How To: 3D printing gurus, I need your input.

[ShootFirstFirster]

Goal:

3d scan AND print pistol/revolver models for leather holster making.


What is the Scanner I would need for such a job

What is the printer I would need for such a job.

Software/computer specs?

I have a lot to learn here but now that Im retired. I have the time and the money.

 

[ikeo1]

Goal:

3d scan AND print pistol/revolver models for leather holster making.


What is the Scanner I would need for such a job

What is the printer I would need for such a job.

Software/computer specs?

I have a lot to learn here but now that Im retired. I have the time and the money.

Bambulabs x1c or p1s should be good enough for most jobs. TinkerCAD or Fusion360 are the most common CAD software for it.

I'm not sure about 3d scans or anything like that. Your computer just needs to be modern. I don't design myself, that's another skillset. I usually download what other people do or download and modify.

 

[yatzooa]

For software, I personally went with fusion 360 since it's feature rich AND my naive thinking is that since it's "paid" software, there will be more developer and feature support. I say "paid" because for business use, you have to pay for a business license, BUT if you're just using it for personal stuff, like learning 3d modeling and giving the software a test run, you can download it for personal use:

https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/personal

I'm still learning 3d modeling with fusion 360 though and I have yet to print anything with my printer (Prusa mk4s), so I don't have any useful feedback yet. I think I'm going to make my first 3d print this weekend, so I'll let you know my thoughts on the prusa haha

 

[ShootFirstFirster]

Any tips on the 3d scanners?

 

[star.3d]

If you don't have 3D printing hobby ambitions, I would just pay someone to print it or ask a friend. I have an X1C - if you scan it I might be able to give it a try, but I think some of the revolver models print in two halves or two pieces. I haven't personally used any scanners, it can be a little tricky to get from the scan to an STL file. Best case is if there's a model on thingiverse/printables. I also use Fusion360.

I don't know anything about making leather holsters... but for Kydex stuff you probably need a print in something other than PLA. Enclosed printers do a little better with ABS/ASA. PETG prints pretty well in open printers as well. I have no experience with nylons.

 

[revy]

yall see the new P2S reveal on 14th?

 

[Wolkenflieger]

Blender is a 3D program and it's both free and open source. Any handheld scanner should work. All you need is a decent modern computer, primarily for Blender or your 3D package of choice.

You have a lot of learning ahead so I hope you're comfortable with that. I'm a 3D artist by profession.

 

[sonofeugene]

Not necessary to scan directly to stl. You can generally easily “save as” to stl format. I used to do it regularly.

 

[Wolkenflieger]

Someone's probably already scanned the gun OP wants to use for holster prototyping.

 

[ShootFirstFirster]

Someone's probably already scanned the gun OP wants to use for holster prototyping.

No one that would give up a mold. in fact only one maker for "kydex" of one of the guns... very poor quality unfortunately and they will not give me a mold or 3d file. leather no one is sure what would fit and no mold available. One guns theres no leather or kydex makers.