The aim of the diploma thesis was to model, prepare and 3D print a video game character with two different technologies, and compare them.
We started by drawing the concept, while taking Japanese anime and the video game Overwatch for inspiration. After we finalized the sketch, we used the open source program Blender to model parts of our character using different techniques, joined them into one mesh, examined the model and exported it to the .stl format.
We used printing software designed specifically for transforming the .stl files to G-code (Simplify3D and PreForm), to analyse the entire character again, correct it accordingly, add support structures and apply the appropriate settings. The first model was printed on the Wanhao Duplicator i3 Plus printer, which uses technology based on material extrusion. The second model was printed using the Form 2, a printer that works with stereolithography.
When the printing was finished, we removed the support structures from the video game characters and analyzed them. We conducted a time comparison of printing, analyzed the quality of the details and surface, and made a complete comparison. We also analyzed some of the problems encountered in the press. As part of the thesis and its research, we came to the conclusion that stereolithography is more suitable for printing models with a lot of details and is also more expensive, while extrusion technology is cheaper and more suitable for simple models.
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