Help with EVA foam curves!

[NoreNZ]

Recently started a eva foam build of the hero Reinhardt from Overwatch.

I need help creating the curved helmet top like in these pictures : http://imgur.com/a/1vR6j
How would I go about creating this curve? I have no pepakura files or 3d models to go off of, only reference images.

 

[shotgunslayer10]

Hi NoreNZ,
One of the ideas for curving Eva foam is to use a heat gun, molding it, and then letting it set. I'm not an expert at this process, but that's what I know.
Hope this helped.

 

[Sphinx]

Hey NoreNZ,
I'd recommend watching some youtube videos and doing some research.
A really great youtube channel for foam fabrication is Evil Ted Smith. Here is one on general fabrication tips https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBmVKwTQHXU

I'd recommend sizing and getting your pattern sketched out in something cheap like cardboard or heavy weight paper. then transferring it to foam. Use a heatgun to bend and mold the curves. Use hotglue or contact cement to put your edges together. Heat Gun, hotglue gun and a sharp knife are the basics here.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Cheers,
Sphinx.

 

[Yeats]

EVA foam is notoriously difficult... Let me know how you manage it!

 

[Fireman Dan]

Recently started a eva foam build of the hero Reinhardt from Overwatch.

I need help creating the curved helmet top like in these pictures : http://imgur.com/a/1vR6j
How would I go about creating this curve? I have no pepakura files or 3d models to go off of, only reference images.

I created curves in EVA foam by cutting a bunch of vertical or horizontal slices using a hot knife on the backside of the foam, cut a bunch of grooves 1/4 inch spaced in the direction you want the curve to go, you can also heat the foam to get additional curve, just use caution that you don't burn through your foam. I have some pics I can post once I get off work.

 

[Alpha Proto]

Yeah, I cut pie shaped wedges out at certain points, and glue them closed. That is how I create curves in my armor.
It is the same way you would with paper.

 

[DMTDeadpool]

Using a heat gun, a hair dryer on high will also work, heat the foam till it's pliable. Use gloves as the hot air burns, and the foam will get rather warm.

Using a bowl or something in the basic curve you are going for, press the foam over the form and hold it till it cools. The foam will retain the shape.

For more severe curves, like 90 degree bends cut the foam at a 45 degree angle at the bend and glue together. You can use this method for less severe bends simply adjust the degree of your cut to suit.

Or on the inside of the bend make slits the full length of the bend, make both cuts at a 45 degree angle, or a less severe angle for gentle curves, careful to go no further than half way through the foam, and add a seam of hot glue down the slit.

The best method is the heat gun, though.

There is a multitude of pepakura files you can get for foam in the basic armour shapes, I would suggest using a pre made template for the basics and work from there with custom decoration, the basic shapes for helmets, bracers, grieves and even breastplates are essentially the same.

 

[fallimar]

Just like Alpha Proto said, foam works like paper, it's just thicker and less awkward
I make paper patterns of my pieces first, cutting curved V shapes to get the right angles. If it works as a paper model, it'll look even better in foam as once you've got the basic curves glued in you can smooth it out and refine the shape with a heat gun.

 

[NoreNZ]

Just like Alpha Proto said, foam works like paper, it's just thicker and less awkward
I make paper patterns of my pieces first, cutting curved V shapes to get the right angles. If it works as a paper model, it'll look even better in foam as once you've got the basic curves glued in you can smooth it out and refine the shape with a heat gun.

Yeah, I cut pie shaped wedges out at certain points, and glue them closed. That is how I create curves in my armor.
It is the same way you would with paper.

Alright, thanks for all the tips guys, I went for making a paper template first then transfering to foam, its turned out alright, thanks for all the help!