Dec 7, 2014 | By Kira
3D printing and science fiction go hand in hand, especially since only a few decades ago the idea of creating a three-dimensional object out of thin air could only have been imagined. Nowadays, with 3D printing becoming more advanced and accessible, it only seems natural to pay homage to its science fiction roots by re-creating iconic objects from our favorite films and TV shows.
In this case, a 3D print and Star Trek enthusiast has boldly gone where no man has gone before by creating a realistic, large-scale 3D replica of the infamous Starship Enterprise using an Ultimaker 2 3D printer and an airbrush kit.
The man, who goes by Reddit username Alkany, posted a YouTube video to his 3D printing channel, Printing the Revolution. The six-minute clip shows a warp speed (just kidding, it's a time-lapse) demonstration of the printing and airbrushing process.
The designer used a modular snap-fit CAD model of the Enterprise 1701 from Thingiverse, the extensive, online design community for 3D designing and printing. He then used the Cura software in his Ultimaker 2 3D printer and green filament to bring his creation to life. The layer height was set to 0.15 and the speed was between 40-50.
When it came time to airbrush it, three layers were used: white base, light grey and a darker grey, to give it a more realistic finish.
The final product was mounted on thin strings and suspended in front of a green screen to truly give the impression that it is flying through space. We're pretty certain Captain Kirk would have been proud.
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
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I'm 66 years old, wear a Star Fleet Academy ring and I hope I never grow up too much!
PamWaterman wrote at 12/30/2014 5:12:35 PM:
A great way to reproduce the kit-model that I *cannot* believe I threw out after I graduated college; something about growing up...
AMnerd wrote at 12/8/2014 12:20:25 PM:
That's not awfully large..
Waxy Feathers wrote at 12/8/2014 8:35:05 AM:
Bring on PLA spaceships, don't fly too close to the sun Icarus...
alvaro wrote at 12/7/2014 8:28:37 PM:
A giant 3d printer on earth's orbit could build sapceships or ...starships