Mar 4, 2016 | By Kira
League of Legends 3D printing legend Simone Fontana has released a video of his latest 3D printed video game prop: Leona’s powerful Zenith Blade. Wanting to prove that you don’t need expensive 3D printers or advanced 3D printing skills to create your own awesome video game props, Fontana created the entire 3D printed sword using the affordable and desktop-friendly Dremel Idea Builder.
The London-based gamer and 3D designer has become well known in the League of Legends community for creating high quality and accurate 3D printed versions of some of the game’s most popular weapons and characters, including a 3D printed Ekko figurine made in collaboration with Ricardo Salomao, and a 1.3-meter-long, light-up 3D printed Project Fiora Sword. Fontana also drew quite a bit of attention when he 3D printed a ‘Fiora Bagette’ for famed French gamer, sOAZ. Besides his League of Legends props, Fontana has also 3D printed a working Furious Power Fist from Fallout 4, and a 22-piece 3D printed Overwatch gun.
While his 3D printed creations are always on-point, for this latest project, Fontana specifically wanted to make something that would be more accessible to makers of all skill levels. And so, he set about designing a simple yet realistic Zenith Blade, used by the character of Leona in League of Legends. While some of the above-mentioned designs have required multiple 3D printers, LED lights, functional parts, or other complicated assemblies, the 3D printed Zenith Blade was made entirely with standard PLA and a sub-$100 3D printer.
The Dremel Idea Builder, originally released in 2014, was the tool manufacturer’s first entry to the 3D printing market, however it has since become a popular and reputable desktop 3D printer for entry-level makers. With a single extrusion head, enclosed cabinet, and build volume of 230 x 150 x 140 mm, the Dremel Ideal Builder is a straightforward, reliable, and easy-to-use desktop machine. Best of all, it is available for around $1,000 from a variety of retailers such as Amazon and The Home Depot, making it one of the more accessible 3D printer options today.
Fontana’s nearly-signature time-lapse video shows him 3D printing the Zenith blade in several parts, and then assembling them using 4 steel rods: two in the handle, and two in the blade, to ensure that it would be strong and resistance. He then carefully spray painted the sword’s various elements, using a metallic gold for the brim and crimson red for the center, just like in the video game. The final 3D printed sword measures a full 110cm long, and would make for a great beginner or weekend 3D printing project for League of Legends cosplay fans.
Though Fontana has not released the 3D printable files for this particular prop, League of Legends has featured a video of his design and 3D printing process across its regional Facebook pages, which has been viewed more than 26,000 times. The video gives fans the chance to see how he went from the original 3D model, to a finished 3D printed object. At the end of the day, Fontana’s goal is to promote 3D printing design and creativity at all levels, and this 3D printed Zenith Blade, made entirely with a desktop 3D printer, is proof that you don’t need to be a design expert, or own fancy expensive equipment: all that’s needed is some creativity and passion for the game.
Posted in 3D Printing Application
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