How to build a 3D printed model

3D printing technology can bring you unbeatable details compared to conventional plastic and resin models. However, as a new tech, unfamiliar features appeared with 3D printed parts. Therefore you are highly recommended to read these pieces of advice before starting the actual building.

3D printed parts are often in transparent green or other colors, for ModellbauRay has chosen the best material that is suitable for this job after countless tests. The choice of material (color) is often related to the geometry of the part we need to print, and their performance of processing and detail are exactly the same. Whether it is gray, transparent green, black or orange the performance is almost the same. Our staff has bachelor's and master's theses in 3D printing, we know this very well. Of course, if you have special color requirements, please inform our staff.

Make sure you understand the possible dangers before you start making models. 3D-printed parts currently on the market are made with tough resins. This means the material is very hard, somewhat like glass or uncooked pasta, and could splinter if gets sheared or applied bending moment. We've taken measures at the design level to make splintering less likely, however, the risk is still there. So please do wear goggles and gloves to avoid injury, the risk is on yourself.

 

How to remove the supports

Each 3D-printed part contains parts and supports. Here is an example of the main tower of Ersatz Yorck. The part is shown here in blue color, grey colored parts are supports. We will always design the supports in the least visually important places to save you time.

The actual produt looks like this.↓

Use a sharp amateur knife or a side knife to gently remove the supports. 

Please be aware:

3D-printed parts are fragile and brittle, like glass. Please be extra patient when removing the supports, sharp edges may appear after breaking any parts. Parts may fly away like bullets during cutting, please do wear sufficient protection protective gear such as gloves and protective glasses.

Although 3D printed parts can be further hardened by placing them under the sun, the undesired deformation may appear after this process, you may see it after a few weeks making them harder yet more brittle, so please keep the parts away from the sun.

 

Thin supports can be cut directly from the bottom↓

For bigger supports, they have to be cut from the middle and then removed by sanding. Damage might happen to the part surface if you do not follow the 3 steps shown below↓

Many ModellbauRay's products have a special design to prevent damage from cutting support, however, there is no guarantee. As shown below, the bigger supports are weakened to make it easier for the user to grind↓

Paint the small parts before removing all supports.

 

 

After successfully removing the supports, the main tower shall look like this↓

By following the rule of cutting mentioned above, there will be no chance of damage↓

 

Here is another example of Bretagne 1940 model, as it is very delicate so a lot of supports need to be removed.

If you are careful and patient enough, the model will not be damaged in any way.

We always give you more backup for small parts that are easily damaged.
 

Special design of our Full-hull models

Our full-hull models are often delivered as one complete piece to simplify your work. You don't have to glue the upper and lower bottoms together, which usually creates seams that can take a lot of time to fix and damage the details of the model.

Sand the bottom of the ship model on a flat sandpaper to remove excess material.

After getting the bottom flat, use a flat-edge carving knife to remove the excess material. Then, polish the entire ship's bottom.

We recommend drilling holes before starting, to make it easier to hold. It is better to drill holes in the barbette and fix it with screws.

About warping and bending

The casted resin parts (white) will sometimes bend or almost inevitably warp no company can do better. No worries, I will not send you any parts that are severely bent (more than 3 degrees), what you will get is just like the photos shown by the producer. Therefore, bending cannot be a reason for a return or refund.

If warping occurs, please do not bend it directly, instead put the parts in 70-80 degrees Celsius water to heat the parts. The resin can be bent slowly after heating, but this is very limited, and it will bend more if it is not properly cooled. If you want to correct the slight warpage, please check more about this water technique. There are many videos explaining this method. The risk is yours...

 

 

After that spray the black shadow color and deck color. The model is very detailed, so it is not recommended to spray a high grit of primers.

Then glue the main components. The latest models are hollowed and you don’t have to drill holes for portholes.

 

We recommend masking the deck immediately after installing the main tower. Then install small parts afterwards. This will minimize damage to the model.

Below are the installation instructions for small parts.

 

It is recommended to paint before installing the rigging, which can increase the adhesion of the rigging.

 

Rigging material is not included, it can be purchased separately.（Link here）

 

PE railings are not included, it can be purchased separately.（Link here）

It is recommended to spray paint the railing before installing it on the model.

 

Figurs are not included,  you can make the scene more vivid by adding little figures. （Link here）

 

Please note that not all models have water decals. If the following image appears on the product page, it means that kit has water decals.

 

If new parts were added and you have bought this kit before, you can ask for these new parts, and get them for free together with your next purchase.

 

ModellbauRay's kit contains small parts, must be kept away from children, not ideal for kids under 14. Do not eat or taste any parts, for this can be dangerous. please wash your hand thoroughly after touching any parts.

 

Please leave comments for your concern, I will respond as soon as possible.

 Thank you for reading, enjoy your hobby time.