Rocket parts for 3D printing

Hobbes · 10th August 2011, 09:49 AM

I'm working on a 1:144 scale model of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket:

My usual method is to fabricate the model parts from styrene or balsa wood. This time I'm trying something different: I'm going to have some parts printed by Shapeways.

I've started with the parts for the payload fairing:

The parts could be printed in this state, but I want to refine the design a bit more (the nose cone in particular needs to be smoother than it is now).

I'm working on the engines at the moment. That's a more complex shape: I want to create the entire engine section (9 engines) as one part.

10th August 2011, 09:49 AM	#1
Hobbes Junior Member Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 12	Rocket parts for 3D printing I'm working on a 1:144 scale model of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket: My usual method is to fabricate the model parts from styrene or balsa wood. This time I'm trying something different: I'm going to have some parts printed by Shapeways. I've started with the parts for the payload fairing: The parts could be printed in this state, but I want to refine the design a bit more (the nose cone in particular needs to be smoother than it is now). I'm working on the engines at the moment. That's a more complex shape: I want to create the entire engine section (9 engines) as one part.