July 13, 2015 | By Alec
While FDM desktop 3D printers are theoretically awesome machines to create toys with, most of us stick to very basic figurines that children will quickly get bored of. But as one Russian designer reminds up, you can definitely create fantastic, highly detailed and multi-component action figures with even just a regular 3D printer. For a promotional piece for Russian filament manufacturers REC, Sergey Kolesnik 3D printed the truly awesome Titan-REC, a 36 cm tall mecha robot that no kid will ever get bored with.
If Sergey’s name rings a bell, it’s probably because he has been steadily building a reputation for designing awesome robots and 3D printable robots inspired by science fiction. Think sci-fi films from the 1970s and 80s, like Start Wars, Short Circuit, Robocop and The Terminator. Sergey – who is based in the small town of Labytnangy, northern Russia, has been working on 3D models since the 1990s, and that experience shows. In late 2014, we showcased a large number of some of his amazing 3D printed designs – all made on a regular Ultimaker 2 – and now his back with more impressive stuff.
His latest project for REC started when he was contacted about creating a completely articulated robot that looks to come straight out of Gundam Wing. Accepting the challenge, Sergey embarked on what he calls the longest print test of his life (more than two weeks of work). The result is a very cool figurine called Titan-REC, featuring movable limbs and 3D printed with Russian filament. And with a size of 36 cm, it is everything but a modest 3D printed toy.
As he explains, the model visible here hasn’t been completely undergone post printing processing, as some support traces are still visible. But that hardly diminishes the impressiveness of the model. Layering was done at 60 to 80 microns, he explains, with print speeds of 30 to 70 mm per second. In total, it required three reels of PLA to fully print, though this was largely because he wasn’t happy with the color of one reel. ‘These raw materials have very unique responses to temperatures, and of course require experience and skill, and are largely suitable for printing very large items. If you are printing small parts you should always find out the temperature and speed necessary for your experiments,’ he advises everyone.
Over the coming days, Sergey plans to finish this impressive model and fly it to Moscow, where he will visit the REC headquarters and exhibit his creation. While there are currently no plans to share the 3D printable designs for this amazing mecha robot, it definitely emphasizes that Sergey Kolesnik is someone to keep an eye on.
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
Maybe you also like:
- 3D printed skeletons are making the lives of animators easier
- New generation ACS earphones made with 3D printers are presented at COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2014
- Breakthrough: Louisiana Tech researchers use Makerbot 3D printers to create custom antibiotic implants
- Opel uses 40 assembly tools from 3D printer in production of ADAM ROCKS
- New DOE program prepares veterans to get top jobs by training for career in 3D printing
- Portland student develops his own 3D printed prosthetic hand, hopes to help amputees around the world
- FDA awards first approval for customized 3D printed facial device by OPM
- A Fan's 3D-printed Pokémon Planter faces Nintendo Copyright Claim
- Nissan Motorsports uses 3D printing to manufacture V8 supercar parts
3Ders.org provides the latest news about 3D printing technology and 3D printers. We are now seven years old and have around 1.5 million unique visitors per month.
