So to start, I know pretty little about 3d printing, which is why I came here. I have seen the machines work, know that you need a file, there's different materials, not much else. I'm not really looking to get into this as a hobby as I don't really have the time, and certainly don't have the money (maybe later if things change). I just have this one thing (at the moment anyway) that I would like printed, but I have a couple of questions to see if I even want to proceed or not. I just plan on getting some local company to make it for me.
So here is what I'd like to make: https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/elegant-lightsaber-hilt-19b183269b5d4577a44f3152b15df9a5
It comes in an obj file which unless I'm mistaken should be enough for me to have. If not, I know about online file converters to make it slt.
This is intended to be a hand-held prop, not just a display model. So my first question is, is that even feasible? I don't know how strong things like this are. I'm not going to be hitting anything with it, but a little bit of waving around I think would be in order.
Assuming that's ok, what material should I use? Not entirely sure I even get a choice but I think so?
Another question I have is about painting. I've seen painting guides online, but one question I have I didn't find an answer to is again, about it being hand-held. I don't want to use a paint that will come off or smudge with sweaty palms. Are any kinds better for that than others? Are any?
And how close could I likely make it look like in the link? It doesn't have to be exact, but there's metallic parts, glassy parts, kinda gives a glowy impression... or is this going to be too hard for someone with no experience? (I've painted a couple of model kits when I was a kid.)
I realize that this may not all be feasible, but I thought I'd ask here first before asking people who will want my money. :p
I can’t answer everything because I don’t make models myself, but don’t buy a 3D printer. Getting it set up and calibrated takes ages, as well as the learning curve. Find a service online, you send them your file and they print it and send it back. PLA is the most common material for printing and I expect it would be fine here, I haven’t really used anything else and I have no problems. You can just make the plastic thicker to make it stronger.
The painting part should be fine but you’ll probably have to use a primer. Get a few prints so you can make mistakes.
Just find an online printing service and they should be able to answer a lot of your questions.
I'm not advocating he buy a printer, that's clearly the wrong choice here, but
...just isn't true anymore, depending on what you get; the bambulabs printers are basically effortless.
I can’t speak for the new stuff because I’m using an old Prusa clone that’s years old now. I’ve heard good things about Bambu stuff.