Why 3D print in metal when you could, more cheaply, plate your 3D prints in metal? Sure there are tons of reasons to 3D print in metal, but, if your goal is purely aesthetic, then coating your prints in a thin layer of metal is an affordable alternative. That’s why Monlith Studio has developed their low-cost electroplating device, the Orbit 1, which they displayed at Maker Faire in NYC this past weekend.
The Orbit 1 uses the process of electrodeposition to coat 3D prints in a thin metal coating. First, an ABS print is polished smooth in a process that may be similar to an acetone vapor bath. Then, it is sprayed with a conductive paint and placed into the tank of the Orbit 1 machine, where a small electrical charge drives the particles of the desired metal (nickel, copper, lead, or gold) to the conductive paint and covers the print in a fine layer. A mechanism on the top of tank causes the object to rotate while the electrodeposition is taking place. Such a process is ideal for creating jewelry, figurines, and prototypes.
Monlith tells Tom’s Guide that the machine will be complemented by smartphone apps meant to control the number of rotations made in the machine and other settings for varying the thickness of the material on the object. They also tell Tom’s that, when the Orbit 1 heads to Kickstarter in January of next year, that it will run for a retail price of around $3,000-4,000.
It’s possible that the Orbit 1 will automate some of the steps needed to plate your prints but, if you’d rather not wait for the Orbit 1 or would prefer not to pay the price for coating your objects in metal, you can come up with your own DIY solutions at home. All you’ll need is a battery, some alligator leads, a container, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, conductive paint, and the metal you’ll be using to coat your object. There are countless tutorials online that will give you specific details of how to perform the task, but you, more or less, hook the battery up to the metal you’ll be coating your print with and place it in the chemical bath with your object and, voila, you’ve got a metal coated print! For a quick overview of the process, watch the video below:
