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Just an inquiry if you will, I’ve looking around to see if anyone has come across 3D printed zimm for a late tiger.
I reached out to ATAK to see if they would be interested.
Reply was no. So, just fishing to see if anyone on here as thought about going this route?

An interesting idea, but I think this is a solution for which there is no known problem

I haven’t zimm’d myself, but it seems relatively straightforward with putty and a suitable pattern maker. Zim, of course, differed across manufacturers. So, in 3D, you would need lots of patterns, in very thin sheets, perfectly formed to the particular tank being modelled. And lots of glue, of course

3D printed weld beads, on the other hand, seems to work well.

Just my thoughts.

Chris

Not wishing to hijack the thread but does someone actually sell 3d printed weld beads ?

Mark Heaps wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 26, 2023 4:10 pm

Not wishing to hijack the thread but does someone actually sell 3d printed weld beads ?

Hi Mark

I believe John at ECA East Coast Armory makes lengths of weld beads hope this helps

John @ ECA does sell the weld beads.

@ Chris,
10-4 on the leg work needed to begin that sized project.
I would imagine it’s possible with a 3D printer. Might have to look into getting one. Frankly I would just need it for my late tiger - or as you stated Zimm it my self.
Maybe it’ll be easier at 1/6 compared to 1/35 which I failed miserably at!

I am planning on starting a youtube channel for 1/6 tanks and stuff like applying zimmerit and weld line was something I was going to cover. I actually like applying milliput zim.

I think printed zimmerit is feasible, but may not be very practical - like small tiles. One problem would be creating the CAD models and the other major problem would be addressing the seams where the "tiles" fit together. The weld seam idea has more practicality for printing.

For the trouble printing zimmerit - tile adhesive, fine grout, plus PVA glue is a much easier option. Even miliput makes good zimmerit -its just a lot of work to apply.

Interestring idea,
Bob

Thanks for the responses and new ideas. Ironically I was looking over some older post from Dale’s mid production build and he mention the “Tim Bowman” zimm approach.
Might give that a go on some scraps of metal to keep in tune with the same material. Zimm from 3D might be a nice side hustle if you can work out the kinks!
@John, please send a link when you start your YT channel, video!

Cheers,
Bryan

Hi Bryan
I use Gripfill builders adhesive for Weld seams the one in the green cartridge.
Cut the nozzle at an angle about 5mm is about the size I use.
Inject the bead of adhesive down the line where you want the weld it will have a half round profile if you get the angle of the gun correct, then let it skin for about 5 mins and tool the scallop marks and then leave it alone till it sets rock hard.

For me it works every time

Regards

Derek

Thanks for the info Derek, I’ll check out that gripfill adhesive.