[CASE] As we typed a giant machine gun from Mars for a stand at E3

What happened

To us, in the Top 3D Shop , the developers of the online shooter Marsenary came and ordered a huge machine gun layout.

A machine gun was needed to organize an exhibition stand at the E3 ( Electronic Entertainment Expo ) 2017 - the annual international gaming exhibition, which was held June 13-15 in Los Angeles.
')

What is it

Minigun, aircraft machine gun, staff weapon of the character of the game of the class Juggernaut - a mercenary in a heavy armored exoskeleton participating in the war of mining corporations on Mars.

The game is a shooter with elements of strategy, in it the player builds forts - bases on the surface of Mars, and takes part in their capture and defense.

As it happens without 3D printing

Before the advent of 3D printing, such models were ordered from theater requisites or from special-purpose studios specializing in this company. Difficulties arose - inaccuracy of the made layouts, long terms, high cost.

Different materials were used - papier-mâché, plastic, cardboard, plywood. Lovers made fake weapons even out of paper.

Photo: YouTube user Yuri Dukhovnik

How we did it

We received from the customer a 3D model in a format prepared for visualization in the game - .obj files and color renders for color orientation.

The files had external geometry of the model and texture, they were unsuitable for printing.

Superfluous angles, large polygons are in the game, you can ignore this in motion, this is not the case for the site’s picture either, but it’s striking on a static three-dimensional model.

I had to adjust the model: add volumes, close open polygons, increase polygonality - finish drawing each of the 25 parts of the layout.

It took 15 hours of 3D-designer to redraw, but the result was worth it - the model became natural, not so angular.

To make the details of the one-and-a-half-meter machine gun fit in the printer, we divided the model into segments, each of which was cut into a slicer and sent to print.

Printed from PLA and ABS in different colors - for ease of assembly.

The largest element fully occupied the MakerBot z18 - 422 mm high camera.

Part of the parts was within 300x300x160 mm, and some up to 220x200x100 mm.

The total print volume was 43,000 cc.

After printing minigun collected - it was 1,500 mm in height.

A rather big “cannon”.

Then painted.

It turned out just like in the game.

The product was issued to the customer and flew to Los Angeles, to the exhibition.

Result

Photo by @ anuntypicalgirl

Photo @ theroblife

What was printed on

To speed up the process, parts of the model were printed on several printers at the same time.

MakerBot Replicator Z18

Technology: FDM
Working chamber: 305 x 305 x 457 mm
Layer thickness from: 100 microns
Price: 669 200 rubles

Picaso 3D Designer PRO 250

Technology: FDM
Working chamber: 200 x 200 x 210 mm
Layer thickness from: 50 microns
Price: 179 000 rubles

MakerBot Replicator +

Technology: FDM
Working chamber: 29.5 cm X 19.5 cm X 16.5 cm
Layer thickness from: 100 microns
Price: 237 300 rubles

Hercules strong

Technology: FDM
Working chamber: 300290370 mm
Layer thickness from: 20 microns
Price: 149,000 rubles

How much is

It was a very interesting and useful experience, because we made the customer a discount that he could not refuse.

Under normal conditions, such an order, together with the processing of a 3D model, the cost of all materials and post-processing, polishing and painting, will cost about 200,000 rubles. To clarify the conditions and prices - contact the service department.

Where is it needed

Such sizes of the model are used not only for exhibitions - designers print interior decorations and interior decoration elements for cafes and bars, photo studios, private apartments and offices, retail outlets. Of course, they are indispensable as props in theater and cinema.

How to print a unique large item

1. Create a three-dimensional computer model in the format .stl

If there are no skills or your designer - you can order a model according to a sketch or description in the same place where you will print.

2. Make an order. The 3D Salon Manager will tell you the time, cost, offer affordable printing materials and technologies, and tell about their properties.

3. Wait for the order.

Order printing of objects of any size and any complexity in Top 3D Shop - our managers and engineers will always help to realize any of your imagination in plastic.

Get more information and discuss the implementation of your task with our engineers: