Information on 3D printing.

Fern Valley uses 2 different types of 3D printer. The first is fused deposition modeling (FDM) printing, but I call it filament printing. The printer uses a filament of polylactic acid (PLA) which it feeds through a hot nozzle and lays down in layers. As the layers build up the model slowly takes shape on the build plate. PLA is a plant-based thermoplastic made from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane, and the process is clean and odourless.

The other type of printing we do is high-resolution stereolithography (SLA) resin printing. The printer uses a vat of liquid resin that is exposed to light one layer at a time. As the layers build up the model is pulled up out of the resin stuck to the bottom of the build plate. The model needs to be supported to ensure it gets pulled out of the vat intact. The photo to the right shows the supports being added to a Wicket Saloon in the preparation software. Once printed, the dripping wet model needs to be washed and then cured under UV light before it can be broken out of its supports. The process is long, messy and can be smelly and possibly toxic. Respirator, safety glasses and gloves are a must. Fern Valley now only uses water-washable resin to reduce toxicity and odour. Once cured the resin print is stable and harmless.

The photo on the left shows the difference between a finished resin print and the corresponding model in filament. As you can see, resin printing produces a much better quality model. But, you need to consider that this is a close-up image of an N scale structure, and you just wouldn’t get this close in real life. The photo below it shows the structures from a more realistic distance, and it is hard to see too much difference. Many of the structures on the fern valley layout are filament prints.

For the price conscious modelers, filament prints are available upon request. Contact us at fernvalleymodels@gmail.com for pricing on filament structures.