3 ms·
Ask HN: Prototyping service that works with Nerf-material and inflatables?
I'd like to test a concept in two materials, polyester foam and inflatable PVC. I've checked the following 3-D printers, but they don't have the materials I'm looking for.
http://www.shapeways.com
http://www.sculpteo.com
http://www.ponoko.com
http://i.materialise.com/<p>I've also checked with various rapid prototyping services, but still no luck. Unfortunately, carving down a large Nerf ball won't work because the shape is somewhat intricate. Any suggestions on the best way to iterate a physical product in these two materials without working with a manufacturer?
- vitovito 14y agoYou could make a mold (the inverse or negative space of your form) using a 3D printing service, or carve it from styrofoam, or wood, or whatever, and then fill it with expanding foam or inflatable PVC by hand yourself. Cosplayers (hobbyists who make costumes of and play as fictional or media characters) use these techniques all the time, as do those in the replica prop communities.
- syedkarim 14y agoThis is clever. I'll look into this. Can you recommend any good DIY-links for this? Does this technique have a commonly used term?
- vitovito 14y agoIt's called mold making or casting. Pulling a thin flexible plastic over a mold is often done with vacuum forming. All can be done at home using conventional materials and equipment. This is a traditional craft and sculpture technique. I've never done it myself, but there will be plenty of books on it, probably meetups in your area, and certainly tutorials on cosplay and prop replica sites, and on aggregators like Instructables.