My 3D printed AC3D projects!

[Ranchoth]

Howdy!

Um, first time poster, but a long time AC3D user, here. I've been using the software mostly for flight simulator work (aircraft and scenery) for some years now, but in the last year, I've expanded to a new avenue of projects...3D printing.

Specifically, the "Shapeways" 3D printing on demand service, which anyone can use, and is pretty reasonably priced. I've found AC3D's been ideal for modeling not only because of the very fine level of precision possible, but it also natively exports into formats that the Shapeways system can read.

I've had good results so far producing parts for my other guilty hobby—customizing action figures. Mostly weapons so far, but I'm also moving into less-"destructive" parts and accessories that would never have been produced otherwise. (GI Joe scaled typewriters, cameras, or musical instruments, for instance.)

For example:

[Ranchoth]

[Ranchoth]

[Ranchoth]

[Andy]

Excellent! What's the best export format to use for this?

[Ranchoth]

I've been using .dae and .stl, depending on the file size of the model. But the site also supports a few other formats AC3D can use—including the few that they use for full-color object printing (which I haven't tried yet).

[Greasetattoo]

I just ordered a Afinia 3D printer..
Can't wait to get back into AC3D.

The best format for Afinia printers is a .stl.