Laser scanning is possible, 6-axis milling machines exist and on a subminiature scale.
Why is there no 6-axis painting machine? I understand there are 3D printers that can do this, but 3D printing costs more than just making a die (or reusing a similar die from another model) at a certain scale.
Money. 6-axis isn’t cheap to run or maintain, especially at this scale with the desired precision. Add in the inherent issues of working with a variety of paint colors (especially aerosolized), subtract the ability to mask features from over spray. Their prices would have to make Warhammer look bargain bin in order to recoup the costs of the machine, maintenance and consumables.
Archon Studios recently introduced a mayor new technology into the hobby with Prismcast. This “printer” basically paints curved 2,5 D surfaces which you glue together to make a fully 3D model. AFAIK there is no way to make this technology in 3D
Which is surprising in this day and age.
Laser scanning is possible, 6-axis milling machines exist and on a subminiature scale.
Why is there no 6-axis painting machine? I understand there are 3D printers that can do this, but 3D printing costs more than just making a die (or reusing a similar die from another model) at a certain scale.
They don’t care, same reason they still use casting and resin and don’t move to 3D printing.
Money. 6-axis isn’t cheap to run or maintain, especially at this scale with the desired precision. Add in the inherent issues of working with a variety of paint colors (especially aerosolized), subtract the ability to mask features from over spray. Their prices would have to make Warhammer look bargain bin in order to recoup the costs of the machine, maintenance and consumables.
Archon Studios recently introduced a mayor new technology into the hobby with Prismcast. This “printer” basically paints curved 2,5 D surfaces which you glue together to make a fully 3D model. AFAIK there is no way to make this technology in 3D