Just got a model I worked on in the mail today, but compared to prints from the past, this seems like a downgrade. Could be quality control or the new processing.
Issues:
Whites are better, no doubt, but the model feels rough compared to the past. More grain in the overall color, as if white powder has been rubbed into the color (noticeable in dark gray). First time print lines are really noticeable, even compared to similar sized prints. Like the color was effected in each layer, like a dirty print head in old fashioned printer, not just unavoidable stair stepping.
What makes it worse is the splotchy, lighter areas of the colors, as circled below. Like it was rubbed off.
Past Prints:
Compared to the past, this print comes off like it was from an old cheap inkjet printer with bad print head causing consistency issues.
Photos of my other two prints:
My first 3D print:
https://www.shapeways.com/model/109483/
My 2nd print, a similar sized toon character print:
https://www.shapeways.com/model/127035/toon_fox__personal_pro ject_.html?gid=sg37497
What was great about the print in the above link:
I was really wowed me when got that print. The colors were rich, even and deep, no grain to it. It has an overall smoother finish. The print layer are not as noticeable, or more consistent without effecting color evenness, so they are well hidden. The head on this character is smaller than my new print below, yet really doesn't show layering as much as the new print.
Up to Standards?
Is this typical of the new quality for full color sandstone. I'm afraid to order my next print, a larger, more colorful character. I don't want another print with splotchy color, oddly more grain to it, and color effected by layering. I'd almost take the old process over this, even if it meant slightly off whites and darker.
Images Below:
So you can see print layers are oddly noticeable on the head and gray areas. Maybe if it was printed laying on its back. I know stair stepping will always be there, but it seems to be effecting color evenness this time. Also, in the 3rd set of images, not circled, a really odd mark on the top of the right arm too.
Conclusion:
Is this not up to Shapeways standards? Should it be reprinted? Seems like a downgrade in overall quality compared to the past.
Also: A friend just received her copy of this same print
My friend just got her copy today, doesn't seem to have nearly the same issues as mine, her color is more even, less splotches and print lines from first glance. Photo of her copy:
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/3240743/DSCF6809.jpg
Click to expand...