Bandai DX VF-171 shoulder triangle (Shapeways)

[Xigfrid]

Hello,

I made a replacement parts that once assembled (preferably using glue) will replace the original triangles of the VF-171.

Additionally, I wanted to make a replacement of the "lower" triangle which is supposed to brake also, but couldn't figure which material could do the job. If you have ideas, let me know.

I made on Shapeways a few models:

no texture: http://www.shapeways.com/shops/xigfrid3dshop?section=VF-171+NUNS+no+texture&s=0

#1 Optimized for Strong and Flexible materials, this model has a cavity to fit the lower triangle available here: http://www.shapeways.com/model/2965873/vf-171-nuns-triangles-with-lower-triangle-fit.html

#2 Optimized for Strong and Flexible materials, this model has no cavity for the lower triangle. This design is stronger than the one with a cavity and is sleeker for any VF-171 that would have both upper and lower triangle broken: http://www.shapeways.com/model/2939051/vf-171-nuns-triangles-wbk-sf-version.html

#3 Optimized for Forst Ultra Detail material, without the cavity. You will have more details and smoother surface from this material: http://www.shapeways.com/model/2921408/vf-171-nuns-triangles-fud-version.html

I ordered and received the model #2

Detailled ASSEMBLY Instructions here: http://www.macrossworld.com/mwf/index.php?showtopic=42000#entry1171040

NUNS Triangle without Lower triangle fit:

I forgot to put a cavity on the model #2 so I had to modify it with a cavity to fit the lower triangle. I have updated Shapeways with a new file with these modifications to fit the lower triangle.

NUNS Triangle with Lower triangle fit:

Additionnaly, there are fully colored models available here: https://www.shapeways.com/shops/xigfrid3dshop?section=VF-171+NUNS+textured

Because the material used for Full Color Plastic is, for the moment, available only to Shapeways designers, you should PM me if you want one of these models now.

I have put a few pictures of the Colored triangles with lower fit here: http://www.macrossworld.com/mwf/index.php?showtopic=42000&page=2#entry1180759

Edited February 16, 2015 by Xigfrid

[Kelsain]

Yess...

[CoreyD]

NICE!

[mickyg]

Xigfrid - you are a LEGEND! Very much looking forward to how this turns out.

[frankell05]

Yieahhh dude!! I just ordered a few, I'm looking forward to getting these!

[Xigfrid]

That´s nice! Be careful when gluing the top and bottom of the triangle, the middle part must still rotate!

As soon as I get mine, I will make a more detailed tutorial

[GGemini]

Excellent!!

[valhary]

yes my vf 171 will return to life

[neoexcaliber]

Great news. I'll definitely order a few sets once I've seen it in action.

[Xigfrid]

For those who doesn't know, Shapeways can 3D print in full color using Sandstone material or Full Color Plastic.
-The first material (Sandstone) is not solid enough for small piece and moving parts to my knowledge and the description
-The second (Full Color Plastic) seems very promising BUT this is only a pilot material for the moment, that means only the designer can order his designs in this material (to his own risks also! link: https://www.shapeways.com/materials/full-color-Plastic)

I was excited enough to spend some time in the week and the whole weekend to texture/upload/debug Shapeway's full color 3D printing option. This damn thing is very buggy by now, but finally I made it and the whole design had to be exploded in individual parts due to the material limitations.

You can have a look at them here: http://www.shapeways.com/shops/xigfrid3dshop?section=VF-171+NUNS+textured

Unfortunately, because each part is printed as an individual part, and also because the material costs about the double as White Strong and Flexible, the cost for the whole textured set is something like 15 USD. Add to that shipping costs from Shapeways to my place (only I can order it), then shipping from me to you. The price is prohibitive… until Full Color Plastic becomes available to the public.

Edited December 15, 2014 by Xigfrid

[chyll2]

if only we can print white decals.

[Kelsain]

Interesting. Another option would be to gather interest for a group order, like the Captain or ChaoticYeti, and ship them all to your house at once. Then you could distribute them to the interested parties. That'd save on shipping.

[aaajin]

Id be interested in one set, but need to know if it works & if youre making the lower triangles too (?)

Been meaning to get a 171 CF scheme, but the exploding triangles are prohibiting me from getting one.

"This could be a game changer"

[mickyg]

So, I'm a little bit confused. Can you tell me what the difference is between your first links:

-Optimized for Strong and Flexible materials: http://www.shapeways...sf-version.html

-Optimized for Forst Ultra Detail material, you will have more details and smoother surface from this material: http://www.shapeways...ud-version.html

And the second one:

You can have a look at them here: http://www.shapeways...1 NUNS textured

It looks like you can get them in black with your first link but then you've mentioned colored plastic in the second one. Is one just much stronger?

UPDATE:

Wait...

Are you saying the second link is printed in color, with the NUNS wording and the white line as well? If so, that's outstanding!

