This is a very simple model of a bicycle rack for 5 bikes in Z scale. It is relatively easy to build, just cut it out of the support structure and paint it. Do all this very carefully, the model is thin (0.6 mm) and fragile.
The bikes shown in the picture are another model which needs more
work, it will be made available later.
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General info on the materials used |
The material for all my models is called Frosted Ultra Detail
by
shapeways.
It is printed in a process called Multijet Modeling (MJM). The model is
printed in layers which are hardened by UV light. There is also a wax like
material used as support material. Most of it is removed directly after
print, but on some models it is stuck inside the holes and has to be
removed before assembly.
At room temperature the
Frosted Ultra Detail
is inflexible and breaks suddenly without
warning. Thinner parts break off very easily, so please handle all models with
care. It gets more flexible when heated, but still breaks suddenly without
prior warning. It is possible to very carefully bend it into a new position
while warm. The
Frosted Ultra Detail
will retain this position when cooled, but when warmed
again it will bend back to its original position.
The material can be cut with a sharp knife. Often small splinters will break off at the bottom of the cut. It is possible to smoothen the surface by sanding, I usually use a nail file.
The
Frosted Ultra Detail
material can be glued together with all-purpose glue and with
super glue. As super glue I prefer the liquid one since it sets so fast. I use
it mostly on parts which I fix in position before gluing. For stuff that needs
adjusting before the glue has hardened I use all-purpose glue.
For painting the
Frosted Ultra Detail
material
shapeways
recommends acrylic paints. There
are some reports in the user forums where models in
Frosted Ultra Detail
started to melt and
smell when painted with non-acrylic paints, so I decided to follow the
recommendation to be on the safe side.
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Cleaning Frosted Ultra Detail |
To remove traces of the support wax and the oil which is used to remove
the wax on the Frosted Ultra Detail
material I use a small
ultrasonic bath filled with water and a drop of dishwashing detergent. I
usually put the models in for 30 minutes with a change of water after
20 minutes when necessary.
Sometimes there is a white powdery stuff on some parts of the surface. This seems to be a mix of the support wax and the material. As far as I know the only way to remove it is by sanding or scraping it off.
To avoid damage while printing and shipping, the bike racks are connected by
a massive support structure. Use a small hobby knife to cut at the red
discs in the picture. Carefully sand the cuts until the surface is smooth,
especially at the long sides where the rectangular support structure meets
the round model.
Paint the bike racks with acrylic paint and let it dry.
