Join the 3D printing revolution. Stan Winston Studio veteran and key mechanical effects designer at leading Creature FX studio, Legacy Effects, David Covarrubias (Avatar, Iron Man, The Lost World: Jurassic Park) shows you how to design, 3D print, and assemble an animatronic eye mechanism using free CAD software and an affordable 3D printer.

In this innovative tutorial, you'll learn how you can begin your adventures into animatronics without the need for the expensive machinery usually required to shape metal: C&C mills, water jet metal cutters, lathes, etc. The resulting 3D Printed Eye Mechanism is as elegant and effective as those created by Covarrubias for Hollywood blockbusters but can be achieved at a fraction of the cost.

***DISCLAIMER - The software used in this lesson, Autodesk 123D, has undergone some changes since this lesson was recorded. You can now use Autodesk Fusion360, which is free for personal and hobby use, and has similar functionality to the version of Autodesk 123D used in this lesson.***

Advanced Level

4h 44m of duration

English, Spanish (auto)

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Curriculum

1. Title & Introduction - 1min

2. 3D Modeling Software - 3min

3. A 3D Printed Eye Mech - 2min

4. Sketching the Eye - 23min

5. Sketching the Eye - 15min

6. Changing Material & Color - 1min

7. Sketching the Eye - 29min

8. Revolving Eyelids - 4min

9. Sketching the Eye - 10min

10. The Second Hemisphere of the Ebar - 4min

11. The Ebar Connecting Piece - 4min

12. Sketching Ebar: Extruding Back Holes on the Base Plate - 8min

13. Adding Side Holes - 2min

14. Incorporating a Servo - 9min

15. Sketching a Bracket - 9min

16. Sketching a Bracket: Mirroring A Set of Brackets and Servo - 4min

17. Sketching a Bracket: Generating Holes For Brackets - 4min

18. Removing Unwanted Material - 10min

19. Sketching a Pulley - 13min

20. Extruding Inner Holes - 4min

21. The Servo Block & Pulley Mechanism - 23min

22. The Servo Block & Pulley Mechanism - 12min

23. Sketching Holes on a Servo Block - 16min

24. The Servo Block & Pulley Mechanism - 9min

25. The 3D Print - 19s

26. Assembling the Eye Mech: Parts and Tools Overview - 7min

27. Preparing the Parts - 10min

28. Attaching Bolts and Joints - 7min

29. Attaching Servos - 5min

30. Assembling the Pulley Components - 7min

31. Installing the Cable Housing - 5min

32. Running the Monofilament - 9min

33. Setting Up Radio Control - 11min

34. Programming Your Mixes - 4min

35. Wrap Up - 1min

Materials

CLICK on the links below to find the materials you need for this lesson.

Some items might be harder to find, but a little internet scouring usually finds you everything you'll need.

McMaster Carr

Robin's Hobby

FOR YOUR WORK STATION

3D Printer (Dave recommends Deezmaker)

Computer

TOOLS

Bits and Indexes

Assorted Taps

Micro Drill Bit Set – McMaster Carr

Spiral Point Tap

Crimping, Pliers and Gripping Tools

Needle-Nose Pliers

Cutting Tools

X-Acto Knife

Electronic Tools

Futaba 12 Zap Radio Controller

Servo-Cycler (optional)

Files, Rasps and Sanding

Fine Grit Sandpaper

Large Emory Board

Measuring Tools

Calipers

Power Tools

Cordless Drill

Screwdrivers

Assorted Screwdrivers

Wrenches

Assortment of Allen Wrenches

Other Tools

Pin Vise

SOFTWARE

Autodesk 123D Beta

SUPPLIES

3/8” Shaft

Assortment of Small Screws – 0.080 – 0.632

Du-Bro 30 Micro Pushrod Housing

Heli-Max HMXE8555 complete linkage set Novus CP

JRDS-285MG Servo

Heli-Max Flybar Pivot Assembly - HMXE8559 (Ball Links)

Mini E/Z Connectors

Monofilament 25lb Test Line

Small 1/4” Brass Ball to mount the swash plate

ALTERNATE SUPPLIES TO REPLACE UNAVAILABLE PARTS

(You will have to modify your mechanism to accomodate these replacement parts)

Replacement Servo: Hitec HS-55 Economy Feather Servo - Part No: 31055S

Push rods: Du-Bro brand micro ball links - Part No: 929

All thread is McMaster-Carr 18-8 Stainless Steel Threaded Rod - Part No: 95412A300

The balls that the eye spins on are 6mm gauge balls with a 10 gauge shaft from Amazon

HEALTH/SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

When working with toxic and/or dangerous materials or tools:

ALWAYS read labels for appropriate use guidelines

ALWAYS wear a high-grade respirator

ALWAYS work in a well-ventilated area

ALWAYS protect your skin

ALWAYS wear eye protection

Artist BiographyDavid Covarrubias

Mechanical Designer David Covarrubias builds robots for commercials, films..and also to improve people's lives.

See Full Bio

Additional Purchasing Options

Notice: DVDs do not include closed captions.

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