Electroplating is a great way to add strength or shine to a 3D print. However, we don’t see too many people trying it with gold. [HEN3DRIK] isn’t afraid to experiment, though, and pulled off some amazing, high-quality jewelry-grade plating!
The design for the project was the so-called Ring of Power from Lord of the Rings. The print was created on a resin printer at a high quality level, washed thoroughly to remove any remaining resin, and then cured. The print was then post-processed with sandpaper to make it as smooth as possible. Conductive paint was then applied, ready to take on the plating layers. [HEN3DRIK] first started by plating copper to build up a tough base layer, then nickel to prevent mixing between the copper and gold. The gold is then finally plated on top. Plating the copper is done with the ring constantly rotating to get as even a coat as possible. In contrast, the gold plating is done with a brush to avoid wasting the highly-expensive plating solution.
The final result is a gleaming gold ring that probably feels strangely light in the hand. The technique is time consuming, thanks to the need to plate multiple layers, but the results are to die for. We’ve seen [HEN3DRIK]’s fine work before, too. Video after the break.
But does it make you invisible? And do you have to go to Mount Doom in Mordor to destroy it?
In any case, I’ll make an order. I need:
Three rings for the Elven kings under the sky
Seven for the Dwarf Lords in their halls of stone
Nine for mortal Men doomed to die
And for me, One ring to rule them all; one ring to find them; one ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them, in the land of Mordor where all the Shadows lie. (But in a cross-genre joke, the Vorlons also lie)
They don’t mention it here but these kinds of rings have a high potential of turning you into a small ghoulish creature after excess use.
Not at all, in human trials these rings are extremely beneficial, typically extending the wearer’s lifespan dramatically. Of course there are some side effects.
If you wear it a lot and you’re allergic to nickel, you’ll get a nasty rash.
Turning into some kind of ghost is only a side effect? 😁
But on the flipside you do get a sweet dragon mount, and no microtransactions needed!
“But does it make you invisible?”
Well? Turn around. Do you see HEN3DRIK standing right behind you?
At least it helps with lowering degloving injuries if the ring can tear apart, right?
just goes to show that meme about don’t invent the torment nexus is very much on point.
https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/torment-nexus
Not really because it contains none of the functionality of the original. This is little more than an impressive prop build for which they should be commended.
I love the composition of the video. It first shows you the product and then shows the process in a succinct manner.