Nerdcraft: 3D printing
Greetings! Long-time reader, first-time poster.
So a while ago I was watching ST:TNG on Netflix and saw what is probably my favourite episode (The Inner Light) for the first time in at least a decade. I was really taken with the probe that scanned Picard, and the fact that his wife in the alternate reality had a pendant that resembled said probe. I decided I really needed one, and after exploring a number of avenues including precious metal clay, decided that my best option was 3D printing. I used a site called TinkerCad to design the model, then I submitted the file to Shapeways and chose to have it printed in bronze. It turned out that a number of components were unprintable because they were simply too thin to withstand the process (especially the little jump ring) but eventually after 3-4 revisions the design was accepted, and a week later it was at my door. I am extremely pleased with the results, and the fact that I can wear something so nerdy, yet obscure enough that no one knows what it is. It turned out so well, I'm having it reprinted in glossy sterling silver at this very moment.
It's 3cm high and I have since made a proper necklace for it with a leather strap and bronze fittings. It only cost $14 + $6 shipping.
So a while ago I was watching ST:TNG on Netflix and saw what is probably my favourite episode (The Inner Light) for the first time in at least a decade. I was really taken with the probe that scanned Picard, and the fact that his wife in the alternate reality had a pendant that resembled said probe. I decided I really needed one, and after exploring a number of avenues including precious metal clay, decided that my best option was 3D printing. I used a site called TinkerCad to design the model, then I submitted the file to Shapeways and chose to have it printed in bronze. It turned out that a number of components were unprintable because they were simply too thin to withstand the process (especially the little jump ring) but eventually after 3-4 revisions the design was accepted, and a week later it was at my door. I am extremely pleased with the results, and the fact that I can wear something so nerdy, yet obscure enough that no one knows what it is. It turned out so well, I'm having it reprinted in glossy sterling silver at this very moment.
It's 3cm high and I have since made a proper necklace for it with a leather strap and bronze fittings. It only cost $14 + $6 shipping.