Edited December 15, 2014 by mickyg

[aaajin]

Are you saying the second link is printed in color, with the NUNS wording and the white line as well? If so, that's outstanding!

From the link he posted, it looks like the resin will be printed in color, so no painting is necessary.

But from reading, seems like it will not be able to reproduce black, just charcoal grey. From shapeway :

"It can display the whole color spectrum, but black will show up closer to a charcoal grey"

But that's fine with me.

Edited December 15, 2014 by aaajin

[Xigfrid]

From the link he posted, it looks like the resin will be printed in color, so no painting is necessary.

But from reading, seems like it will not be able to reproduce black, just charcoal grey. From shapeway :

"It can display the whole color spectrum, but black will show up closer to a charcoal grey"

But that's fine with me.

Mickyg, aaajin is correct. Full Color Plastic is one very exciting material where your 3D prints get out of the machine with all the details and painting described in the 3D file.

But it is experimental: it is painfull to make shapeways to accept complex forms with a lot of textures (texture is the coloration on the plastic) and also Shapeways makes it very expensive to produce a model from it with rigourous modelling rules.

I made the model because I really hope more designers would be interested in making colored prints and I personnaly hope to find more more 3D prints from others in the near future. I don't really think people would buy it at the current price point at this moment.

[Loop]

I think people may be willing to spend $15 for a set if they have the NUNS logos already on there. I mean, I would spend $15 to repair a toy that is $100+.

Edited December 16, 2014 by Loop

[mickyg]

Seconded. I'd be willing to spend that, even if it means painting it myself. Which is what I assumed I've have to do anyway.

Xigfrid, has your first order on the regular material arrived yet?

[Xigfrid]

Still waiting, they should arrive by the end of the week or during the next one I guess.

[Xigfrid]

I think people may be willing to spend $15 for a set if they have the NUNS logos already on there. I mean, I would spend $15 to repair a toy that is $100+.

I just checked the textured models and tried to order them, the price tag of 15$ was a mistake, it was the price for the standard white plastic. It turned out to be more around 30$ for the complete set in Full Color (excluding shipping costs!) This is mostly due to the minimum of 3$ handling commission per part.

I think I will first review the design I ordered and if dims are good, I will try to review the Colored Plastic to reduce price by combining several parts in one.

[Loop]

So they do have the NUNS markings though right? I am still not clear on that part.

[aaajin]

if color printing is too expensive, I (and probably many others) wouldnt mind printing in all-black.

hopefuly the parts turn out A-OK!

[Xigfrid]

So they do have the NUNS markings though right? I am still not clear on that part.

I got three versions available on Shapeways, only the textured version would have the "NUNS" logo marking.

[yman1437]

Great! Can't wait for the result ....I have 2 in sealed boxes, afraid to open because of this!

[Xigfrid]

Just received the test triangles from shapeways (among other stuff) ! They fit nicely.

The actual version didn't fit the "lower" triangle, so I had to drill the triangle so that the lower triangle could get in. Don't panic, I made a newer version for that so you only have to choose between:

TRIANGLE with LOWER TRIANGLE FIT, if your VF-171 has only the upper triangle broken

or

SIMPLE TRIANGLE, if your vF-171 has both upper and lower triangles broken

The main reason I made the SIMPLE TRIANGLE available is because it is a stronger design and it would be sleeker for a VF-171 that has a broken lower triangle.

[Xigfrid]

Updated first post with new design and photos

Here is how to assemble:

step #1

Cut the assembly to free the 6 parts

step #2

Test the fit of the lower part and middle part. Rotate the middle part. Do not glue the lower and middle parts !

step #3

Take the upper part. Scratch with your nail the fixing rod to eliminate any remains of printing dust.

step #4

Test the fit of the upper and lower parts. In my case, the rod was too long by 2mm, so I cut the rod by this amount, do the same if needed.

and Voila

Fitting test in fighter mode:

Fitting test for Battroid mode:

Edited December 18, 2014 by Xigfrid

[mickyg]

This is fantastic! I will be getting a set very soon.

[wmkjr]

Updated first post with new design and photos

Awesome! My Alto says thank you!

[Xigfrid]

You are welcome!

[Silverstreak]

You sir, are going to single handedly push up the price of the 171CF.

Great job though

[enphily]

$6 for cheapest option aaaand $20 for shipping to my country

#panic #facepalm #sadness

[Xigfrid]

That's mainly the only issue I got with shapeways

Shipping is expensive, try to grab a few sets and / or other items for your friends, that's what I do generally to reduce the shipping costs.

[Kurisama]

Nice work buddy

[Xigfrid]

Thank you Kurisama, your work is inspiring!

[mickyg]

Alright, who wants go go in on some with me from Australia? Total cost is around $20 US, landed. I doubt shipping will go up much for multiples. I've got one 171 so don't need more than one set. PM me if you need some and we'll work out the details.