Robotech VFA-6 Alpha 3D Printing Model | Assembly + Action

ABOUT THIS 3D MODEL

VFA-6 Alpha is a small transformable jet fighter, one of the remarkable mechas to star in American-Japanese anime series Robotech. Although significantly smaller, Alpha fighter is known to have many advantages over the VF-series Veritech representatives. VFA-6 variants are in general much more manoeuvrable, they have a large number of internally mounted short-range missile systems and can function on land, in the air, in space or underwater - Alpha can truly boast of total environmental flexibility. Inspired by the Robotech saga, the author of the VFA-6 model spent 184 hours to create a highly poseable Veritech fighter for 3D printing. As mentioned the 3D artist, having watched the anime series and having seen many transformable Alpha toys, he was filled with enthusiasm to create his own version that would be available to 3D printing fans. Thus the highly articulated VFA-6 Alpha model for 3D printing is now offered on Gambody marketplace for any anime lover not only to add to one’s collection but also to first-hand participate in its creation. Due to the fact that the Alpha fighter is naturally comprised of many assembly parts, the author warns that its completion may require a lot of patience and precision. But we are absolutely sure that this is far from a challenge for a Robotech enthusiast. Go order the STL files! 

ADAPTATION FOR 3D PRINTING

VFA-6 Alpha model for 3D printing is a highly articulated assembly model and its moderation and adaptation for different types of 3D printers took Gambody team 41 hours in total. In order to ensure the robot’s transformation into one of three modes, it was divided into many assembly parts and all model’s joints were designed to presuppose the introduction of a certain mechanism for you to switch the Alpha between Battloid, Fighter and Guardian modes. For you to have an opportunity to display every single mode in a variety of ways, robot’s head, shoulders, hands, hips, knees, feet, fingers and many other assemble parts are movable. All the assembly parts are provided in STL files in recommended positions that were worked out so to ensure the smoothness of the details’ surfaces after printing and so that the 3D printing beginners won't face difficulties when placing the parts on a build plate. In order to assemble the model, you will need 2x10 mm self-tapping screws and short pieces of 1.75 PLA to make pins. Apply the glue where you feel appropriate. Make sure to watch "Assembly video" in the photo preview section and read the author's "Assembly Manual" that comes with STL files.

The model is saved in STL files, a format supported by most 3D printers. All STL files for 3D printing have been checked in Netfabb and no errors were shown.

The model's scale was calculated from VFA-6 Alpha's actual height in Battloid mode that is 8750 mm. The 3D printing model's chosen scale is 1/30 for the FFF/FDM version.

VERSION SPECIFICATIONS

FFF/FDM 1.0 version features:
- Contains 88 parts;
- In Battloid mode a printed model stands 283 mm tall, 219 mm wide, 154 mm deep;
- In Guardian mode - 230 mm tall, 219 mm wide, 243 mm deep;
- In Fighter mode - 96 mm tall, 248 mm wide, 404 mm deep;
- Each robot’s joint is articulated which allows the model's transformation;
- The model can be assembled with 1.75 PLA pins and 2x10 mm screws;
- Watch "Assembly video" to see the screws coloured red and pins - yellow; 
- With any file of the model, you will also receive author’s instructions on the assembly peculiarities in a PDF file "Assembly Manual";
- All parts are divided in such a way that you will print them with the smallest number of support structures.

WHAT WILL YOU GET AFTER PURCHASE?

- STL files of VFA-6 Alpha​​ Model for 3D printing which consist of 88 parts;
- 1 version of files for this model for FFF/FDM;
- High-poly detailed model of VFA-6 Alpha​;
- Detailed settings that we provide as a recommendation for Cura , Simplify3D and Slic3r for the best print;
- Full technical support from the Gambody Support Team.

You can get the model of VFA-6 Alpha for 3D Printing immediately after the purchase! Just click the green Buy button in the top-right corner of the model’s page. You can pay with PayPal or your credit card.

Watch the tutorial on how to assemble VFA-6 Alpha​ 3D Printing Model at Gambody YouTube channel.

Also, you may like another Robot 3D Printing Models as well as other Anime 3D Printing Figurines.

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FAQ: 
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This model was tested in Cura 3.4.1 and printed on an Ultimaker 2 in PLA material. Below you can find printing recommendations for Cura, Simplify3D and Slic3r softwares.

Cura printing recommendations:

Recommendations: Use ABS or PLA Plus filament to print more durable and friction resistant details.

