3D Modeling & Printing

Moira’s left-hand gauntlet, the Regeneration Biotic Grasp, was modeled in Autodesk Fusion 360. The bodies were constructed mostly in the sculpt workspace using the original game model as a sketching base. The model was then split into several different components and modified to serve several purposes:

• Simpler finishing and painting (minimizing the need to mask)

• Considerations for physical fit on the wrist/palm

• Provide space for electronics and vinyl tubing

• Separating the parts that would be resin cast (everything in yellow)

The exploded views show the final component separation for both the main wrist piece and the palm emitter.

All of the model parts were 3D printed in PLA plastic and test fitted.

Resin Casting

All of the yellow bodies in the model are able to transmit and diffuse light evenly.

After 3D printing and fully finishing the surface to a 400 grit smoothness, they were molded with silicone rubber (Smooth-On Mold Start 20T). They were then resin cast with Smooth-On Smooth-Cast 325 with a small amount of So-Strong yellow and a very small amount of So-Strong white. The transparent yellow provides a color tint and the opaque white allows the piece to uniformly diffuse LED backlighting.

Finishing

All 3D printed parts were finished using this method:

• 220 grit light pre-sanding/scuffing

• XTC-3D double layer

  • First layer ultra-thin

  • When tacky-cure, apply another thin glossy layer

• 400 grit full surface sanding

Painting

The black gloss surfaces were all airbrushed using this process:

• 3 coats Vallejo Gloss Black primer (74.660) with Airbrush Flow Improver (71.562)

• 2 coats Vallejo Model Air NATO Black (71.251)

  • If there is a red accent on the black, let the black dry overnight then:

  • Mask the accent shape

  • 2 coats Vallejo Model Air White (71.001)

  • 2 coats Vallejo Model Air Rot Red RLM23 (71.003)

• Allow the acrylics to fully dry (at least 24 h)

• 3 coats Rustoleum Gloss Clear

  
  

The metal surfaces were all airbrushed using this process:

• 3 coats Vallejo Gloss Black Primer (74.660) with Airbrush Flow Improver (71.562)

• 2 fine dust coats of Vallejo Metal Color Aluminium (77.701)

The white dome portion of the palm emitter was individually painted: primed with Vallejo Gloss Black, colored with a gradient of Vallejo Model Air Insignia White (71.279), White Grey (71.119), and USAF Light Gray (71.276), then clear coated with Vallejo Matte Varnish (62.062).

Electronics

The LEDs on the main wrist piece are warm (3000 K), and built in a simple circuit with a battery (3.7 V, 2500 mAh Li-Poly), switch, LED, and resistors. The LEDs are spaced and angled for optimal diffusion, such that no bright spots are visible through the casted diffusers.

The palm emitter is a tiny circuit of three LEDs connected to a single button-cell battery (CR-2477). The battery anode is attached directly to a loop of wire around its circumference, and the cathode is attracted to a small neodymium magnet that is soldered to the other end of the circuit. The magnetic attraction keeps the battery contact steady throughout wear.