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3d printed locator
http://www.forum.alienslegacy.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=19687		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Punisher [ Sun Jan 23, 2022 2:15 am ]
Post subject:  3d printed locator
I found a locator on thingiverse. When comparing it to pictures of the screen used prop there are quite a few differences. Being a pretty simple shape I figured that I could make a slightly more accurate one.

Using a picture of the prop as a template I modeled it in Fusion 360. I used some pictures of the SD Studios version for some of the details. After I had it modeled I was able to find some dimensions. It turned out that I was only off slightly on the bottom set of rings.

Attachments:
locator_2022-Jan-23_12-43-29AM-000_CustomizedView27721791831.png
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854a1f72-286e-491c-81f4-963796623bf2.PNG
854a1f72-286e-491c-81f4-963796623bf2.PNG [ 217.07 KiB | Viewed 1240 times ]
Author:  Punisher [ Mon Jan 24, 2022 1:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 3d printed locator
I made a few small changes to the locator. I think now it's very close to the screen used prop.

Since the locator won't have a working lcd it's going to need a decal. Several others who have built their own locators have printed out a decal and stuck it on the outside. While that works I want to try to get it closer looking to the real prop.

I'm planning on putting a decal of the displace on the inside. Then a printed lens will be installed. Finally a decal with the text will be applied to the outside of the lens. It's going to be more work to do it, but I think the end result will be worth it.

I made up the decals in paint.net and applied them to the Fusion 360 model. I've already modified them a few times to get it close to screen accurate. There will probably be a few more changes, before I'm done.

Attachments:
locator_2022-Jan-23_11-37-01PM-000_CustomizedView13981792330.png
locator_2022-Jan-23_11-37-01PM-000_CustomizedView13981792330.png [ 538.29 KiB | Viewed 1208 times ]
locator_2022-Jan-23_11-42-22PM-000_CustomizedView13981792330.png
locator_2022-Jan-23_11-42-22PM-000_CustomizedView13981792330.png [ 621.55 KiB | Viewed 1208 times ]
locator_2022-Jan-23_11-43-02PM-000_CustomizedView13981792330.png
locator_2022-Jan-23_11-43-02PM-000_CustomizedView13981792330.png [ 546.28 KiB | Viewed 1208 times ]
Author:  martinr1000 [ Thu Jan 27, 2022 8:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 3d printed locator
looks great
Author:  Punisher [ Sat Jan 29, 2022 12:20 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 3d printed locator
I found a picture of a lit up lcd and it's dimensions. I set it up as a template in Fusion 360 and engraved the model. The italicized digital font I was using was close to matching but needed to be rotated slightly more.

I changed the decal on the lens. I searched trough quite a few fonts looking for a match to the screen used one. I ended up using one that is close, but still slightly off.

Attachments:
locator_lcd_recessed_2022-Jan-28_10-58-57PM-000_CustomizedView15619489246.png
locator_lcd_recessed_2022-Jan-28_10-58-57PM-000_CustomizedView15619489246.png [ 568.33 KiB | Viewed 1140 times ]
locator_lcd_recessed_2022-Jan-28_10-56-53PM-000_CustomizedView5050360197.png
locator_lcd_recessed_2022-Jan-28_10-56-53PM-000_CustomizedView5050360197.png [ 273.6 KiB | Viewed 1140 times ]
lcd.png
lcd.png [ 1.07 MiB | Viewed 1140 times ]
Author:  Punisher [ Sat Jan 29, 2022 1:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 3d printed locator
I'm working on a few different options for making the locator. The first one is the most basic. It's an all in one fdm print with a decal.

I did no sanding after printing. Just painting and applying the decal. The bottom of the button deforms slightly, there are marks from the supports on the bottom, and there is layer lines visible.

Since I only have a laser printer I printed the decal without the lcd. I put some pva glue on top of the decal to make a fake lens. It kind of worked, but got cloudy. Using a varnish probably would have worked better.

This version probably won't be one worth putting on display. It would be good for filling a pouch. It's cheap, fast to make, and requires very little work.

Attachments:
rsz_p_20220128_173933.jpg
rsz_p_20220128_173933.jpg [ 255.48 KiB | Viewed 1138 times ]
Author:  martinr1000 [ Sat Jan 29, 2022 1:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 3d printed locator
really good considering you haven't done any sanding. thinking of doing electronics?
Author:  Punisher [ Sat Jan 29, 2022 1:29 am ]
Post subject: 
I'm not planning on doing any electronics. I really don't have any experience with electronics or programming.
Author:  martinr1000 [ Sat Jan 29, 2022 1:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 3d printed locator
pretty sure someone on the site would be able to help with that. it doesn't look complex
Author:  Punisher [ Sat Jan 29, 2022 1:52 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 3d printed locator
The next option is printing in multiple pieces. The base is split so that it can print without supports. It will be joined with a peg. I'm going to work on making the peg clip into the parts. That will hold them together, but still allow the base to be rotated.

Attachments:
rsz_1p_20220128_182125.jpg
rsz_1p_20220128_182125.jpg [ 109.29 KiB | Viewed 1129 times ]
Author:  martinr1000 [ Sat Jan 29, 2022 2:04 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 3d printed locator
think as i recall you are using fusion 360? you could probably model threads and screw the base on maybe
Author:  Punisher [ Sat Jan 29, 2022 2:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 3d printed locator
Both options for printing can either use just a decal on the outside or ones on either side of a printed lens.

I've been working on making a lens. I've tried printing with clear filament a few times in the past, but it never turned out transparent. After looking into it a little bit and some testing I think that it is going to be possible.

From what I was able to find it should be printed hotter than normal. I always print at 230 which is max for my machine. The extrusion rate needs to be bumped up to overstuff plastic which makes sure all the gaps are completely filled. Switching to only one parameter also helped with the clarity.

The prints turned out much better, but still weren’t good enough to be used for a lens. Using nail files I sanded it until it was see though. Dipping in some Pledge floor polish helped fill in the micro scratches. It was my first try and I didn't spend enough time fully sanding at the start so there are still some imperfections.

In the first picture the lens on the right is off the printer. The left is sanded.

In the 2nd picture the right half of the lens has floor polish applied. The lens does have a magnifying effect.

Attachments:
rsz_p_20220128_172706.jpg
rsz_p_20220128_172706.jpg [ 278.71 KiB | Viewed 1127 times ]
rsz_p_20220128_181712.jpg
rsz_p_20220128_181712.jpg [ 229.8 KiB | Viewed 1127 times ]
rsz_p_20220128_181807.jpg
rsz_p_20220128_181807.jpg [ 244.45 KiB | Viewed 1127 times ]
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