Halo Reach Operator Helmet 3D modeling and printing

[kaiiorg]

Hi!

I found the operator, CBRN2, and CNM-I .obj files in the archive and have started some (rather crude) 3D modeling with a program called Open SCAD. In this program, you basically import your models (or use primitives) and manipulate them directly with a scripting language. I've found it easier to use than Blender, since it has a smaller learning curve if you already know how to program. Well... to me at least.

My process so far takes me from the .obj file to blender. In blender, I use my mediocre skills to import the file, move the object down, solidify it (so the faces have a non-zero depth), and export it to .stl. I also have another .stl where I have removed the faces of the visor. Next, the .stl file can then be directly imported into Open SCAD and manipulated incrementally until I like what I've ended up with, or with real logic if I know exactly want I want to happen.

Here's my progress so far:


I don't know how well it'd work, but I think I'll start working on slicing the helmet into more manageable parts in Open SCAD, then take what ever I've come up with to my local hacker/makerspace to print it out. We just have to finish getting that stupid 3d printer back up and running!

 

[MasterSensei]

Lookin good. subbed

 

[kaiiorg]

Turns out, I forgot to make sure all the faces on the attachments weren't zero thickness... I end up with this now

Just the outline of the part. Fully rendering it leaves me with nothing.
View attachment 33750

Rendering the helmet alone gives me this:
View attachment 33751


Based on prior experience, I'm fairly sure I can work with this. I haven't figured out how to fix the attachments, however. Anyone more experienced have any suggestions?

 

[kaiiorg]

aaannnndddd.... I'm stuck. Trying to slice up the helmet base gives me the same problem. I think that the models are hollow between the inner and outer faces. Anyone know how to fix that?

I think I'll try scaling it down so that it is at least a decent desktop model, until I can fix these problems.

 

[kaiiorg]

I made some progress last night and today.



I installed a copy of NetFabb (yay student licenses!) and fixed the models. This made them solid now, but I should (hopefully) be able to hollow them out with OpenSCAD. I can export what's in the picture above to .STL, but I don't know if I'll keep having such luck. I wasn't able to get the attachments to work correctly, but I hope I can just work on those separately. I can't help but feel that there's a relevent XKCD.

 

[kaiiorg]

I haven't made any additional progress with the modeling, but I'm doing a test print with the solid netfabb fixed version.