What printing materials should I use? (Miniature figures, awards)

[schwimmy 0]

Hello everyone.

I'm a miniature gaming hobbiest in the United States. My Ultimaker 2 was delivered today, and before I go home and start reading the manual, I wanted to ask some burning questions to the collective.

There are two things I would like to make with my printer:

Miniatures for personal use eg: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:745490

and Awards: hanging medals, "pins" etc

My questions are; what plastic would best serve me if I wanted a plastic that was primarily good quality/ease of use and having "good detail"? (my apologies for not knowing any related jargon)

I also understand that there are some "metals" that the Ultimaker 2 can print with that I would be interested in using to create the Awards. Any recommendations on that?

Thanks in advance.

 

[gixxer 1]

Hi Schwimmy,

If your just starting out 3D printing then I'd suggest PLA for most things. As long as the models aren't going to be kept in a hot car as PLA will start to loose its shape above 45-50C.

ColorFabb do some nice Copper, Brass and Bronze fill PLA filaments for the awards which can be shined up using wire wool or other polishing methods with some work.

http://colorfabb.com/special-filaments%C2%A0

 

[zoev89 73]

If environment temperature is not an issue (max 45-50 degrees c) I would start with PLA build up some experience and then look at Bronze fill etc. Note using special filled filament can have some negative effects on your nozzle (0.4mm might be to small for wood fill, or excessive wear)

 

[neotko 1,417]

You might want to check the Osson Block to be able to use 0.25 nozzles. That will allow you to print more detailes for small objects. Or faster prints with an 0.8

http://umforum.ultimaker.com/index.php?/topic/7689-custom-heater-block-to-fit-e3d-nozzle-on-ultimaker-2/?view=getnewpost

[schwimmy 0]

Thanks for all the replies so far, everyone. I appreciate it.