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
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.