propmaster2000
Sr Member
.
Currently, there are 3 props in the process of being replicated that have a "pop-up" feature
and all having very limited space to use the standard compressed metal spring leveraging action.
Extension springs can be used if you have the space. They also need to have the room for there location
when they are at rest, and have enough stretch so that they are not pulled past there "comfort" length.
Compression type metal springs need to have the proper length, gauge and coil strength to lift and hold the
movable portion of the prop in place at the top of it's travel and are much more reliable in the long run.
But a couple issues is that metal also conducts voltage, which in some cases causes problems if they come in
contact with and shorting out electronic components and need sufficient space to work efficiently every time.
The 3 props are currently :
*The pop-up scanner from Star Trek Enterprise
*The Scanner/Communicator from the Orville
and
*Iris Scanner from Blade Runner 2049.
Another well known prop with a ''pop-out'' feature is the "Hands of Blue" resonator/bleeder prop from Serenity.
Since the "pop open" feature in all these props are used for a very brief period time during filming and can be
reset if needed or "switched out" if damaged, one of the tricks of the trade is to use rubber bands
instead of the more reliable and longer lasting compression spring to "force the motion".
Rubber bands come in various sizes and "strength of pull" when used this way and can be replaced
very easily if needed for the shot and do not need the amount of space a spring does or the longevity .
Rubber bands will degrade and break, but in the film industry you'll never see it.
Just replace the rubber band, press the release button and film the action, all in a few seconds.
So, if your replicating a prop with this movement feature, consider the original prop builder may have went
the easy, less expensive route to accomplish this on film.
NOTE:
Of course, this is just one way to accomplish this action and not the rule.
.
.
Currently, there are 3 props in the process of being replicated that have a "pop-up" feature
and all having very limited space to use the standard compressed metal spring leveraging action.
Extension springs can be used if you have the space. They also need to have the room for there location
when they are at rest, and have enough stretch so that they are not pulled past there "comfort" length.
Compression type metal springs need to have the proper length, gauge and coil strength to lift and hold the
movable portion of the prop in place at the top of it's travel and are much more reliable in the long run.
But a couple issues is that metal also conducts voltage, which in some cases causes problems if they come in
contact with and shorting out electronic components and need sufficient space to work efficiently every time.
The 3 props are currently :
*The pop-up scanner from Star Trek Enterprise
*The Scanner/Communicator from the Orville
and
*Iris Scanner from Blade Runner 2049.
Another well known prop with a ''pop-out'' feature is the "Hands of Blue" resonator/bleeder prop from Serenity.
Since the "pop open" feature in all these props are used for a very brief period time during filming and can be
reset if needed or "switched out" if damaged, one of the tricks of the trade is to use rubber bands
instead of the more reliable and longer lasting compression spring to "force the motion".
Rubber bands come in various sizes and "strength of pull" when used this way and can be replaced
very easily if needed for the shot and do not need the amount of space a spring does or the longevity .
Rubber bands will degrade and break, but in the film industry you'll never see it.
Just replace the rubber band, press the release button and film the action, all in a few seconds.
So, if your replicating a prop with this movement feature, consider the original prop builder may have went
the easy, less expensive route to accomplish this on film.
NOTE:
Of course, this is just one way to accomplish this action and not the rule.
.
.
Last edited:
