I think there are problems with the material that the printer puts out. I don't remember which but it was either heavy (bad) or water soluble (very bad)
actually i would think that the real reason not to do this is cost, that stuff isnt cheap. but ours uses ABS which can withstand a bb impact so you probably could do it. Its not super light wieght but it might not be that much heavier than exopy coated wood and at least the stuff we use isnt water soluble so you dont need to waterproof it, but its not waterproof either so as water gets in it the weight will increase, doesnt hurt the material just makes it heavier. but if you have access to a machine and material I think it would be worth trying, well if you didnt have to pay for it that is might be an interesting experiment.
I was getting my threads confused. I was thinking about the person who built a boat out of MDF and it sort of broke down when wet. I think the term used was dissolved. I can only imagine the machines are costly. Still if you used it for ribs and not superstructure you could get away with it. Mind you I am more of a destroyer/cruiser person so weight is an issue for me. Battleship captains have more lee way.
If someone was really slick, they'd have the ribs, keel, and other impenetrable areas (minus deck and superstructure) made in a 3d printer as one piece. They'd also have to find a 3d printer that could print something 5' long. It would be sweet though.
MDF could work, IFF you seal it or fiberglass over it.... so that it will never get wet. But make sure the seal will not break when shot.
It's been done, well not in 5' but there was the capability. I never found out EXACTLY what he was using but an old friend of mine who used CNC mills and lathes designed and built his own machine that would make whatever he designed on the computer out of different types of material he put in it, such as resin or plastic. He was going to start doing ship kits this way, but sadly he passed away... i believe a little over a year ago. I have another friend who is slowly working towards that point, he is using a 5 axis cnc lathe/mill and we are working on a 1/96 BB-12 and BB-11
will do, actual progress hasn't really started as he is still testing out the machines and everything like that... so nothing to show for yet.
0.78J at legal pressure 1.33J at max pressure paintballs hit with 11j. Just a small comparison. Numbers were compiled by snipehunter.