3-D Printing/Additive Manufacturing

[Brother Tyler]

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3D PRINTING

 

 

3D printing is any of various processes in which material is joined or solidified under computer control to create a three-dimensional object, with material being added together (such as liquid molecules or powder grains being fused together).

3D printing is a subset of additive manufacturing. Though the following refers to “3D printing,” it should be understood that everything below applies to additive manufacturing as a whole (“3D printing” is the terminology used herein simply because it is the most recognizable and understood by the majority of members).

Though 3D printing has been around for decades, the development of affordable 3D printers and materials has made this capability available to a more widespread audience. Individuals are now able to scan objects to create files that can be used to reproduce items. Similarly, computer-aided-design (CAD) programs can be used to modify scanned objects or to design objects from scratch. Files can be shared electronically, allowing for rapid proliferation of data for a disaggregated manufacturing effort. Overall, the accessibility of 3D printing capabilities has been a very interesting, and contentious, introduction to the wargaming hobby.

Despite the opportunities afforded by 3D printing, there is the potential for it to be used inappropriately (read: illegally or unethically). The Bolter & Chainsword exists to help our members enjoy the hobby, and the full range of the hobby includes 3D printing. So discussion of 3D printing as relevant to the Warhammer 40,000 hobby will be allowed here at the B&C, albeit with some limitations. I’ll repeat that with emphasize just so that we’re clear:

 

=][= Discussion of 3D printing as relevant to the Warhammer 40,000 hobby will be allowed here at the B&C, albeit with some limitations. =][=

 

An important thing to keep in mind is that the Bolter & Chainsword observes Games Workshop’s Intellectual Property Guidelines. We enforce those guidelines in terms of the content here at the Bolter & Chainsword, which includes discussions, images in galleries, files in the Downloads section, etc. Here’s an excerpt from those guidelines (as of 21 July 2021) specifically about 3D printing:
 

Games Workshop Intellectual Property Policy said:

 

recasting and 3D printing - our products must not be illegally re-cast or scanned, nor should digital designs of our products be illegally produced and distributed.

 

The limitations on 3D printing content here at the Bolter & Chainsword include:

• All content about 3D printing must be relevant to the Warhammer 40,000 hobby (this includes images used in tutorials).
• The B&C may not be used as a medium for sharing files (this includes using our email system, the downloads, linking to repositories of 3D printing files, etc.).
• Any content that violates Games Workshop’s Intellectual Privacy Policy will be removed and may subject the member to additional disciplinary action if deemed necessary by the administrators.

 

The above is deliberately broad in nature as the technology/capability is relatively new to our hobby and community. The above constitutes broad intent and is subject to change as we get a better community understanding of the capability. When in doubt, contact the administrators/moderators beforehand. The administrators/moderators will hide questionable content for review and determination of suitability here at the Bolter & Chainsword (unsuitable content will be removed permanently while suitable content will return, possibly with amendments to ensure that the content doesn’t encroach into unsuitable territory).

Examples of allowed 3D printing topics:

• Discussions about CAD programs, 3D printers, and materials that are appropriate to the hobby
• Tutorials on designing parts for the hobby that Games Workshop and its subsidiaries don’t produce (e.g., unique Imperial Knight faceplates, themed bases, bare heads, etc.)

 

Examples of 3D printing topics that aren’t allowed:

• How to scan a part (e.g., Adeptus Astartes shoulder pads) for mass production
• Tutorials on designing parts and models for the hobby that Games Workshop or its subsidiaries produce or which are out of production (e.g., Sergeant Centurius, Aeronautica Imperialis models, etc.)
• Tutorials on designing (or depicting) parts/models for games that aren’t part of the Warhammer 40,000 setting

 

In addition to the above, discussion about the basics of CAD and 3D printing should be avoided, instead linking to external sources of information on these subjects.

As you can see, the examples above are a bit vague. Just keep the limitations in mind, and when in doubt, ask first.