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marisa_doll

Custom Head Project - From Scratch!

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marisa_doll

Hi everyone

 

Just thought I'd share what I've been working on.

A custom head from scratch!

 

Here's a 3d render!

8576279103_26f2bb09f9_z.jpg

renderhead1 by marisa_doll, on Flickr

 

I've been working on this 3d model for quite a while, but I now have the 3d print in my hands!

 

8577373470_321cf58e6a.jpg

l_0001 by marisa_doll, on Flickr

 

8577372574_3e1189fdd8.jpg

l_0003 by marisa_doll, on Flickr

 

8577392596_0b7845f385_n.jpg

dhead6 by marisa_doll, on Flickr

 

It matches the 3d model perfectly!

 

The next step is to make a silicone mold and cast a durable copy of the 3d print in resin. Because the 3d print is quite rough and somewhat stepped in nature, I'll be laminating the copy in epoxy, then sanding it down to a smooth satin finish. The laminate should smooth out and add more surface to areas I can't really attack with sanding tool, or parts that I don't want to subtract material from (lips, nose, ears, etc.).

 

This can then be used as the master for an unlimited number of copies!

 

The final process will involve colour matching the resin to DD vinyl - and of course painting a faceup!

Edited by Guest

My SQ Hibiki

I am putting up for adoption a SQ-Lab Ren head on flickr. Contact me for more details!

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Innocentsake

Oh wow this is really impressive! She's such a cutie too Can't wait to see the progress you make with this head

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Sporkaroni

Wow, this is really cool! She looks great already. I am really interested in seeing this project step by step . Please keep us updated!

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Poofiemus

Awesome! Been wondering how 3D printed heads would work out. I'm also really curious how the casting process goes, as that's something I've long wanted to learn how to do.


In this household, sanity is considered a tresspasser.

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marisa_doll
Oh wow this is really impressive! She's such a cutie too Can't wait to see the progress you make with this head

Thanks a lot!

 

Wow, this is really cool! She looks great already. I am really interested in seeing this project step by step . Please keep us updated!

Cheers!

 

Awesome! Been wondering how 3D printed heads would work out. I'm also really curious how the casting process goes, as that's something I've long wanted to learn how to do.

I'll be sure to dobleepent the process!

 

I'm debating whether to seal the print (with Mr Super Clear) or make a mold from it straight away. Sealing it should prevent the silicone from biting any porous areas, as the sealant should "fill" the tiny gaps... but I'm not sure there are any pores anyway as the material is a photo polymeric resin. Won't hurt to seal it and try it out, anyway!

 

That's really cool! but how would you do a resin matching DD's skin color??

 

I bought a pill box.

Pill_Box.jpg

 

All I'll do is mix enough resin (what resin to use in the end I haven't decided yet - definitely something UV cut!) to fill the boxes, then add varying drops of pigment to each one.

 

e.g.

1 drop red, 1 drop orange, 1 drop yellow...

1 drop red, 1 drop orange, 2 drop yellow...

1 drop red, 2 drop orange, 1 drop yellow...

... and so on and so forth.

 

 

When they've all cured, I'll pick the box that matches closest. From this choice I can refine it further, or just go with it as-is!

 

Of course, I'll have to measure how much resin I put in each box. Or I wont be able to tell how many more extra drops of everything I'll need when mixing up the batch for the full head.


My SQ Hibiki

I am putting up for adoption a SQ-Lab Ren head on flickr. Contact me for more details!

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Bellatrix

that's so freaking great! I can't wait to get more info from you! I'd like to make my custom head as well...!!


df64a03a777dc9f9a060ef6b286773b3-1.gif    ✩ 𝓥𝓲𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓶 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓑𝓮𝓵𝓵𝓪𝓭𝓸𝔁 ✩

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marisa_doll
that's so freaking great! I can't wait to get more info from you! I'd like to make my custom head as well...!!

Sure sure!

 

It is a long and arduous process, though!

 

First you'll need a 3d model!

 

To get to this stage I spent several weeks modelling in 3ds max, then several weeks waiting for the 3d print. Now I'm waiting for my molding tools to arrive!

 

I'll be using GI-1000 silicone for the recast and for the eventual master mold. GI-1000 is apparently the standard for silicone mold making, used by everyone from special effects studios to model kit makers!

 

Since I don't have a vacuum degasser, I'll need to use some special tricks to make sure no air bubbles are trapped in the silicone or resin. High-pour method (pouring it in a thin stream high above the mold), tapping the mold, or blasting it with heat prior to pouring. The face will be pointing the ground when I recast the head in resin, though, so any air bubbles that do remain should rise away from those features. Some might get trapped in the ear which is why tapping is important!

