Sonic Lance Prop

[13drwho]

I have just finished my Sonic Lance prop. I have made several before but none of them were quite right. I did this in 3d modeling software and had it 3d printed. Then I made a mold and cast the final version. Take a look and let me know what you think.

The Real Prop


The 3d Model


The Process


The Final Prop

[galacticprobe]

Now that is nice. Very nice!

I'd love to learn more about this 3-D Printing. It might make for a nice article in the Tutorials Section.

Dino.

[13drwho]

The 3d printing (sometimes called Rapid Prototyping) is exactly what it sounds like. Basically they print layers of a plastic on top of each other to form a 3d model. All they need is a digital 3d model from something like SolidWorks, ProE, or Google Sketch Up. You basically make the model in the 3d software and send them a file that they print out.

I was pointed to the printing company on the Replica Prop Builders Forum. The name of the company is SHAPEWAYS. In this case I had one printed and then from that model I made a mold.

I hope this answers your question. 3d printing is really an amazing resource for prop and model builders. By the way, Google Sketch Up is free.

[galacticprobe]

Thanks for the explanation. Yes; that does answer my questions. I've seen and heard a lot of people using 3-D Printing, but never knew how they went about it because they never really said. I've never played with Google Sketch Up before. I might have to give it a try. Is 3-D Printing expensive? (If you can't answer that here, or don't feel comfortable doing so, you could always answer via PM.)

Dino.

[andrewandmorph]

cool, I really want to make one, how did you do the 3d modle? cause i've tried making it on google earth but my attempets faied

[13drwho]

I used a software called SolidWorks. It an excellent software and it will export to the STL file that companies like Shapeway use for there 3D printing.

[13drwho]

Rough dimensions as requested by galacticprobe.

[galacticprobe]

Many thanks, The Jason!

Dino.

[13drwho]

Your welcome. I look forward to pictures of yours.