CGI Death Star Model - Clear Acrylic+LEDs

[nick daring]

I adore the vector CGI during the Trench Run briefing.

Some cool videos of the original graphics and some fan recreations-

I had a weird idea to try and replicate the abstract Death Star model from that animated sequence using a edge-lit acrylic methodology.

And my 30 second "proof of concept" test made from a clear Xmas Ornament I had laying around and my dremel.


And here is my attempt at simulating properly "edge lighting" the acrylic-


Excusing the poor lighting and my smudgy fingerprints, the effect seems promising for 30 seconds worth of effort!
Is there a way to etch the dots and lines into a curved acrylic surface like this with a high degree of precision? Replicating the computer perfect spacing will really sell the look of the final piece.

I also think proper edge lighting could be achieved by drilling a hole in the bottom and lining up some small directional LEDs along the cut edge and then covering them from above to hide the glare.

Thoughts?

 

[Mike J.]

Yes. Mount a flexible metal straightedge to at pivot at the pole of your hemisphere, then mark out your degrees of rotation on a temporary base at your 'equator.' Line up the straightedge with your first mark, make the etchings, then rotate however many degrees and repeat.