Electroplating 3D Prints | New Graphite Tutorial

Let me show you how to create beautiful authentic props, like this mockingjay brooch, by #electroplating your 3d prints. #3dprinting and metal plating combined will create convincing objects for you prop collection or the next comic con. #cosplay

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This is the stuff I used for electroforming/electroplating in this video.
Chemicals for the prints:

Optional:

I used this printer:

(*) These links are affiliate links. From time to time, I recommend products I know well and use, and, as a result, I may receive a commision if you purchase them using the affiliate link. Puchasig from affiliate links is at no extra cost to you.

▶ Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:28 Creating the 3D Print
01:45 Preparation of 3D prints before grahite painting
02:40 Increase conductivity of graphite paint
04:00 Electroplating on Graphite paint
07:05 Polishing 3D Prints
09:08 Results + Conclusion

▶ For the galvanic bath:
* a container
* acidic copper electrolyte
* Palladium electrolyte
* one or two copper anodes
* banana plug & alligator clips

▶ You may need:
* Degreaser
* Distilled water
* galvanic brush + pen

Have fun. Try it. 🧡

▶ Mockingjay by Hitoprl
▶ 3DBenchy by CreativeTools
▶ One Ring Tato_713

[UncleJessy]

these projects continue to blow my mind. This one actually seems a bit easier than the others... but maybe I'm wrong. I really really need to try one of these projects

[Snigzou]

Quick note on copper anodes : you're supposed to use phosphore doped copper to ensure proper anodic dissolution. Your commercial solution most likely include trace amounts of chloride which are used, in conjunction with proper CuP anodes to produce a black film on the copper surface. This black film is CuO, which allows Cu2+ to form and replenish the metallic ions. If you do not use CuP anodes, you run the risk of forming Cu2O, which will not work as well to put it simply.
The black film is not to be brushed off.

[TheHellaBee]

For those outside the EU (Australia here), if you go to paint stores that specialise in automotive & industrial paints and ask for a spray can of copper or zinc "weld through" primer you should have some decent success in finding a conductive primer. these products are basically used to assist in increasing conductivity for welding and I've personally found that they work well

[Westfalon]

Presenting them on thier original supports just looks fantastic! Very clever

[maciucovidiu]

Superb results. I love people taking an idea, creating a product and then coming up with another idea and another product and so on. Adds to the spirit of making and innovating.

[zumuvtuber]

The finished pieces on top of the original support material look soooo good!!

[ryansenger]

The amount of expertise and knowledge in such a short video, this is incredible and has changed everything for my plating plans!

[Est.]

These are remarkable. what a way to put 3d printing into quality use

[graefx]

Electroplating 3D prints is such a cool project that still feels incredible niche. Thank you for all the information and options.

[sloppyfloppy]

As an American, your english accent is part of the allure of your channel. What you may think is negative, is infact a huge positive.

Moin! Thank you for another great video. As others have mentioned already, it can be hard to source the conductive paints for cheap in North America. We do not have the shipping for the copper spray paint you've used in previous videos and I have a hard time finding affordable conductive graphite spray paint as well. Graphite powder however is quite affordable and I've seen people say they've made their own paint by combining it with water, acetone, modge-podge, etc. I've also seen Canadian's reccomend Jig-a-Loo. It would be very neat to see a comparison between these alternative products and recipes for the base conductive layer! I think if a cheap alternative is presented with good results then electroplating becomes more approachable for hobbyists.

[TheLoneWulf]

My mind is blown and hats off to you good sir! Favorite 3d printing video of the past year

[CudaGuy]

I'm a visual learner and as long as your close with your descriptions and explanations I'm happy. Just subscribed and added your channel to my favorites.

[emertonom]

That's a phenomenal result. I'd love to see you experiment with making optics this way--maybe one of those toys that uses two parabolic mirrors to create a 3d mirage of a small object? (A telescope would be more impressive, if the optics are of higher quality, but I suspect that won't be the case initially.)

[lebojay]

To avoid the incompatibility problems between the graphite paint and the automotive filler you just need to find the right primer to go between them.

There is also a product called “weld-thru primer” which has zinc in it to make it conductive. Maybe that would work better than graphite?

I’m no expert. Just offering suggestions.

[Brocknoviatch]

Another awesome electroplating tutorial! Could you run us through how you clean and reuse materials and how you know it is time to dispose of chemicals?

[rob]

Massive thank you for showing this brake down on plating i enjoy every video, you even have a Fan of uncle Jessy that shows how good your videos are my hat is off to you Thank you again

[JonMurray]

0:29 hahahaha! Your English is perfect 😊

[НиколайАкс-нц]

Omg the result is perfect. Even without polishing

[gattsku]

this is the coolest thing I've seen since like hacksmith's iron man thrusters. dang!