1:12 1/12 scale 5mm Digital Eye base for MegamiDevice and Megalomaria Kotobukiya action figure

Designed this 5mm eyeball to be easy FDM printed with enough precision (using 0.4 nozzle and 0.12mm layer). Main idea is to use MegamiDevice 3mm/2.5mm semi-transparent color sprue parts as an iris, and 2mm black sprue parts (LittleArmory) as a pupil. Iris micro-lens is magnifying pupil and also creating 3D effect of tracing gaze when looking at model from various angles - model is always looking straight back at you.

Short guide:

1. Print eyeball (alone or with hex bit support), then use 3mm/2.5mm drill bit to fine-cut shallow front socket for iris.
2. Use 2mm drill bit to fine-cut and clean main 2mm tunnel. If you print just eyeball - use opposite side of 2mm drill bit as a holder.
3. Insert flat polished side of 3mm/2.5mm sprue into eyeball socket, and cut it to still have ~2mm protruding for further shaping (or longer if cut is making edge foggy)
4. Use file to shape cone, then rough spherical surface, then use gunprimer or glass file to shape more accurate and even convex surface to match contours of eyeball sphere by looking form the side.
5. Use fine grit sponges/sandpaper to gradually polish surface to a smooth glass-like finish (I'm using 3600, 4000, 6000, 12000 grit sponges)
6. Polish micro-lens surface using finer materials like leather and cotton. If you printed HEX bit holder version - cut off eyeball from the base.
7. Carefully extract micro-lens. Then insert approx 2mm long bar of 2mm sprue for the pupil form the rear side of 2mm tunnel, gently push up to the 3mm/2.5mm chamber edge. Optionally drill 1mm hole in its center for extra 3D pupil effect. Clean all micro-dust.
8. Insert micro-lens back into front socket (or put lens flat side up on rubber surface, then snap on eyeball)

The latest "v3" version has exact 3mm/2.5mm front socket. Previous versions are obsolete, yet attaching them if you decide to precisely drill iris of another diameter after print.

Category: Toys & Games