3d Prints

One of the best things about the trail and ultra community is how we look out for each other. Lately though, I have seen people on the local Facebook groups linking people to buy expensive 3D trail prints of race maps. To be honest, the prices I have seen feel like a bit of a rip off. The actual material cost is only a couple of dollars, and it takes about half an hour of actual work to set up using the free software TrailPrint3D Blender Addon produced by the developer EmGi and then about a four-hour print time.

I want to make sure everyone can get their hands on a really nice keepsake of their big race without getting fleeced. If you want a 3D model of a course you have conquered, here are three ways to get it done.

Option 1: The DIY Route (Free)

This is the one I actually want you to do. If you have a mate with a 3D printer that handles multiple colours, just ask them. I will be providing the 3MF files for certain major races for free. Take the file to your friend, give them a six pack or a bag of coffee as a thank you, and you have got yourself a custom memento for basically nothing.

If you want to try making the files yourself, even if you don't have a printer, check out this TrailPrint3D guide. It is a very easy process to follow using free software and you could make your own custom files to print.

Option 2: Start a New Hobby

If you love the look of these and want to make your own prints, you can buy a multi-colour 3D printer for around $650 (+ ~$100 for plenty of filament, one print is about $1.50). It is a brilliant hobby that opens up a whole new world of making things for stuff you already own and around your home. It is a bit of an investment up front but it is heaps of fun.

Option 3: I Will Print It For You

If you don't have access to a printer and don't want to buy one, I will do it for $50 shipped. Hopefully well undercutting the people with high prices and encourage them to be more reasonable. This covers the materials, my time, electricity, the wear on my machine and the postage and packaging costs. If you want more than one print sent to the same address, I can drop the price further because the shipping won't get much more expensive. I am also happy to do prints for any existing races you have finished.

I am not looking to start a massive side business here. It just annoys me seeing people in our community getting ripped off for something that isn't that expensive and you probably already have friends who would be more than happy to do it for you.

If you are interested in option 3, fill out the form below with the race details and I will get back to you.