First 3D Print has Arrived

If you have been following my Eldar Aegis Defense Line posts, you would know that when I tried to cast a second set of pylons, I was very disappointed by the ever decreasing quality of the casts.  In order to fix that I undertook a journey into the realms of CAD and 3D printing.  My first hobby related 3D print arrived today, and I am overjoyed at the quality.  I am making the pylon available at Sculpteo, although the price is quite high.  I may allow the lower detail plastic to be used once I see how it looks, which would reduce the price considerably.

The surface has a slight texture on the curves, but as can be seen in the pictures, it is hardly noticeable at normal viewing distances.  The flat sections feel very smooth and the panel indentations are quite crisp and sharp.  The bottom edges are extremely clean and sharp.  I would expect that after a gentle washing I could paint this with no additional prep required, but a quick once over with some very fine (300 or 400) sandpaper would enhance it's appearance.

The pylon appears different from the original sculpt, but this is by design.  The dimensions I created in Autodesk Inventor were replicated exactly in the fine detail resin.
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