So to start, I know pretty little about 3d printing, which is why I came here. I have seen the machines work, know that you need a file, there’s different materials, not much else. I’m not really looking to get into this as a hobby as I don’t really have the time, and certainly don’t have the money (maybe later if things change). I just have this one thing (at the moment anyway) that I would like printed, but I have a couple of questions to see if I even want to proceed or not. I just plan on getting some local company to make it for me.

So here is what I’d like to make: https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/elegant-lightsaber-hilt-19b183269b5d4577a44f3152b15df9a5

It comes in an obj file which unless I’m mistaken should be enough for me to have. If not, I know about online file converters to make it slt.

This is intended to be a hand-held prop, not just a display model. So my first question is, is that even feasible? I don’t know how strong things like this are. I’m not going to be hitting anything with it, but a little bit of waving around I think would be in order.

Assuming that’s ok, what material should I use? Not entirely sure I even get a choice but I think so?

Another question I have is about painting. I’ve seen painting guides online, but one question I have I didn’t find an answer to is again, about it being hand-held. I don’t want to use a paint that will come off or smudge with sweaty palms. Are any kinds better for that than others? Are any?

And how close could I likely make it look like in the link? It doesn’t have to be exact, but there’s metallic parts, glassy parts, kinda gives a glowy impression… or is this going to be too hard for someone with no experience? (I’ve painted a couple of model kits when I was a kid.)

I realize that this may not all be feasible, but I thought I’d ask here first before asking people who will want my money. :p

  • MurdocOPEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    Ok, so first thing out of the way- that model you linked is not made for 3D printing. To get a decent result you’re gonna have to edit it a bit.

    Yeah? That sounds like it’s definitely getting beyond what I can do.

    The big issue is the glowing part.

    I should have clarified, I’d probably be happy enough with just painting it some kind of mottled blue and white. This doesn’t have to look too accurate.

    Do you want to make a lightsaber, or specifically this lightsaber? If you aren’t particularly attached to this one I’d suggest looking for another model. Printables, Thingiverse, and Thangs have 3D models specifically designed for printing.

    Yeah, there’s reasons for this one, but it’s less important that I even make it. Just a thought occurred to me while I was waking up since it was already a 3d model… what if I could print it? Preliminary research suggested I could, then I thought I should consult people who do this sort of thing. So this is all feasibility study, and you’ve provided much useful information in that regard. Thanks!

    • HenryWong327@lemmy.mlEnglish
      2·
      11 months ago

      The edits are really very simple, you’d just have to chop the model into a few pieces. I think windows has a built in tool that can do it. Actually I think it’s possible to print it without edits, by standing it upside-down on the flat bit at the top. However since the contact area is so small, and the print is so tall, it would be more likely to fail. I wouldn’t try it on my machine, but since you’re going through a print farm I don’t think that would be an issue, there’s no way they’d send you a failed print so they’d probably just print it again. You might get charged extra if they have to redo it? I don’t know how these companies work you’d have to ask them.

      If you don’t want the glowing then I think there aren’t really any issues with printing that, as I’ve said some minor edits would make it easier to print, but it would definitely be sturdy enough.