Category Archives: News

Milestones in IDMs progress …

How to Sell 3D Printed Props

IDM know how to Sell 3D printed Props and it can be an exciting venture.
To effectively sell your creations, consider the following steps:

How to Sell 3D Printed Props

From Concept through to Production and Delivery … IDM Imagineering knows How to Sell 3D Printed Props

1. Determine your target market: Identify the audience most likely to be interested in your 3D printed props. This could be cosplay enthusiasts, collectors, or individuals involved in theatre and film production. Understanding your target market will help you tailor your marketing efforts and product listings accordingly.

2. Create a portfolio: Compile high-quality images and descriptions of your 3D printed props. Showcase the variety, quality, and details of your work to attract potential buyers. Consider including images from different angles and close-ups to highlight the craftsmanship.

3. Set competitive prices: Research the market value of similar 3D printed props to determine a reasonable price range. Consider factors such as material costs, time invested, and the complexity of your designs. It’s important to strike a balance between profitability and affordability for potential buyers.

4. Establish an online presence: Create a website or utilize online marketplaces to showcase and sell your 3D printed props. Platforms like Etsy, eBay, or dedicated cosplay forums can help you reach your target audience. Ensure your product listings include compelling descriptions, clear images, and accurate measurements.

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IDM Imagineering - Professional Equipment for SuperHEROes.<br />Production Design Imagineering for Props, Models, Concepts and COSplay.

IDM Imagineering – Professional Equipment for SuperHEROes.
Production Design Imagineering for Props, Models, Concepts and COSplay.

5. Leverage social media: Promote your work on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Share engaging content, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and progress updates to generate interest in your 3D printed props. Engage with your audience, respond to inquiries, and build a community around your creations.
IDM Imagineering INSTAGRAM  IDM Imagineering TWITTER   IDM Imagineering FACEBOOK IDM Imagineering YOUTUBE

6. Offer customisation and commissions: Consider offering customised options for your 3D printed props. Some customers might prefer personalised modifications or unique designs. Additionally, accept commission work where you create props based on specific customer requests. This can help attract a wider range of buyers and increase your revenue streams.

7. Provide excellent customer service: Respond promptly to inquiries and be attentive to customer needs. Offer clear communication throughout the buying process, including shipping updates and tracking information. Positive reviews and satisfied customers can greatly contribute to your reputation and future sales.

IDM Imagineering on ETSY

8. Attend conventions and events: Participate in cosplay conventions, trade shows, or local events relevant to your target market. These gatherings provide an opportunity to showcase your props, connect with potential buyers, and network with fellow enthusiasts. Take advantage of such events to gain exposure and generate sales.

The COSplay Directory - a place to Show your Makes, Builds or Plays...

The COSplay Directory – a place to Show your Makes, Builds or Plays…

Remember that building a successful business takes time and effort.Continuously refine your craft, listen to customer feedback, and adapt your approach accordingly. Over time, with dedication and persistence, you can establish a thriving business selling your 3D printed props.

Star Wars [inspired] Helmet

Star Wars [inspired] Helmet for a Full Suit.

Another update on the slow progress of this personal, in-house project at IDM Imagineering.

This full suit of Star Wars inspired Helmet for our Stormtrooper Armour is being printed on our Creality CR10-S4 and FormBOT TREX 3d Printers in white, recycled PLA Filament.

The hardest part has been keeping the print as clean and white as possible while we glue and sand and smooth the parts. The 3D prints were fantastically smooth to start with, but some of the curves always suffer from stepping layers in FDM 3D printing.

We have tried to keep to using metal files to sand/smooth, since sand comes off all sandpapers then discolours and embeds itself in the white PLA. A combination of filing, scraping, shaving and 3D-pen welding has gone into achieving a first-look great result!

Next: onto the painting!..

Website: https://www.idmimagineering.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/idmimagineering
Twitter: @idmimagineering
Instagram: idmimagineering

Harry Potter [inspired] Auror Badge

Auror Badge inspired by Harry Potter for COSplay

This is a 3D Print made in ABS-like Resin from our new resin printers and the detail is quite a change from our FDM printers, as is the time to print and cleanup.

