Need some ideas: How would you create the scalloped detailing of a space capsule?

[Caffeine65]

If you were scratch building a space capsule, how would you achieve the scalloped detail?

Bear in mind, it'd have to look perfect, like it was manufactured.

Thanks!

 

[niart17]

I've seen different approaches to this but I think the most efficient way was to make a male "buck" of each sized section and then vacuum form individual panel to wrap around your craft.

Keep in mind though, when you say perfect, the real capsules weren't really precisely stamped either. When you get closer you'll notice that the spacing varies a little from section to section and the end sweep radii aren't consistent.

Good luck and post pics of what you're working on. Would love to see it.

Bill

 

[Cadeus]

I've seen different approaches to this but I think the most efficient way was to make a male "buck" of each sized section and then vacuum form individual panel to wrap around your craft.

Keep in mind though, when you say perfect, the real capsules weren't really precisely stamped either. When you get closer you'll notice that the spacing varies a little from section to section and the end sweep radii aren't consistent.

Good luck and post pics of what you're working on. Would love to see it.

Bill

He's right. creating a vacu-formed replica is your best best. or you could sculpt in in a 3D program and have it printed. if you don't have a lot of time but you have enough disposable income that could be option two. 123D design is a nice basic modeling program. you could learn it yourself and have a model ready to print in a week or so... and it's free! good luck, either way.

I just designed this for you in 123D design to give you an example.

 

[Caffeine65]

I've seen different approaches to this but I think the most efficient way was to make a male "buck" of each sized section and then vacuum form individual panel to wrap around your craft.

Keep in mind though, when you say perfect, the real capsules weren't really precisely stamped either. When you get closer you'll notice that the spacing varies a little from section to section and the end sweep radii aren't consistent.

Good luck and post pics of what you're working on. Would love to see it.

Bill

Y'know, I hadn't considered vacuforming because I was thinking about how would I create a female buck. I never considered a male buck, but now that you mention it, it'd be relatively much easier! I may just give this option a shot, thanks!

And it just so happens that I made a vacuum forming rig that'd be just the right size for what I need.

He's right. creating a vacu-formed replica is your best best. or you could sculpt in in a 3D program and have it printed. if you don't have a lot of time but you have enough disposable income that could be option two. 123D design is a nice basic modeling program. you could learn it yourself and have a model ready to print in a week or so... and it's free! good luck, either way.

I just designed this for you in 123D design to give you an example.

I will try out 123D, thanks! I'm planning a fairly large model though, so I'm scared about how expensive it might be to print it. If I do go that route, can you recommend a printing service? I've seen some beautiful 3D prints, but also some that have so many scan lines that it hardly seems worth it. Any advice is appreciated!

 

[Cadeus]

I, personally, have never had anything printed. I can't endorse any of the companies, but I hear a lot of good things about shapeways. 123D Design is a great program but it is a little simplified. It seems ideal for small parts and even vacume bucks. If you decide to go full 3D, you should check out Blender. It is another free modeling and sculpting program that gives you much more control over the object you are sculpting, but it is more complicated to learn. Check out Blender tutorials on youtube. That is how I got started on it. I am learning 123D Design to create small greeblies and parts for the models I scratch-build. Please post some progress shots when you get started. I can't wait to see what you come up with.