Recycling 3D Print Scraps, Printing Devil Fruit, AI 3D Modeling, Military - MTM #27 Armour3dprints

Introduction

In this episode of "Meet the Makers," we had the pleasure of speaking with Blake from Armor 3D Prints, a passionate 3D printing enthusiast. Blake's journey into the realm of 3D printing began in college in 2010 while studying engineering, where he built his first printer with a professor. However, it wasn't until 2017, after his military service, that his interest in 3D printing reignited with the purchase of an Ender 3. By 2020, Blake garnered attention on TikTok with his viral videos, which launched him further into the world of 3D printing.

Military Influence and 3D Printing Development

Blake shared an interesting take on spending his first military paycheck on a 3D printer instead of a car, highlighting how his background led him to a hobby that he loves. He reminisced about how 3D printing had evolved since his first exposure in college. Blake currently runs several machines, including three Bamboo Lab X1 Carbon printers and a Hey Gears Reflex Ultra Craft resin printer. He discussed the fundamental differences between FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) and resin printing. While FDM utilizes melted plastic to create layers, resin printing employs a light source to cure a liquid resin layer-by-layer, offering finer details.

Blake emphasized that entry-level resin printers, such as Anycubic models, provide great value, especially for creating models of popular collectibles like Dungeons & Dragons figures. He discussed how these machines can often be more affordable, allowing beginners to explore resin printing without breaking the bank.

Devil Fruit Craze

One of Blake's signature projects involves creating various "Devil Fruit" from the popular anime series "One Piece." The series features fictional fruits granting superpowers but rendering the consumers incapable of swimming. Blake initially created the iconic Gum-Gum Fruit, which led to a surge in interest and requests to sell the physical models. He sought permission from the original creator, Red Bushido, to sell the models, establishing a collaborative relationship that has allowed him to produce and refine designs for his audience.

Blake explained his painting techniques for these intricate models, reflecting both creativity and attention to detail. He reflected on the hours of post-processing it might require to bring the models to life, often using airbrush techniques for a polished finish. Notably, he highlighted the challenges and intricacies involved in printing more complex models, like the spiky and electric Devil Fruit.

Exploring AI in 3D Modeling

Blake's work doesn't stop at 3D printing and painting. He shared his ambitious vision of developing an AI model capable of generating 3D designs based on text prompts, a project inspired by his background in military intelligence and his passion for technology. Although he faces hurdles, including a lack of resources and funding, his knack for technology brings a glimmer of hope that this vision could one day come to fruition.

Having served in the military, Blake spoke candidly about his experiences, including tense deployments and the toll of military life on personal ambitions. He found a new path through contracting work in intelligence that allowed him to leverage his unique skill set while avoiding direct combat. His experiences shape a compelling background that informs and enriches his passion for 3D printing.

Recycling Print Scraps with Poly Struder

Among his standout tools is the Poly Struder, an industrial-grade shredder designed for processing plastic waste from 3D printing. Blake described how this unit allowed him to recycle failed prints and supports, transforming waste back into usable filament—a noble approach to reducing plastic waste. However, he expressed his disappointment in some of the unit's performance issues, including thermal runaway concerns.

Blake's journey from a military analyst to a dedicated 3D printing enthusiast is testament to the unyielding spirit of creators in this digital age. From pushing the boundaries of 3D printing with intricate designs like Devil Fruits to exploring the intersection of AI and model creation, there is no limit to where Blake's expertise and passions will take him in the world of making.

Keyword

3D printing, Armor 3D Prints, Blake, military, Devil Fruit, FDM, resin printing, Anycubic, airbrush, AI modeling, Poly Struder, recycling.

FAQ

1. How did Blake get started with 3D printing?
Blake was introduced to 3D printing in college in 2010, built his first printer, and reignited his passion in 2017 after purchasing an Ender 3.

2. What is the difference between FDM and resin printing?
FDM utilizes melted plastic to create layers, while resin printing uses light to cure liquid resin layer-by-layer, offering finer details.

3. What type of models does Blake create?
Blake primarily creates models from the anime "One Piece," including the iconic Devil Fruits and other collectibles.

4. What is the Poly Struder?
The Poly Struder is an industrial-grade shredder that allows users to recycle failed prints and supports into filament.

5. How does Blake combine his military experience with 3D printing?
Blake leverages his military background in technology and AI to explore new frontiers in 3D modeling while sharing his experiences in the maker community.