To avoid printing problems, we recommend the following settings:

Quality
Layer Height: 0.1 mm
Initial Layer Height: 0.3 mm
Line Width: 0.4 mm
 Wall Line Width: 0.4 mm
   Outer Wall Line Width: 0.4 mm
   Inner Wall(s) Line Width: 0.4 mm
 Top/Bottom Line Width: 0.4 mm
 Infill Line Width: 0.4 mm
 Skirt/Brim Line Width: 0.4 mm
Support Line Width: 0.4 mm
 Initial Layer Line Width: 100%

Shell
Wall Thickness: 0.8 mm
    Wall Line Count: 2
Outer Wall Wipe Distance: 0.2 mm
Top Surface Skin Layers: 0
Top/Bottom Thickness: 0.8 mm
   Top Thickness: 0.8 mm
      Top Layers: 8
    Bottom Thickness: 0.8 mm
      Bottom Layers: 8
Top/Bottom Pattern: Lines
Bottom Pattern Initial Layer: Lines
Top/Bottom Line Directions: [ ]
Outer Wall Inset: 0 mm
Compensate Wall Overlaps: Check
    Compensate Outer Wall Overlaps: Check
    Compensate Inner Wall Overlaps: Check
Fill Gaps Between Walls: Everywhere
Filter Out Tiny Gaps: Check
Horizontal Expansion: 0 mm
Initial Layer Horizontal Expansion: 0 mm
Z Seam Alignment: Sharpest Corner
Seam Corner Preference: Hide Seam
Ignore Small Z Gaps: Check
Extra Skin Wall Count: 1

Infill
Infill Density: 80%
Infill Line Distance: 4.0 mm
Infill Pattern: Grid
Infill Line Directions: [ ]
Infill X Offset: 0 mm
Infill Y Offset: 0 mm
Infill Overlap Percentage: 10%
    Infill Overlap: 0.04 mm
Skin Overlap Percentage: 5%
    Skin Overlap: 0.02 mm
Infill Wipe Distance: 0.1 mm
Infill Layer Thickness: 0.1 mm
Gradual Infill Steps: 1
Gradual Infill Steps Height: 1.5 mm
Infill Before Walls: Check
Minimum Infill Area: 0 mm2
Skin Removal Width: 0.8 mm
    Top Skin Removal Width: 0.8 mm
    Bottom Skin Removal Width: 0.8 mm
Skin Expand Distance: 0.8
    Top Skin Expand Distance: 0.8
    Bottom Skin Expand Distance: 0.8
Maximum Skin Angle for Expansion: 90˚
    Minimum Skin Width for Expansion: 0.0

Material
Initial Layer Flow: 100%
Enable Retraction: Check
Retraction Extra Prime Amount: 0 mm3
Retraction Minimum Travel: 0.8 mm
Maximum Retraction Count: 90
Minimum Extrusion Distance Window: 6.5 mm
Nozzle Switch Retraction Distance: 16 mm
Nozzle Switch Retraction Speed: 20 mm/s
    Nozzle Switch Retract Speed: 20 mm/s
    Nozzle Switch Prime Speed: 20 mm/s

Speed 
Print Speed: 45 mm/s
    Infill Speed: 45 mm/s
    Wall Speed: 22.5 mm/s
      Outer Wall Speed: 22.5 mm/s
      Inner Wall Speed: 45 mm/s
    Top/Bottom Speed: 15 mm/s
Travel Speed: 45 mm/s
Initial Layer Speed: 22.5 mm/s
  Initial Layer Print Speed: 22.5 mm/s
  Initial Layer Travel Speed: 30 mm/s
Skirt/Brim Speed: 30 mm/s
Maximum Z Speed: 0 mm/s
Number of Slower Layers: 2

Travel 
Combing Mode: All
Avoid Printed Parts when Traveling: Check
Travel Avoid Distance: 0.625 mm
Layer Start X: 0.0 mm
Layer Start Y: 0.0 mm

Cooling 
Enable Print Cooling: Check
Fan Speed: 100%
    Regular Fan Speed: 100%
    Maximum Fan Speed: 100%
Regular/Maximum Fan Speed Threshold: 10 s
Initial Fan Speed: 0%
Regular Fan Speed at Height: 0.3 mm
    Regular Fan Speed at Layer: 2
Minimum Layer Time: 5 s
Minimum Speed: 10 mm/s

Support 
Generate Support: Check
Support Placement: Everywhere
Support Overhang Angle: 50°
Support Pattern: Zig Zag
Connect Support ZigZags: Check
Support Density: 15 %
    Support Line Distance: 3 mm
Support Z Distance: 0.1 mm
    Support Top Distance: 0.1 mm
    Support Bottom Distance: 0.1 mm
Support X/Y Distance: 1 mm
Support Distance Priority: Z overrides X/Y
Minimum Support X/Y Distance: 0.25 mm
Support Stair Step Height: 0.3 mm
Support Stair Step Maximum Width: 5.0 mm
Support Join Distance: 2.0 mm
Support Horizontal Expansion: 0.2 mm
Support Infill Layer Thickness: 0.1 mm
Gradual Support Infill Steps: 0
Use Towers: Check
Tower Diameter: 3.0 mm
Minimum Diameter: 3.0 mm
Tower Roof Angle: 65°

Build Plate Adhesion 
Build Plate Adhesion Type: Brim (for all parts of locks use "Skirt")
Skirt/Brim Minimum Length: 250 mm
Brim Width: 8.0 mm
    Brim Line Count: 18
Brim Only on Outside: Check

Mesh Fixes 
Union Overlapping Volumes: Check
Merged Meshes Overlap: 0.15 mm

Special Modes
Print Sequence: All at Once
Surface Mode: Normal

Experimental
Slicing Tolerance: Middle
Maximum Resolution: 0.01 mm
Flow rate compensation max extrusion offset: 0 mm
Flow rate compensation factor: 100%

Disclaimer: This model will look outstanding if printed on SLA/SLS 3D printer. The accuracy of the model printed on FFF printer can vary from the result shown in the pictures.

