Dark Star Saber (Transformers Prime)

I present: The Dark Star Saber!

Without the need for dark energon. I did have to learn blender though, and O think that's pretty much the same thing, seeing as both will drive you insane. Anyway, you all can simply download the files and print it, no need for insanity, though you will need some additional materials. 

Materials needed:

A support rod, 8mm, 1m long. I used a threaded rod, but a wooden one will work as well.

Printing:

Theres quite a lot to print here, using a 0.16 Layer Height it takes almost two full days of printing but i think the results are worth it.

The hilt parts all require support and the spikes can be a bit of trouble, I've optimized the 3mf file a lot, but you should know what you're doing before you start to print this.

For the blade parts a brim can be advantageous given their small contact with the build plate and height.

Using 2 walls should be sufficient, as the stability comes from the reinforcement rod. 

Assembly:

Assembly is pretty straightforward, just be aware that these pictures are from the LED Version, which looks a little different. All the parts for this version have been test printed to make sure they fit, I just didn't make pics for two instructions.

Once you've got all the parts printed, you have to remove the supports and brims.

All the blade parts can be simply slid onto the reinforcement and glued together.

Don't forget the smaller 4.5 part, so the parts fit together better, its a separate piece, so the other parts can be better orientated for printing.

If you want to paint it, now would be a good time.

You don't need to be an artist to level up your print a lot. Priming and clear coating is recommended, but for the most part its just using some dark purple or black paint on the middle and feather it out a little. It's fine to be a little bit rough, I just dabbed it on with a sponge.

 You can then slide on and glue the parts spikes upper and spikes lower and close it with the upper spikes cover. 

You first have to click on one side.

Then bend it a little until the other side snaps in.

Last step, add the grip and glue on the pommel. 

Watch out, the pieces aren't perfectly symmetrical, so if they don't fit completely, rotate them 180°

And you're done!

Congrats, you now own a replica Dark Star Saber. No dark energon needed.

Scale:

Printing as is, the complete Saber is about 1.3 meters long.

 Scaling is possible, just be aware that it will affect the diameter of the holes for the reinforcement.

Filament:

I used ZIRO translucent purple PLA for the blade, and generic black PLA (Anycubic, I think) for the Hilt.

All that being said, happy printing!

Want to take it to the next level? Here's a version with space for LEDs! It works with a simple LED strip, no soldering required: https://makerworld.com/de/models/1623704-dark-star-saber-led-version-transformers-prime#profileId-1714208 

And if you're felling less like world domination and more like saving the universe, I have also made the original Star Saber: https://makerworld.com/de/models/1511704-star-saber-transformers-prime#profileId-1583029