Optimistic Geom
Member
*Update* Putting the video of the finished piece up front
Spring loaded version as well:
*End of update*
Original Post
I don't normally show off my personal projects but my friend at Sorenzo props has convinced me to make a post on here. I've been working on this prop for nearly a year now and it's almost finished. Of course I've been saying that for more than 2 months now :facepalm
The Idea was to make a folding replica weapon from the Mass Effect Franchise without altering the aesthetic design too much. Unfortunately unlike the game I have to obey the laws of physics so some compromises had to be made. I picked the Predator pistol because I thought starting off with a small weapon would make it easier, in retrospect not a wise decision. I'm onto the 3rd prototype now and there have been so many redesigns and changes to this thing I couldn't possibly list it all so I'll do a quick run through of the big stuff.
First step, make a pretty CAD model because this is going to be almost entirely 3D printed. I used Fusion 360 to do this.
Prototype one was just to work out the basic joints and motion, I didn't add any of the detail. Everything was printed on an Ultimaker 2. The most complex part is the grip which has a moving panel so the hand guard can go inside.
Prototype two used a simple spring loaded mechanism to open with a small latch to hold it closed. The latch was a little loose though so it wouldn't stay fully closed. I added the details to the model before printing this time and refined some of the joints so they moved easier. With a lot of help from my friend I tested out how to finish and paint 3D printed parts using bondo and primer spray paints,
Prototype three has a small motor inside to drive the mechanism back and forth with latches to hold it both open and closed. So far I've managed to get the motor driving the mechanism but everything is a little loose so nothing opens or closes fully. I still have to perfect the latches to hold everything properly and add in the electronics. I'm starting to run out of space inside this thing though which is making everything that much harder to do.
I'll try to make another update once I've made some progress but If you want to see more and watch me slowly loose my mind trying to finish it.
Big thanks to MAKLab, without them I couldn't do anything and to Sorenzo Props for advice and encouragement.
Spring loaded version as well:
*End of update*
Original Post
I don't normally show off my personal projects but my friend at Sorenzo props has convinced me to make a post on here. I've been working on this prop for nearly a year now and it's almost finished. Of course I've been saying that for more than 2 months now :facepalm
The Idea was to make a folding replica weapon from the Mass Effect Franchise without altering the aesthetic design too much. Unfortunately unlike the game I have to obey the laws of physics so some compromises had to be made. I picked the Predator pistol because I thought starting off with a small weapon would make it easier, in retrospect not a wise decision. I'm onto the 3rd prototype now and there have been so many redesigns and changes to this thing I couldn't possibly list it all so I'll do a quick run through of the big stuff.
First step, make a pretty CAD model because this is going to be almost entirely 3D printed. I used Fusion 360 to do this.
Prototype one was just to work out the basic joints and motion, I didn't add any of the detail. Everything was printed on an Ultimaker 2. The most complex part is the grip which has a moving panel so the hand guard can go inside.
Prototype two used a simple spring loaded mechanism to open with a small latch to hold it closed. The latch was a little loose though so it wouldn't stay fully closed. I added the details to the model before printing this time and refined some of the joints so they moved easier. With a lot of help from my friend I tested out how to finish and paint 3D printed parts using bondo and primer spray paints,
Prototype three has a small motor inside to drive the mechanism back and forth with latches to hold it both open and closed. So far I've managed to get the motor driving the mechanism but everything is a little loose so nothing opens or closes fully. I still have to perfect the latches to hold everything properly and add in the electronics. I'm starting to run out of space inside this thing though which is making everything that much harder to do.
I'll try to make another update once I've made some progress but If you want to see more and watch me slowly loose my mind trying to finish it.
Big thanks to MAKLab, without them I couldn't do anything and to Sorenzo Props for advice and encouragement.
Last edited by a moderator:
Yeah a lot of the guns folded into impossible shapes and it got worse as the trilogy went on but the first time I saw it I thought that was the most awesome thing I'd seen in a game.
