3D printing in model making – As if made for each other

For a long time, model making was considered a stuffy hobby for the older generation. Okay, what's so exciting about laboriously taking apart pre-cut or pressed wood or plastic parts, only to glue them together afterwards? However, anyone who confronts model making with such prejudices is not doing justice to the hobby! After all, dealing with filigree structures has quite a greater appeal than it might seem at first glance.

What is model making actually about?

Model making is intended to do one thing above all: recreate reality as realistically as possible on a small scale. The “reality” can represent a car, ship or airplane, which is reproduced in a predefined scale. On the other hand, entire landscapes can also be created under the umbrella term of model building. Sceneries such as a battlefield are also recreated in model making – the so-called dioramas. Other model builders, on the other hand, do not devote themselves to pure standing models – models to look at – but prefer functional model building. Well-known examples of this type of hobby are steam engines or engines in miniature format, but also remote-controlled vehicles of all kinds. As you can see, model making is anything but monotonous, boring and stuffy. And more importantly, model making is also the perfect playground for your 3D printer!

How is 3D printing used in model making?

As already mentioned, model building is primarily about replicating reality as closely as possible. The basis for floor models are kits made of plastic or wood, which must be glued or glued together step by step. However, there is a problem with “off-the-shelf” kits, especially for ambitious model builders: As beautiful as the fully assembled kits may be, they are not unique. If you want to have a really unique piece in your collection (or even if you just want details that the kit doesn't offer from the factory), you have to rebuild, add on, improvise.

Would you like a small example directly from practice? The Kickstarter-funded board game “Uboot” comes with an already quite impressive model of a German submarine made of printed cardboard, which serves as a three-dimensional game board. This submarine shows both the outer hull of the ship and the “inside” in the form of different compartments, from the torpedo room to the officers' mess. Since the submarine is available in the common modeling scale of 1:72, ambitious board gamers will sooner or later want to replace the cardboard model with a more visually appealing and, above all, higher-quality plastic model. The problem here is that the submarine itself can be easily obtained as a kit. However, without any inner life. This is exactly where the 3D printer comes into play. Once the outer hull has been cut open, the entire interior, from the decks to the diesel and electric engines to the torpedoes, can be reproduced in detail and authentically on the computer. And of course print it out afterwards. With a matching paint job, you have created a “playing field” – and a real eye-catcher for the showcase to boot. Of course, this nerdy example does not mean the end of the fascinating symbiosis of classic hobby and modern 3D printing technology! Rather, we have just begun.

3D printing in functional model making

Remote-controlled cars, ships and planes are fun, no question about it. Even the simple models, which can be used “out-of-the-box” immediately, already bring a lot of fun factor. However, it gets really interesting with models that are built from scratch. From the chassis to the powertrain to the control modules, everything can be customized, individualized and, above all, optimized. Especially in this area, a 3D printer can complement and expand the application possibilities. Depending on the size, the printing of complete car bodies is conceivable, as are individual deck structures for ships or pilot cockpits for aircraft. And the topic of spare parts also takes on another dimension with a 3D printer. If you've ever had to replace a broken gear in your RC car, you know how difficult to impossible it can be to get a replacement – especially if you own a rare model or even a complete homebuilt. With the 3D printer, the procurement of spare parts is reduced to CAD use with subsequent printing – or you are lucky and find the required part already pre-designed on one of the popular portals such as Thingiverse or similar providers.

What can be created with a 3D printer in model making?

Model making is a hobby that combines motor skills, creativity and technical skill like hardly any other occupation. It's clear that the 3D printer scene is also incredibly active, especially in the field of model making. Whether self-created accessories, spare parts or entire cities in miniature – 3D printing and model making harmonize perfectly! But what exactly can be created with a 3D printer in model making? Well, the answer can really only be: Everything you can imagine. And what is compatible with the workspace size of your 3D printer. Common is for example the 3D printing of houses, landscape elements or also equipment for dioramas or also tabletop game systems. Special accessories and spare parts for remote-controlled models that are not available in stores are also increasingly coming from 3D printers. The use of the 3D printer in model making is limited only by one's own imagination – and, of course, by the size of the model.

What are the advantages of 3D printing in model making?

As already mentioned, 3D printing significantly expands the customizability of models. Gone are the days when the manufacturer had to specify the later appearance of the vehicles, aircraft or ships in the showcase. And equally gone are the days when passionate modelers had to limit themselves to the range of available models. Thanks to modern 3D printing, what doesn't fit is made to fit! Or better: What does not exist, will be created! The use of printed parts in diorama construction is impressive. Whether house fronts, vehicle parts or even terrain sections: The 3D printer enables dioramas that could not be created in the past or only with great effort.
Of course, the use of 3D printers does not end with floor models or dioramas. Even in the comparatively cost-intensive field of RC model making, more and more printing is being done. Here, in addition to the supply of spare parts, the focus is primarily on optics. A new tail unit for the plane? Comes from the 3D printer. Stylish new rims for the RC buggy? That's right, fire up the 3D printer and go. And the new drone no longer has to come from the nearest electronics store. At Thingiverse and Co. you can now find many print templates for airworthy drones “brand self-made”.

Are 3D printed drones allowed to be flown in Germany?

Your own drone from the 3D printer sounds exciting at first. It is, of course, especially the moment when the aircraft is allowed to take off for the first time. But wait a minute. Is it even allowed in Germany to launch your own creations? After all, the drones from the 3D printer lack all the usual markings (CE, TÜV, etc.).
Initially, the same regulations and restrictions apply to drones from the 3D printer as to drones from the trade.

If your printed copy weighs more than 25 kilograms after assembly, you are unfortunately out of luck. The use of such large and heavy drones is prohibited for private individuals in Germany. So is using your drone in restricted areas, such as near airports. Also, don't get the silly idea of equipping your printed drone with a camera to peek into your neighbor's bedroom. Because, of course, this use of your drone from the 3D printer is also prohibited. What you also have to be aware of: Since 2017, operating a drone with a takeoff weight of more than 2 kilograms or with possible flight altitudes of more than 100 meters is only allowed if you have a certificate of proficiency. You can acquire this “license”, for example, through the German Model Aviation Association.
If you don't feel like dealing with laws and regulations, and don't have any ambitions to jump right into the undoubtedly fascinating hobby of drone flying on a large scale, we recommend 3D printing smaller models for indoor use. Here, the drones, most of which are only the size of a hand, allow perfect flight maneuvers and flying fun without remorse – because in your own four walls you can let fly everything you feel like.