The modelling was done by Adam using Cinema4D and cleanup was done via MeshLAB and processed on Prise Slicer and Chitubox before being output as a 3D Print at 0.05mm layers.

Turning concepts from film and fiction into a reality, into something physical and memorable, is an integral part of what motivates us at IDM using 3D Print, Casting, machining or traditional model making crafts.

We are creative model makers based in Leeds (UK) with over 35 years experience using mixed media.

Website: https://www.idmimagineering.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/idmimagineering
Twitter: @idmimagineering
Instagram: idmimagineering

Engineering using 3D Printing

3D Scanning for Reverse Engineering

3D scanning is a great asset to our design and imagination. At IDM, this process allows us to create complex shapes quickly into 3D CAD so that they can then be worked on from other creative software applications.

We are looking forward to using our 3D scanners for body-sizing matching, weapon-grips, textures, creating props for film/tv production, cloning sculptured forms.
The possibilities are endless! for 3D Scannng.

Turning concepts from film and fiction into a reality, into something physical and memorable, is an integral part of what motivates us at IDM.

We are creative model makers based in Leeds (UK) with over 35 years experience using mixed media for individuals, organisations and global brands.

View the full video here.

Website: https://www.idmimagineering.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/idmimagineering
Twitter: @idmimagineering
Instagram: idmimagineering

Judge Dredd 2012 [inspired] :: 1/6th Scale Armour

1/6th Scale Model Dredd Armour

Using our existing CAD files for these Dredd Armour pieces we scaled them down to 1/6th size and printed them on our *NEW* Resin DLP 3D Printers in black ABS-like resin..

The result was excellent, especially considering that direct scaling down files can leave prints a bit thin in areas. Not this time! 

Some parts are tiny — like the Dredd Gas Grenade arm — and may be better joined to the Grenade body itself. 

What challenges have you faced when using a 1/6th Scale Model? 

Let us know your thoughts by leaving a reply below 👇

Website: https://www.idmimagineering.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/idmimagineering
Twitter: @idmimagineering
Instagram: idmimagineering

 

Rescuing a 3D Print

We all have that moment when there is a 3D Print failure.
The Nozzle clogs or jams, we run out of filament, or things just stop [firmware issue].
The print appears to be a total waste of time and effort 🙁
BUT … watch us Rescuing a 3D Print…

Fixing or Repairing 3D Prints

Fixing or Repairing 3D Prints

This situation is repairable:

In this example, we are already using an STL file that we have halved* by positioning it lower into the 3D Print Bed.

This solution is just an extra process of that repositioning method.

We at IDM Imagineering 3D Design and 3D Print prototypes and models in-house for ourselves and our 3D Print Clients so we do not always need a perfect one-off whole print, therefore we can use glue and fillers to finish a model before undercoating and spray painting; you will never see the join.

So, all is not lost. You can simply carry on where the 3D Print stopped.

In other words; reposition your model again lower into the 3D Printing Bed and only leave the required extra amount of the model visible for 3D Printing.

1/ Measure how far you have 3D Printed so far …

Fixing or Repairing 3D Prints

Fixing or Repairing 3D Prints

2/ Subtract that amount from the Z offset in your 3D Slicing Software [we use Simplify3D].


3/
3D Print the missing piece(s) and therefore Rescuing a 3D Print.

Written by: James [Maker] at IDM Imagineering – Equipment for SuperHEROs

*To save print time, as we have multiple 3D Printers, we often print objects as multiple pieces. Waiting for a 30-hour print is a worry; leaving it unsupervised, power cuts, heat for health & safety, noise at night … We would rather divide and conquer and get a model 3D Printed within normal working hours.

Printers: Flash Forge Creator Pro’s 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Software: Simplify3D v3.x
Filament: 3DPrintWorks PLA
Beds: Aluminium or Glass using Masking Tape or HairSpray