3D Model Finished-ish

I've got a 3D model completed that should be just fine in the 3D printer. I had a few confusing issues with holes appearing in my models after performing a few Pro Boolean operations in 3DSMax, but using the "Cap Holes" Modifier fixed them in most cases. The one instance it didn't fix the issues was when one solid had a double face, which I eventually realised I could delete (along with a resultant unconnected edge).

My main hope is that the buttons are in the right positions, and that they will sit at the right heights to be able to press the rubber contacts below them. It was a bit of a battle to get all the measurements done accurately for the different relevant parts of the NES controller's circuitboard and rubber contacts, but I eventually figured it out.

Here are some 3D "renders" of the model...

An angled perspective view of the controller with the buttons and D-pad placed in the top half:


A top view of the controller with the buttons and D-pad placed adjacent to the top half:


An angled perspective view of the buttons and D-pad on their own:



One thing I didn't know how to show in the renders was the fact that just underneath the lettering on the buttons, I subtracted the same lettering again, since that would be something that isn't possible for an average designer to achieve to the same quality in any medium other than 3D printing. I'm hoping that it will show up when the controller is looked at under bright light.

Now to crunch some numbers. Using Jeremy's approximation that printing a 10cm cube costs about $100, noting that a 10cm cube is 1 000 000mm^3, and noting that my model fills a rectangular prism of about 300 500 mm^3, the cost for my model should be (300 500 / 1 000 000)*$100 =~ $30.

That's a pretty good price for a funky new NES controller case! :D



Currently, I'm wondering if I could make use of the remaining space in the aforementioned rectangular prism. The case is mostly hollow, so something like a simple chain could fit in it, so I could well make a necklace or bracelet or something. If I can't come up with something reasonably soon, I'll just submit the model I have and leave it at that.