OP

Quoted from winteriscoming:

Here's a painted test print with some more defined scales. Note that when you look a high res close-up photo, you can see print lines, but those aren't noticeable at arm's length.
I had originally dismissed 3D printing, but I think it's going to be my way forward.
It's cool being able to make quick tweaks, send to the printer and get results while I get back to my real job. [quoted image]

OP

Quoted from winteriscoming:

I'm currently printing some pieces with revisions, but I'm feeling pretty good about all tests so far. I do actually need to install it in my game to test that it works and make adjustments as needed for successful pickup.
Next I need to figure out if there's a feasible 3D printed alternative to the silicone teeth. I should be able to stick with silicone teeth if needed, but I would rather not if I can come up with a different solution.
My early attempts at printing with flexible filament didn't go so well. It wasn't going to work for the teeth, at least the way I was hoping. There may still be a way to use it.
Another option would be to incorporate teeth into the top and bottom jaws, though I think I want to try to have the teeth as a separate piece so they can be replaced if needed.

OP

Quoted from winteriscoming:

It recommends not doing retraction, and islands don't work out well. If printing teeth standing up, they end up being a bunch of islands. My tests were stringy messes.

OP

Quoted from winteriscoming:

I don't have a good visual to share at the moment, but imagine the teeth pointing up from the print bed.
An alternative I'm playing with is thin ink-printed teeth cut on my plotter. Maybe laninated vinyl film or something. They would be easy to mass produce and I could even make print files available for home reproduction of replacement teeth.

OP

Quoted from winteriscoming:

My demo of ZBrush long-since expired. Since that time, I've had very little time to work on this, and no interest in buying the full version of the software (will I even use it when I'm finished with this t-rex?) However, I noticed recently that they offer the 2019 version of the software on a monthly subscription, so I bought a month and plan to wrap this up.
I'm likely going with larger scales on the jaw and other areas for better visibility. The really small scales on my last jaw test look nice, but blur together from a short distance, meaning there would be little point in there even being scales if you can't see them (like the smooth stock t-rex).
Anyway, the latest model is ready for test prints to confirm whether or not I want to do anything else.
[quoted image]

OP

Quoted from winteriscoming:

I'm still experimenting with options for teeth. Here's an example of 3D printed top teeth. These are different than the previous PLA teeth I did which were printed flat and treated like the paper teeth I have been trying as well. These teeth are sculpted 3D teeth that are kind of like dentures that get screwed into the roof of the mouth. If I can ensure these teeth don't make contact with the ball or the pf, this might be a good option for top teeth. They would be readily reproducible if the need came up down the road vs cast silicone teeth.[quoted image]