Electroplating 3D Prints | Helmets Tutorial 1

Let me show you how to create fantastic metal helmets, like this star wars #mandalorian helmet, by #electroplating your 3d prints. #3dprinting and metal plating combined will create convincing objects for you prop collection or the next comic con. #starwars

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

Optional:

I used this printer (for the side parts):

▶ Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:28 Creating the 3D Print
01:08 Assembly of the Printed Mandalorian Helmet
02:19 Sanding the Helmet
03:24 Bath Plating Process
07:50 Polishing the electroplated copper
08:14 Palladium Electroplating (Galvanic Brush)
09:11 Mounting the Helmet
09:25 Conclusion + Impressions

▶ The Mandalorian Helmet

▶ 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. 🧡

Have a look to my other Videos
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Electroplating 3D Prints | Thermal Detonator

Electroplating 3D Prints | Swords

How to Metal Plate The Ring from LOTR

Electroplating 3D Prints - Super Smooth

DIY Electroplating 3D Prints ... (the shiny way) 🧪

[UncleJessy]

This was such a wild video! You absolutely killed it!

[DimensionMachine]

Looks like a crazy amount of work. The end result looks equally amazing. Nice work, you clearly have a ton of skill, and patience as well!

[TechArtAlex]

I would love to see a video covering the different metals options, example finishes they offer and other characteristics like durability to help choose materials for projects. You have the best results I've seen from those attempting this.

[skwerleyz]

The most casual description of "30 amps" for a hobby project I've ever seen lmao. Great video!

[jbischof]

My god. What a beautiful process to watch. Props to anyone out there that actually attempts this

[owuzuwo]

I never thought that you could electroplating a 3d printed object, thanks for the ideas bro... It's a long process but worth trying 😄

[hcpookie]

One thing I have done in the past to reduce the volume inside the bigger tank is to use empty glass jars which takes up space in the tank so you don't need as much solution. I used pickle jars, and the tank was low enough that the mouths of the jars were above the surface of the liquid.

[jamesg]

Wow this is a really great result. I tried electroplating my sculptures and never got close to the quality shown here. The palladium pen coating is a great alternative to Nickel. Well done. Very well explained/documented and really impressive outcome.

[extendoduck]

If you brush a thin layer of resin on the workpiece before applying the fiberglass cloth, it's easier to avoid bubbles and fully saturate the cloth for the best adhesion.

Excellent work.

[kurtlindner]

Great job! It looks amazing!
You're one of my favorite channels to see a new upload from.
Great way to end the year!

[coregeek]

This is so awesome. Loving this series of electroplating props!

[WestBerlinCustoms]

Großen Respekt für die im gesamten Prozess steckende Arbeit - speziell das Schleifen und Polieren! 👍 Das Ergebnis spricht aber für sich! 🤘

[HawkWorley]

Most epoxy resins are way safer than polyester resins, and they work just as well. Whenever I fibermat or reinforce a print, I use a 2 part epoxy (normally SmoothOn 300) and have great results. Great outcome! They helmet looks great!

[billdberger]

Try those fingernail file boards for sanding, the foam blocks can be useful as well. They're cheap and gentle enough that it's not so easy to make a big mistake.

[Drumaier]

This was amazing to witness!!! the end result couldn't be any better. Now for people that doesn't have all the space, skills, and tools needed to do this, please consider making a tutorial showing how to achieve a metallic look the easiest and cheapest way...i don't know, just something better than the PLA plastiquy look! Anyhow, thanks for this video!

[ewen]

Colour me impressed. The final product was amazing.

[druNkwriter]

Buddy, you're a frigging mad genius. That was some hardcore makery but the finished piece: holy smokes! You can't cheat perfection. WOW. The final finish was jaw dropping. Thanks so much!

[griptopia]

Electro forming is fun, if you are based in the uk i found these guys who do kits, Gateros Plating, they are a father and son, i've purchased a few things from them, always very helpful and knowledgeable.. great project and great video

[thetotalfunction]

the most interesting description of sanding process I've ever heard)

[Demonslate]

So something me and a pal had some success with was fine sanding then using a very small amount of acetone to smooth over the sanded areas BEFORE you blow away any plastic dust. It's like the sanding removes the peaks to dust, fills the troughs with the dust and then the acetone lightly wiped sort of welds the powder into the troughs. Better than using a filler and 'disposing' of the dust which is both a very usable and very unwanted micro plastic waste.