This 3D Printed Mass Effect Prop Folds Up Just Like in the Game

3D Printing & Imaging Costumes, Cosplay, and Props Craft & Design Digital Fabrication
This 3D Printed Mass Effect Prop Folds Up Just Like in the Game
YouTube player

We got an interesting tip from one of our readers this week that showcased a very impressive 3D printed video game prop build.

This replica of the M3 Pistol from the Mass Effect franchise is stunning, mainly due to the mechanical action that is built into it.

Pick it up, hit the button, and it unfolds. Another click of the button and it promptly recompresses back into its initial form just like in the games.

YouTube player

David, who goes by Optimistic Geometry online, shared a bunch of the construction process with us. As you can see, he had to create his own geared system for that nice slow unfolding motion.

I asked what the most difficult part of the build was for him, and he had this to say:

The most important lesson I learned was how to fail. Overcoming that fear has improved my life outside of making as well. There are lots of challenges to making, from learning the tolerances of a 3D printer to making a mechanism slide smoothly. However, the greatest challenge [for this build] was [the process of] miniaturisation and fitting a mechanism, battery, and circuit inside an object that collapses into itself.

YouTube player

There are actually two versions of the replica he created. There is the motorized one and a somewhat simpler spring loaded version.

YouTube player

If you want to make one of your own, you can purchase and download the file from his Etsy shop.

You can follow David’s future projects on his Facebook page.

Discuss this article with the rest of the community on our Discord server!
Tagged

I get ridiculously excited seeing people make things. I just want to revel in the creativity I see in makers. My favorite thing in the world is sharing a maker's story. find me at CalebKraft.com

View more articles by Caleb Kraft

ADVERTISEMENT

Maker Faire Bay Area 2023 - Mare Island, CA

Escape to an island of imagination + innovation as Maker Faire Bay Area returns for its 15th iteration!

Buy Tickets today! SAVE 15% and lock-in your preferred date(s).

FEEDBACK