Hi all,
Like many, I'm glad 'Lukgraph' are able to produce so many models of WW1 aircraft never before made and at such a rate.
Also another enterprise has already designed and printed a complete Albatros fighter with one side showing the internal structure using 3D printing.
That said I'm personally more into building components rather than having complete assemblies 3D printed for me.
However, I am curious to see how other companies will react to this 3D printing technology.
Using 3D printing and CAD designers is obviously a quicker process, hence 'Lukgraphs' 5 - 6 models a year in both 1:48 and 1:32 scales.
The overall cost of production using this technology must, in the long term, be cheaper than the the more traditional and costly injection tooling and manufacture.
Also it must be preferred to the pure resin moulded and therefore limited production models.
For example, many consider 'Copper State Models' to be favorably compared to the late 'Wingnut Wings' models in quality, but are not producing model aircraft in such quantities and in so many different types.
It makes me wonder if such companies will either:
1. Convert to 3D printing technology in order to keep pace with such as 'Lukgraph'.
2. Continue with injection moulding and the cost and time frames involved in that technology.
3. Not attempt to compete and stop producing WW1 aircraft altogether and concentrate on their particular niche models.
There is also the cost to modelers of buying so many models and whether there is enough time left for us to build them all
It'll be interesting to see how the general market will react in the coming years,
Mike