|
|
Post by krimpov on Dec 12, 2013 0:05:58 GMT -5
So I was fooling around with my Max Factory Godannar, trying to find a cool pose for it, when I dug out an unopened letter from underneath a bunch of documents and though that its ridiculously long sword would make an awesome letter opener. I may have two of them, but I'd rather keep them intact and opening letters with it for real could wear off the paint fast. Also, it would be much better if the blade was made of metal. The whole sword could be made of one large piece of metal, but for budget and practical reasons, making the hilt in plastic could be a possible alternative. The problem is, how do I do it? Recasting would be the easiest to get the shape right, but is it possible to cast metal this way? I know Shapeways can 3D print projects in stainless steel, bronze, brass and even silver ($$$). But to do that I'd have to create a 3D model... Not a small task for someone who has never dabbled in 3D modeling. It could be an interesting learning project, though. Looking at it, that sword isn't the most basic design there is, quite a few details in there, but it could still be done with a relatively low number of polygons.  "You got MAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIL!!!"(Another cool photo from KumaStyle.) |
|
|
|
Post by magengar on Dec 12, 2013 2:25:51 GMT -5
I like the idea of using our robots' swords as Letter-Openers.
But that would surely wear the paint (or "chrome") right off the swords.
Even if the swords were made of die-cast, the material could still
suffer some surface wear in the die-cast.
Stainless Steel or Silver might be your best bet, if you can get your
sword printed at Shapeways.
I've tried my hand and creating 3D objects in the required format (.stl)
but totally failed because I don't know how to manage the wall-thickness
of the object according to how Shapeways specifies the format.
I've tried programs such as Netfab and Meshlab, and I still can't
do that math properly.
Of course, those two programs are expensive-- so, I had to use trial versions.
The trial versions have their full features locked until I register the
software... and that's pretty expensive.
zozo-mag
|
|
|
|
Post by krimpov on Dec 12, 2013 16:02:02 GMT -5
It could be that, for a small object, you need to create full geometrical volumes instead of shapes. I mean, like making a whole full cube instead of a cube shape made of 6 squares with an empty core. The more I look at it, the more I think making a model of it and 3D printing it is the way to go. And I'm more and more convinced that it's within my capabilities to learn to do so within reasonable time. I think I can do it. Yeaaaaah...  |
|
|
|
Post by TheMazingerZ on Dec 12, 2013 16:18:13 GMT -5
Make it, and then put it up for sale at Shapeways! Let yours pay for itself!!!  }D |
|
|
|
Post by xiombarg on Dec 12, 2013 21:27:19 GMT -5
You might be able to have it cast in bronze or brass at a foundry, but it would destroy the sword and might cost a few hundred dollars.
|
|
|
|
Post by magengar on Dec 13, 2013 3:30:57 GMT -5
TMZ's got the right idea... make your 3D print, and sell production pieces from it, at Shapeways. But remember: do NOT label the sword " Godannar" anything, or else Shapeways may have issues because of the Godannar name as an original-owned copyright by the property owner. So then, better to play it safe and label the sword something like " Godan sword"... ...Only those in the know would understand the word "Godan"; and even then "Godan" could mean anything and no one will have a clue, and not even care, cos all they want is that cool sword. Or just label it plain "Letter-opening Sword". Have Shapeways print your object and sell it... in the long run it will surely pay for itself and you could then use it to kickstart other projects. Good luck! zozo-mag |
|
|
|
Post by gravewolf on Dec 30, 2013 14:21:23 GMT -5
I read the process on how they make the silver printing process and it's not really printing silver. The process is actually the same one we use to make silver since they use the lost wax casting method. I can actually make a silver sword or any weapon for less but I'm sure the shipping cost would bump up the price. I've been considering making brass or silver weapons for chogokins for some time but I need to study this further before I go through with it.
|
|
|
|
Post by magengar on Jan 20, 2014 18:43:00 GMT -5
Toy parts........ Voltron swords.......... robot blade weapons......... ......a full-nosed jumbo Brain Condor body........ a metal "Popy Pilder".......... ...............oh, just wondering.  Has anyone ever tried using this product?   www.micromark.com/lab-metal-3and4-lb-can,7594.html For "pouring", or even brushing on, you can thin it to your desired consistency... with This...  www.micromark.com/Lab-Metal-Solvent-1-Pint,7595.html I'm tempted to use this inside some silicone rubber molds, as an experiment. I've got a sh*t-eating grin across my face... The worst I could do with these products is make some Microman heads! Go ahead, try it. If you like it and it works for you, spread the word to other customizers here at RJ. zozo-mag |
|
