Print at Home

Modern 3D printers now allow the use of online STL files to be able to print ships at any scale.

There are two types of common printer technology SLA that deposits layers of UV hardened resin. This then needs to be washed in alcohol and cured full with UV light. The resin is toxic and has a strong odour so needs an enclosed or ventilated location. SLA gives the best quality fine detail and needs secondary washing and curing equipment. 

FDM printers have come a long way and the latest printers from Bambu lab are very resonably prices and can print at near SLA quality. The printers print thin layers of plastic which build up to make the shape. The use of small 0.2mm nozzles allows a fine detail but it can take 4 hours to print a miniature. 

With a larger 0.4mm nozzles the printers can be used to print terrain and other larger models.  FDM printing needs no post processing curing and it smells a lot less than the resin process, depending on the material.

The down side is they are less good at very fine detail and the supports required to print the model have to be very carefully placed to avoid damage in removal. The same process applies to SLA printers as well.