Gundam 1/100 Astraea Shields

thingiverse

I invested considerable effort into designing this, but the shield arm joints proved to be my biggest obstacle. The ball and socket mechanism worked well initially, remaining tight for several days after priming, but eventually it would wear out and become loose. I also experimented with a hinge method, but unfortunately, that approach only made things worse due to the excessive number of moving parts involved. To address this issue, I tested various flex mix percentages, ranging from 0% to 50%, in an attempt to achieve a more durable design. However, despite my best efforts, the joints remained loose over time, prompting me to abandon that approach altogether. Ultimately, I settled for finding a decent position and securing the joints permanently with glue. This design was specifically intended for use with resin printers, so if you're working with an FDM printer, be prepared for some extensive sanding to achieve the desired results. If you'd like to support me in sharing free designs, consider purchasing my files for just $1 on my Etsy page. I have a wide range of designs from different series available. You can also connect with other enthusiasts through our Facebook group, 3D Printed Gunpla, which is dedicated exclusively to this topic. Joining the group would be an excellent way to stay up-to-date on the latest developments and share your own experiences in this field.