Are you a scale modeler that's intrigued by the new possibilities offered by 3D printing? Here is 5 reasons why 2025 is the perfect timing for you to get into 3D printing. We will also talk about challenges that 3D printing is still facing.
Reason 1: More accurate details
The most recent 3D printers can handle details down to 10 microns (0.01mm or 0.004 in). This allows us to design more accurate details in a given scale compared compared to traditional kit models.
Reason 2: Less parts
Traditional model kits are manufactured using plastic injection technology. One of the limitations is that it can only handle relatively simple shapes at once. That's why kit models are designed in many parts, and rely on the modeler to glue them together, increasing the risks for fit issues. On the contrary, 3D printing can shape very complex parts in one piece, reducing parts count drastically.
Reason 3: Easy part replacement
How many times did you break a part during assembly? Or worse, a part arrived broken because of shipping? Or a part you lost to the "carpet monster"? With 3D printing, you can just print that missing part again!
Reason 4: Personalization and short feedback loop
The plastic injection technology relies on very expensive molds to manufacture models, and there are minimum batch quantities that should cover the production costs of the mold. However, 3D printing can produce highly personalized models or even unique models, such as custom pose figurines. Also, if you want to modify or improve a part, our designers will redesign according to your feedback within a week!
Reason 5: Cheaper overall cost
3D printed models are cheaper than kit models, especially for large, complex, full-interior models, even when you take into account the resin cost. Plus, 3D printed models are never "out of stock". Finally, 3D printers are also getting affordable, you can get a very good printer for the $200-300 price range.
However, 3D printing is still facing some challenges that need to be improved on
Challenge 1: Steep learning curve
The resin 3D printing process is sometimes not entirely user friendly. When prints fail, you need to figure out why it failed, and how to fix it. We have 2 solutions to make it easier:
Solution 1: We offer ready-to-print files
Our files are oriented to the optimal angle, pre-supported, hollowed, sliced and ready to print. If you have any print failures, we will help you diagnose the problem and modify the file if needed.
Solution 2: The Aladdin Model 3D printing community
Join our Facebook page and ask any question. Our community is very reactive and will solve your problem quickly.
Challenge 2: Resin is a tricky material
Liquid resin can spill, and it should not make contact with your skin. Also, the resin printer can produce fumes while printing.
Solution 1: Wear gloves
Wear gloves and a mask while manipulating liquid uncured resin, like when you airbrush your models.
Solution 2: Add an enclosure to your printer
Enclosures with ventilations are available for resin printers
Now you're convinced to buy a 3D printer, the next question is the following: is SLA resin printer or FDM filament printer better for scale modeling? We answered your question in this next article: https://www.printreplica.com/post/is-sla-resin-printer-or-fdm-filament-printer-better-for-scale-modeling
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