 

It will be a two-part mold so that the head remains hollow. First the eyes and neck-hole are blocked off with some putty. Then the head (minus the headcap) is placed lid down onto a bed of plasticine inside a "mold box". The plasticine is then keyed with dimples, which will allow the two parts of the mold to be aligned properly with a tight fit. The silicone is then first brushed over the head in a thin layer (to make sure there will be no air-bubbles against the surface) and then the rest is high-poured from the corner and allowed to build up (prevents air bubbles being trapped when the silicone runs down a surface).

 

Then this half of the mold is removed, with the head still embedded, and turned over with all the plasticine cleaned off. The silicone is covered in vaseline to prevent the second half of the mold from bonding with the first, and the final batch of silicone is poured in!

 

Air/pour vents are then cut from the final mold at the back of the head (or I could use plasticine to make the vents during the first part of the mold), to facilitate pouring of the resin and to prevent air from becoming trapped inside.

 

There's a good video to this process here.

 

The resin for the master will be made out of Axson Fastcast. I'll be finishing the surface of the recast with Mr Dissolved Putty and some sanding tools, as the replica will have the exact same unfinished surface as the original 3d print itself.

 

I've heard that silicone can stick to some 3d prints, such as the ultra detail resin from Shapeways, so the print itself will need to be sealed with several coats of acrylic spray (Mr Super Clear). This will also have the side-effect of smoothing out the surface somewhat. A win-win situation!

 

It'll be another week or two before I can start this process, though

 

Very cool! I will definitely follow progress on this.

Cheers!


My SQ Hibiki

I am putting up for adoption a SQ-Lab Ren head on flickr. Contact me for more details!

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mayaiincho

Ah marisa. I was interested in which software you used for 3D modeling. Since sadly for me all i've learned so far is AutoCAD from my engineering classes. Nvm... i'm so silly for not reading it through

Edited by Guest

looking for - , Marisa Short Wig, full set Beatrice or default face + eyes & Sasara Fullset or default face + eyes.

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DivinitaAria

What a fantastic skill to have!

 

This is super impressive! I'm excited to see your project progess!!


Rise, Rise #2, Kasumi - Rise x 3// Ritsuko - 2B // Momo - M.O.M.O. // Nayuki -Mikuru // Romi - 09 // Makoto - Sailor Jupiter // Mikasa - DD07 (WIP) // Akechi - DDH-25 

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jadepixel

Wow, this is really cool! I was thinking of going through this process to create male DD-style heads, but it seemed like a lot of time and resources to complete. It's a fantastic way to create a truly unique character though

 

One trick I saw to reduce bubbles was adding extra sprues to projecting areas. They become bubble traps, but you have to break them off and sand down the spot after casting. You could certainly try it on the edge of the ear.

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chien

AMAZING! ! Also, thanks for being so great at explaining the process. Really cool!

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katnaper

Wow. I cannot wait to see your final, finished product. Now, if only someone would create a male type sculpt hehehe.


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We have our own BLOG. Please visit us at the House of Nyan by clicking this link or our sig above. See you there. Or, come see what Nyanko-sensei is up to at the Katnaper's Den

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SisterKyoya
To get to this stage I spent several weeks modelling in 3ds max, then several weeks waiting for the 3d print.

 

Had you considered using Mudbox? We used it in my 3D class last quarter for doing head sculpts while using 3Ds Max for everything else. Mudbox is much more intuitive for sculpting.

 

8589496255_46b17f4cea.jpg

(ignore the retarded base and odd eyes)

 

This is what I did for my assignment in Mudbox after starting with the basic head, this being only the second head I've sculpted. One of the great things too is that you can move the model back and forth between Mudbox and Max for fine tuning. I really love Mudbox and how intuitive it is.

 

I am also excited to see how this whole process works out.

 

~Sister Kyoya


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Forum Blog: Badger Pocket Tales (Family story from the beginning) | { Old Family story reboot: Start Here! }

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Amara77

You made an adorable mold! This is super cool!

Would you consider making a male head in the future? I was planning (at some far away point lol) to use DIM or nobility doll to cast a male anime style head.


http://amara77.wordpress.com blog and shop

Spoke too soon....

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marisa_doll

Hi thanks everyone

 

One trick I saw to reduce bubbles was adding extra sprues to projecting areas. They become bubble traps, but you have to break them off and sand down the spot after casting. You could certainly try it on the edge of the ear.

 

That's a good idea!

