull over while bashing your head into the brick wall lol

[aur0ra145]

Another thing I do when hollowing things is not to put any holes in while it’s printing as it’ll only trap resin once it’s fully printed then once it’s done I then drill holes in the piece to drain the remaining resin out that way it can save you on trying to wrap your head around an object to get best placement for holes, as long as you drain and cure the inside it’s all good, and also to note it does make somewhat of a difference what type of infill shape you use on the inside of the hollowed out piece just another thought for you to mull over while bashing your head into the brick wall lol

This is genius. Definately will try when I get home. Currently on holiday for the 4th.

[Kingdan]

Another thing I do when hollowing things is not to put any holes in while it’s printing as it’ll only trap resin once it’s fully printed then once it’s done I then drill holes in the piece to drain the remaining resin out that way it can save you on trying to wrap your head around an object to get best placement for holes, as long as you drain and cure the inside it’s all good, and also to note it does make somewhat of a difference what type of infill shape you use on the inside of the hollowed out piece just another thought for you to mull over while bashing your head into the brick wall lol

This is genius. Definately will try when I get home. Currently on holiday for the 4th.

Enjoy the holidays

[aur0ra145]

Woooo

Much better quality.

[aur0ra145]

Wings are on the printer again, this is the 4th try. We'll see how it goes...

[aur0ra145]

Failed again, that's 4 failed prints so far. I may need to drastically change how I'm doing things. Though this once did fail fantastically.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Ya I would keep those...for something

Forking frustrating sometimes

[aur0ra145]

Ya I would keep those...for something

Forking frustrating sometimes

Yeah, being it's in 1/72 scale (or close to it) I don't know what I'm going to do with them. Star Wars: Legion is in 1/47 scale (or 1/48, really depends on who you ask.) I may just make some scatter terrain/junk piles with the failed prints.

I've got another print going at the moment. If this one fails, I may try changing to my resin. I've got some gray and the eco translucent green.

[aur0ra145]

This print didn't fail per se. It is the wrong size?! I used the correct 60% reduction from the original files, now it's borked and wrong scale.

I'm baffled. I may step away from this project for a couple of days before getting back at it.

(left is previous failed print, right is the good print; but wrong size.)

[RangerNeil]

This print didn't fail per se. It is the wrong size?! I used the correct 60% reduction from the original files, now it's borked and wrong scale.

I'm baffled. I may step away from this project for a couple of days before getting back at it.

(left is previous failed print, right is the good print; but wrong size.)

Remember the wise old saying:
"To err is human - but if you REALLY want things FUBAR use a computer."