3D Modeling

Phase 1

Testing and Iteration

I designed over 30 before I was happy with the result; I also modified each piece and reprinted it anywhere from 3-5 times. I eventually decided to create access in 3 places throughout the torso for lighting, I added an insert that would be printed using an opaque resin for light to escape, and I used additional boolean operations with the shoulders so they would fit more easily.

I also split the shoulders into two pieces to make printing, painting, and assembly more simple.

3D RESIN Printing

The Elegoo Mars has a build volume of 4.7" x 2.6" x 6.1" (120 x 68 x 155mm). Each piece maxed out the build plate except for the arms, head, and crotch. Printing with resin is a process, but the UV screen which hardens the photopolymer resin is 4k meaning, you can get very high-quality finishes. The process also includes trimming supports, carefully cleaning excess resin using a combination of water, 90% isopropyl alcohol, or acetone. Once cleaned and dried, the part must be placed in a UV lamp for final curing; the sun also works, but depending on the time of year, your location, and the weather forecast, it certainly isn't the most efficient method. Once the piece is cured, any remaining supports must be filed, and connectors must be sanded to fit their respective counter-part.

The Goal

At this point, my goal was to get all of the pieces fitted and upright without any glue, ensuring that everything connected correctly before doing any permanent assembly. I also wanted the ability to paint the parts in a compartmentalized fashion, preassembling specific segments.

My Process

Having never done any of this before, airbrushing included, I decided my best bet was to keep it simple. Spray primer, then spray metallic black on any parts that I wanted, and then spray pearlized paint in several coats while also getting very creative with my masking techniques.

Creative Masking

5mm tape, 2mm tape, tweezers, and patience I never knew I had. These were the tools at my disposal at first, but I later had a thought: I kept using sticky tack to mount the pieces to my turntable; why not use it to mask? It worked beautifully.

Initial Photography

This part of the project was my first time opening a Marvel Legend, I don't typically open my figures, but I needed a 6 inch figure to show just how the extreme difference in scale. I also needed an X-Men figure, specifically with the more 90's retro look to match the Sentinel.