 

Had you considered using Mudbox? We used it in my 3D class last quarter for doing head sculpts while using 3Ds Max for everything else. Mudbox is much more intuitive for sculpting.

That's a nice model!

 

I tried to use Mudbox before with my tablet but I wasn't very successful. I find it easier to precisely control my surfaces when using Max - maybe because I have more experience using it. I know sculpting apps are the de facto for organic modelling now, though. But I think I'm more of a technical artist

 

Just waiting on the last few parts before I can start molding. Not too long to go.

 

You made an adorable mold! This is super cool!

Would you consider making a male head in the future? I was planning (at some far away point lol) to use DIM or nobility doll to cast a male anime style head.

Cheers!

 

Sure, anything is possible - if enough people are interested in it such that I can recoup the costs in materials and the 3d print itself. Anyone would be free to commission a specific sculpt they wanted too!

 

And if anyone is interested in the head I'm making right now, I'll definitely have a few extra for sale - just enough to break even on the whole project for starters.

 

But a new head from me will be very far down the line! Perhaps during/after summer.

 

I think male anime sculpts are something we are lacking, but I'm not sure how it would work without a male body to go with it.


My SQ Hibiki

I am putting up for adoption a SQ-Lab Ren head on flickr. Contact me for more details!

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KittyFields

Oh, this is so cool! What a cute head! Ah, the miracles of 3D printing!

 

Maybe there will be a group order for custom heads in the future... I'd be so in! Especially if it were a more mature-style head (which could mean male head too).

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katnaper
You made an adorable mold! This is super cool!

Would you consider making a male head in the future? I was planning (at some far away point lol) to use DIM or nobility doll to cast a male anime style head.

 

Yes to what she said. Sign me up for one or two. I would so love a male anime style head *cackles wickedly at the thought*. I think that would be so awesome. The girls are clamoring for more boys and for some reason a 1/3 sized Vash in that awesome red outfit and the big guns just crossed my mind, him and Archer. Gosh, I need to get my hands on more 65cm bodies hehehe.


35627757593_19f2b2cd8a_n.jpg

 

We have our own BLOG. Please visit us at the House of Nyan by clicking this link or our sig above. See you there. Or, come see what Nyanko-sensei is up to at the Katnaper's Den

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marisa_doll

Bad news everyone

 

It was all going so well, I had the mold box prepared, the head was good to go, all the equipment was laid out...

... then once I started pouring the silicone, I realised I hadn't enough... after emptying the bottle no less!

 

So that was an entire tub of silicone wasted, as I had to abandon ship completely

 

The wind now taken out of me, I started a clean-up, hoping to salvage something from this ordeal.

Foolishly I used hot water to remove the stuff from the head... but I didn't realise until it was too late that the 3d print material melts at that temperature.

 

I've got the head sitting on my desk now, staring at me even now with empty eyes.

 

Now I'm not sure whether to sink more cash and try again... or just cut my losses short and give up


My SQ Hibiki

I am putting up for adoption a SQ-Lab Ren head on flickr. Contact me for more details!

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Poofiemus

Dang, that low? Mind if I ask what service and material you used on this head so we all know how temperature-fragile it is in the future?

 

That is a bummer, and I can understand not wanting to spend more money after that. Maybe a compromise: new print that gets airbrushed and used directly instead of casting? Because that head you modeled is too cute to not be used by at least one person.


In this household, sanity is considered a tresspasser.

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marisa_doll

It was High Detail Resin from i.materialise.

 

I rechecked the sheet and it starts to warp at around 44 degrees Celsius

 

The dream isn't dead yet, that's for sure. It's just been pushed away. The head will live on eternal, until I pick up the hammer once more.

 

I do now know what must be done, but I don't have the bankroll to continue


My SQ Hibiki

I am putting up for adoption a SQ-Lab Ren head on flickr. Contact me for more details!

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mayaiincho

Casting resin and silicon are quite pricy. Just put it on hold for now and start again later after you've acquired some more expendable funds. 3D printing and casting is simply too interesting to halt


looking for - , Marisa Short Wig, full set Beatrice or default face + eyes & Sasara Fullset or default face + eyes.

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Amara77

I agree! Your right to wait,and then try again!

It can be very discouraging when your attempt doesn't work out the way you want. but like you said now you know what to do!


http://amara77.wordpress.com blog and shop

Spoke too soon....

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marisa_doll

Thanks for the encouragement guys.

 

I think during the summer holidays I'll try and create a full character doll. Head, body, everything!


My SQ Hibiki

I am putting up for adoption a SQ-Lab Ren head on flickr. Contact me for more details!

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