I just thought, that why don´t Games Workshop use 3D printers to make their models? Would it not be cheaper, compared to all their forms, which they need to remake all the time. They would not need many people running the printers, so that could potentially bring the price down. They would practically only need 3D animators to make the models. When made, they probably would be able to make a lot of different stances from the same 3D model. It also seems like there is a possibility of even more detailed models. So why don´t Games Workshop use 3D printers?
I would imagine it has to do with having to buy such a massive amount of printers to begin with. Also if they used printers, there could be a serious risk of someone stealing or copying files and printing models out elsewhere, so pirating models. And lastly, GW is not by any means famous for making awesomely intelligent business ideas and they seem to have a hobby made of ignoring what may be best for the consumer base.
I must admit, I haven't really seen any *good* replicas made on 3d printers. Could be the designers skill, sure, but the models just look... off. I don't think a 3d printer can make the kind of details you'd need. I could be wrong, of course. Industrial grade printers would probably also be better than the standard one most people would be using. Though of course, if they are making the models entirely, rather than requiring assembly, they lose out on a ton of potential newcomers, because a lot of people like converting, and if the models come assembled, you don't have much room to do that. And if they print out the same plastic forms they are already making, I'm not sure it would be profitable to do so in the first place.
from what I can tell. it's not cheaper, and definitely slower. but I believe that have been using CAD & 3D printers to create some of the recent masters. and cast molds off of those.
Industrial grade 3D printers has become very good, and can provide more details than cast molds, but at the cost of being a lot slower, and cost a lot more per model. So at the current stage 3D printing is just for prototyping and low quantity runs. When the quantity of the run increase, cast molds quickly become a much cheaper and faster option.
You would think that they would have 3D Scanners right by now for consumers with all the 3D Printers.
I know that Spartan Games has moved to doing all of their modeling and prototyping to 3D/ 3D printing. The models turn out superb. Not to mention, the artists can print a model out in a day and actually get his hands on with it! Pic of a Sorylian battleship (Painted) and an un-painted Dreadnought. I think the Dreadnouoght is around 5-6 inches long.
There is 3D Scanners out there for consumers, but just as with the 3D printers, the "consumer" level is far from the professional equipment in quality. Yea, from a business perspective it make sense. Assuming of course you do not have employment obligations for any currently employed modelers. A good example is also the Kroxigors that woogity has made, which looks very good. http://www.lustria-online.com/threads/first-post-custom-model-kroxigor.15419/
GW have always had a very traditional approach to how they receive their art. It was certainly the case that all artwork for production, magazines, website, books etc had to be produced using traditional materials, no digitally created work allowed! It wouldn't be to surprised to find that this design philosophy extended to model sculpts as well. That said GW definitely do use CAD software during some stages of a model's production, most likely for checking things over prior to having mould tools made. As their currently advertised Tooling Manager position says "CAD/CAM is pivitol to the creation of our mouldtools." You don't want to spend thousands having a tool cut and then discovering it won't release the cast plastic! 3d printing isn't currently a viable method for final production, compared to plastic injection moulding or resin/white metal casting it's slow, expensive and inefficient for large scale production. Plus it means new software licences, equipment, work flows, new staff and new issues to overcome, all of which cost money. As others have mentioned though 3d printing certainly does have a well respected place in some studios, if you've got a digital workflow then being able to check your model physically during its development and of course it's critical for final mould production when working digitally. In short it's not a viable option for anything other than prototyping for large scale plastic productions, but an essential tool for digitally focused studios / individuals producing resin / white metal kits.