Question on budget R2-D2 dome panels

[Rook]

So I'm starting a budget R2 build using cardboard and styrene with a healthy dose of secondhand resin parts. I'm just trying to figure out the best approach a novice like myself should take to go about making all the panels on the dome. The dome I am using is a steel IKEA Brasa lampshade.

I was just going to paint on the panels but I'd like there to be some texture to the dome. Should I get some 1 mm styrene and heat form the sheets to the dome, cutting out the shapes I need or is it easy to use the dremel to etch the panel outlines in the dome? I suspect the steel will make for some difficulty in getting clean straight lines, especially on a rounded surface, but I don't know much about styrene. Does it heat form well? Does 1 mm sound like a good thickness? Any other ideas? I played around with the idea of using adhesive vinyl, but I'd like something a bit durable and it just feels like cheating using stickers.

I was going to ask on the astromech forums, but those guys are pretty hardcore and the few I talked to just tell me to spend the money and buy a laser cut aluminum or resin dome, but I think I'd rather take my time and do it myself. RPF members are a pretty do it yourself ingenious bunch, so I thought I'd get some advice from you all.

Thanks!

 

[Jango Wes]

there is a seller on astromech that makes vac formed styrene domes or you could do a WTB thread in the junkyard over there.
Take a look at how the domes are put together and just follow that lead. You should be able to find the templates for the panels on astromech as well.

 

[zorg]

when i did mine i heated styrene on the inside of the dome and pushed it down with a towel to get the shape, it worked fine.

i sold it for 1200-1300 uk pounds so it must have been alright!