Does incorporating 3d printing take away from the art value of a scratch built model?
It is a very intriguing question, but the answers to this will be widely spread because everyone has their own interpretation of this hobby.
The "art value" will therefore differ depending on who and with what eyes it is looked at.
An outsider to the hobby will above all look at the end result. Let us be honest, mastering the art of manual carving is not given to all of us. The end result of high quality 3d printing will therefore generally(!) exceed the quality of manual carvings. To the outsider the art value rating will likely be higher then.
However sInce the question on this forum is answered not by outsiders but by like-minded people sharing the hobby of Ships of Scale the outcome will say more over how we individually interprate our hobby. How like-minded are we actually?
Luckily we do not have to be like-minded in every detail and we should and mostly do appreciate an approach different to our own.
So opposed to those who prioritize making every part themselves manually, wooden/plastic or otherwise, there are those who have integrated 3d engineering in our hobby, either 3d printing or cnc engraving. Both with a learning curve. Different but not unlike getting experienced in manual carving.
Hats of to those who have mastered the skill of manual carving and likewise to those who have the skill of producing wonderful results with 3d engineering.
Luckily there are masters in 3d engineering who sell high quality parts for those that either have too limited skills (please note - limited in the eyes of themselves!), no interest or no equipment for 3d engineering or simply not enough time.
Why have I answered this question so extensively? Because I have had the same sort of question on my mind for some time.
I would prefer to make everything myself manually and then the question automatically arises where do you draw the line? From what point would I call it cheating to myself or would somebody else look down on it as devaluating the art value of the model? That question can even go so far back to the point of not having made the plans/drawings yourself. Cheating? A kit? Buying guns, blocks, cleats, nails or rope? 3d engineering?
I am scratch building, but as per the drawings of someone else. It is my first build following the example of someone else. Learning on the way and also picking up ideas from others on this forum. I will try making everything myself but am sure I will encounter my limits on the way. If my manual skills fail at some point and the result of what I can make does devaluate the art level/quality standard of the model to my opinion, I also might reside to other possibilities.
I am sorry for the extensive answer I have given.
In short, does incorporating 3d printing take away from the art value of a scratch built model? No, unless you look upon it as devaluating yourself.