this post was submitted on 11 Feb 2024
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3DPrinting

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So to start, I know pretty little about 3d printing, which is why I came here. I have seen the machines work, know that you need a file, there's different materials, not much else. I'm not really looking to get into this as a hobby as I don't really have the time, and certainly don't have the money (maybe later if things change). I just have this one thing (at the moment anyway) that I would like printed, but I have a couple of questions to see if I even want to proceed or not. I just plan on getting some local company to make it for me.

So here is what I'd like to make: https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/elegant-lightsaber-hilt-19b183269b5d4577a44f3152b15df9a5

It comes in an obj file which unless I'm mistaken should be enough for me to have. If not, I know about online file converters to make it slt.

This is intended to be a hand-held prop, not just a display model. So my first question is, is that even feasible? I don't know how strong things like this are. I'm not going to be hitting anything with it, but a little bit of waving around I think would be in order.

Assuming that's ok, what material should I use? Not entirely sure I even get a choice but I think so?

Another question I have is about painting. I've seen painting guides online, but one question I have I didn't find an answer to is again, about it being hand-held. I don't want to use a paint that will come off or smudge with sweaty palms. Are any kinds better for that than others? Are any?

And how close could I likely make it look like in the link? It doesn't have to be exact, but there's metallic parts, glassy parts, kinda gives a glowy impression... or is this going to be too hard for someone with no experience? (I've painted a couple of model kits when I was a kid.)

I realize that this may not all be feasible, but I thought I'd ask here first before asking people who will want my money. :p

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 9 months ago (1 children)

There is no issue to print this. But...

If it's handed, it's quite big. It has to be printed into multiple parts. I would make the metal things and the glowing thing separately.

The glowing thing will look like shit if 3D printed. You better should get an acrylic rod. You need a bunch of blue leds too.

There are filaments that look metallic. Or you would get better results by sanding it and painting it with special paints.

The whole project could be expensive. (~100 to $150)

[–] Murdoc 1 points 9 months ago

Thanks. Real lights would be cool, but more effort that I'd want to do right now. I think I'd be happy enough with painting those parts some sort of mottled blue and white, if I could even pull that off. lol