Simplify3D printing recommendations:

This model was tested with PLA material.

To avoid printing problems, we recommend the following settings:

Extruder
Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm
Extrusion Multiplier: 0.97
Extrusion Width: Auto

Retraction Distance: 5.00 mm
Extra Restart Distance: 0.00 mm
Retraction Vertical Lift: 0.08 mm
Retraction Speed: 5400.0 mm/min

Wipe Distance: 5.00 mm

Layer
Primary Layer Height: 0.2 mm
Top Solid Layers: 8
Bottom Solid Layers: 5
Outline/Perimeter Shells: 2
Outline Direction: Inside-Out

First Layer Height: 90%
First Layer Width: 100%
First Layer Speed: 20%

Additions
Use Skirt/Brim: Check
Skirt Layers: 1
Skirt Offset from Part: 6.00 mm
Skirt Outlines: 5

Infill
Internal Fill Pattern: Fast Honeycomb
External Fill Patern: Rectilinear
Interior Fill Percentage: 80%
Outline Overlap: 22%
Infill Extrusion Width: 100%
Minimum Infill Length: 5.00 mm
Combine Infill Every: 1 layers

External Infill Angle Offsets: 45/-45 deg

Support
Generate Support Material: Check
Support Infill Percentage: 15%
Extra Inflation Distance: 1.00 mm
Support Base Layers: 0
Combine Support Every: 1 layers

Dense Support Layers: 0
Dense Infill Percentage: 70%

Support Type: Normal
Support Pillar Resolution: 5.00 mm
Max Overhang Angle: 60 deg

Horizontal Offset From Part: 0.50 mm
Upper Vertical Separation Layers: 1
Lower Vertical Separation Layers: 1

Support Infill Angles: 45 deg

Temperature
Extruder 1 Temperature: 210
Heated Bed: 60

Cooling
Increase fan speed for layers below: 45.0 sec
  Maximum Cooling fan speed: 50%
Bridging fan speed override: 100%

Speeds
Default Printing Speed: 4800.0 mm/min
Outline Underspeed: 50%
Solid Infill Underspeed: 80%
Support Structure Underspeed: 80%
X/Y Axis Movement Speed: 10800.0 mm/min
Z Axis Movemen Speed: 1002.0 mm/min

Adjust printing speed for layers below: 15.0 sec 
  Allow speed reduction down to: 20%

Other
Unsupported area threshold: 20.0 sq m

Slic3r printing recommendations:

Layer height
  Layer height: 0.1 mm
  First layer height: 90%
Vertical shells
  Perimeters: 2
Horizontal shells
  Soid layers: 
              Top: 8
              Bottom: 5
Quality
  Detect thin walls: Check
  Detect bridging perimeters: Check
Advanced
  Seam position: Random
Infill
  Fill density: 80%
  Fill pattern: Honeycomb
  Top/bottom fill pattern: Rectilinear
Reducing printing time
  Combine infill every: 1 layers
Advanced
  Solid infill every: 0 layers
  Fill angle: 25 deg
  Solid infill threshold area: 0mm
Skirt
  Loops: 2
  Distance from object: 6 mm
  Skirt height: 1 layers
  Minimum extrusion length: 4 mm
Brim 
  Brim width: 10 mm
Support material
  Generate support material: Check
  Overhang threshold: 45 deg
  Enforce support for the first: 3 layers
Raft
  Raft layers: 0 layers
Options for support material and raft
  Contact Z distance: 0.1 mm
  Pattern: Rectilinear
  Patter spacing: 2 mm
  Pattern angle: 0 deg
  Interface layers: 2 layers
  Interface pattern spacing: 0.2 mm
Speed for print moves
  Perimeters: 60 mm/s
  Small perimeters: 20 mm/s
  External perimeters: 20 mm/s
  Infill: 60 mm/s
  Solid infill: 60 mm/s
  Top solid infill: 30 mm/s
  Support material: 50 mm/s
  Support material interface: 100%
  Bridges: 30 mm/s
  Gap fill: 50 mm/s
Speed for non-print moves
  Travel: 60 mm/s
Modifiers
  First layer speed: 30 mm/s
Acceleration control
  Perimeters: 800 mm/s
  Infill: 1500 mm/s
  Bridge: 1000 mm/s
  First layer: 1000 mm/s
  Default: 1000 mm/s
Autospeed
  Max print speed: 100 mm/s
  Max volumetrix speed: 0 mm/s
Extrusion width
  Default extrusion width: 0.42 mm
  First layer: 0.42 mm
  Perimeters: 0.42 mm
  External perimeters: 0.42 mm
  Infill: 0.42 mm
  Solid infill: 0.42 mm
  Top solid infill: 0.42 mm
  Support material: 0.42 mm
Overlap
  Infill/Perimeters overlap: 20%
Flow
  Bridge flow ratio: 0.95
Other
  XY Size Compensation: 0 mm
  Threds: 8
  Resolution: 0 mm