plz explain the process of modeling for 3d print.
and plz suggest any good 3d print software .
thank u 
there is a full tutorial on modelling for 3d printing in zclassroom.
can u give me the link . i m able to find it .:?
http://www.shapeways.com/tutorials/
If you have any specific questions feel free to ask. I do 3d printing on a daily basis.
Hi, I have a question here. When it comes to surface detail, which 3d printer brand would you recommend? Also, have you ever tried electroplating ABS material with metals?
It’s not so much the brand but the process that affects the surface detail.
Extrusion and Granular (Sintering and other Powder based systems, like Zcorps) usually have the roughest surface. Extrusion is what most hobbyist printers use.
Laminated, like Mcor (http://www.mcortechnologies.com/) I can’t recommend. The layering is highly visible and over time peeling occurs, especially on sharp or small features.
Photopolymers (Light cured materials) are usually the best surface quality. There are two types: One is a liquid vat where a laser or light cures a layer and a platform drops down to start the next layer. The other is where the liquid is sprayed onto a platform just like a inkjet printer sprays ink onto a paper. Once the liquid is sprayed a UV light passes over it and cures it. The platform drops down and it sprays the next layer.
It really depends on what you need. If you can give more details on what you’re trying to do (a pm is fine if it’s sensitive info) I could steer you in the right direction.
There are pros and cons to every system and process. It really depends on what you need and what your budget is. You will sacrifice time and money for detail and material. The higher detail systems are more expensive. Not just the initial purchase but the materials and maintenance. 3D Printers are sensitive machines and a slightly lose part, or screw can compound into a bad build or other issues. Sometimes even something like a temperature change in the room can affect the prints. Maintenance contracts can be important.
Best advice is not to jump into a purchase too quickly. Even if you’re offered a good deal or there’s a time limited sale.
3D Printing is not just the actual printing process, there is always pre-processing and post-processing. Zcorp has one of the worst post-processing. They downplay it a bit in their sales pitch and videos. That doesn’t mean their printers aren’t good but make sure you understand the full process from digital to a fully finished part. They’ve got cheaper materials and faster printing but you sacrifice that in labor and material required for post-processing.
I recommend finding a local company that runs a printer model you’re interested in. Ask them about their experiences, down-time costs, materials, issues, post-processing (which can sometimes be a trade secret). Ask if you can visit their facilities and see their setup. Ask them what they would do different, not just different hardware but their actual setup, office space, etc…
Use them to print a few samples for you and ask to see them before and after post-processing. Sometimes when you ask for samples from the actual printer company they’ll send an over-processed (sanded, buffed, etc…) sample so you don’t see what actually comes off the printer.
Also I highly recommend setting up a separate room just for the 3d printer(s) if you can afford the space. Salesmen claim the machines are office friendly but they’re better off in their own space. Fumes and noise are issues. Again Zcorp printers are not what they claim to be in this area. They say their machines are clean enough to run in an office but everyone I have talked that has one says the powder gets everywhere.
The main companies are Stratasys and 3D Systems. Last year Objet (another major company) merged with Stratasys and 3D Systems acquired ZCorp. Just recently 3D Systems re-released ZCorps printers under new models; Projet 160, 260, 360, 460, 660, and 860. The hardware and material have been updated a little bit, so there have been some improvements.
Currently I run an Objet 350V (Stratasys) and a ProJet 3500 HDMax (3D Systems).
I have not done electroplating but it is something I’m interested in doing eventually. I have not researched it very much but I know there are companies that can do it.
Wow! Thank you so much for the most thorough explanation. Very very informative to newbies like me. 
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One state university in my city has a couple of Stratasys’ uPrint SE plus printers in its library, and I went to take a look earlier today. I have to say the surface quality of the printed models is less than satisfactory; one could not fail to notice the obvious bumpiness and material layers.
I am thinking about starting some 3D printing service in my home country after graduation; target consumer segments involve 3D art hobbyists, designers of all kinds and students who major in art and design. The potential profitability is still a major subject of my research. Also I am having some personal 3d projects to print off, preferably electroplated by brass, silver or chromium, one of the projects is a 3D bust of my great grandfather.
I just started to do my research and your post helps a lot. Greatly appreciate that!
Depending on the material you’re using and the type of detail you’re looking to maintain, an acetone vapour bath might help smooth out some of the layering.
Ah, the deep end of the pool.
You’re probably looking at about $500,000.00 worth of hardware and software to start a decent printing service. One of the issues with print services is it get’s expensive to offer a variety of materials. Also if you’re not experienced there can be some expensive lessons learned the hard way. I would recommend getting some experience yourself or finding someone trustworthy that has the experience to partner with or hire. It could pay off, especially if the demand is high and the supply is low or non-existent in your home country. I don’t recommend it straight out of college without first getting some experience. It’s an expensive hill to climb. A few years experience will help you learn a lot without the high cost of trying to run a service yourself. The technology will also become cheaper and more advanced by then as well. It could literally save you hundreds of thousands.