IRON MAN MARK VI HELMET DIY
Our First Project - Creating the Paper Model
As you all already know projects are a big deal to us and a member of the team has just started off with a brand new idea!
We are big fans of comic books and geeky movies so Lour team player Lauren has decided to create an IRON MAN MARK VI helmet!
Get this its going to be originally made out of paper!
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Using a software called Pepakura, the helmet is first mapped out from a 3D model and mapped out on paper as foldable pieces.
WARNING - if you don't like fiddly projects, this one really isn't for you.
STEP ONE -
Download the software and find your file!
OK so there are two different types of this software which you can use. There is the Free "Viewer", which allows you to simply view the files and not manipulate them in any way. However if your simply printing the file off this will work fine! see link below for download:
Now another version of this software is "Designer" which is handy if you fancy manipulating the file. This software is need if you plan on changing the size of the 3D model to fit your head. however the file that we have attached should fit near enough any girl or even be to big! Again you can download this below:
PEPAKURA DESIGNER
Once you've downloaded the software you can find files online for just about anything from the simple cube so Sauron's mask. BUT for those of you who don't want to download the software and just want the file I'm using we can email it to you no problem, just drop us an email with your request and we will get it over to you as soon as we can.
Simply fill out the request form below.
It is sometimes easier to keep the 3D model on your computer whilst building just so you can see what park goes where. (for the pepakura file models, i am using a PDF so wont be able to have a reference).
STEP TWO -
OK so you have the software and your file or you have the PDF that I've sent you. Now you simply print it out on paper rite? WRONG! For a 3D model, paper is just not going to cut it! you are going to need CARDSTOCK. Now you can use different thicknesses but I'm making mine out of 200gsm cardstock. I recommend somewhere between 160 - 250 gsm.
Here is the card i use: CARDSTOCK
This works out cheaper than buying a huge stash like 100 sheets. just buy what you need!
**Why do i need cardstock?**
Cardstock will support ant layering you decide to do in the future once the model is complete. in order to harden the model and ensure that it will not collapse during construction it is important that you get a good stable structure before applying layers of Fibreglass (which is what I'm using to harden my helmet)
STEP THREE -
Cutting your pieces out is probably the most time consuming part of the process. I'm using a Scalpel just so I can be really accurate. You can use a scissors but on the file I'm using there are many small cuts that a scissors will just ruin!
This is teh scalpel i am using for my cutting: SCALPEL
As well as cutting them all out i would probably recommend only cutting out the pieces when you need them. This will stop the pieces from getting ruined and lost. Keep all the paper in one place.
The different lines on the files can cause people some confusion. the following will assist you on the different types of lines:
Cutting Line : _______________
Valley Fold Line : __.__.__.__.__.
Mountain fold line: __ __ __ __ __ __
Once you cut out the shapes some of the flaps on the shapes may be too small to even consider gluing. In that case i like to make them a little larger to increase the chance of them actually sticking and staying where you want them to. You can do this by cutting little strips of rectangles out of the remaining card you have spare and gluing the smaller flap to it.
This will make it easier to glue the small fiddly flaps down.
STEP FOUR -
Folding your pieces appropriately is crucial! your piece needs to remain stable but with clean even folds in places! there are two different types of folds, the valley fold and mountain fold which are demonstrated in the image below:
Valley Fold Line : __.__.__.__.__.
Mountain fold line: __ __ __ __ __ __
Gluing pieces together is a simple process. Kind of like connect the dots. All your doing is connecting two of the same number together. For example Flap number 1 will stick to edge 1. SIMPLE!
Bear in mind whilst gluing your pieces together the lines need to line up perfectly! In order to get a nice clean fold i use a ruler and a pen (out of ink) to indent the fold then use my scalpel to finalise the fold (the blunt end no to cut the paper).
The glue i use is from Hobbycraft. which you can find here: GLUE
06/03/2015
When complete your model should look like this:
The next Step will be posted shortly! Email us with your result!
girly.geek0@gmail.com
Subject your email PROJECT OUTCOME and we will feature you!
