Tritium Ring - Take Two

Here is the First Draft of my Tritium Ring

I finally got around to updating my design and printing it in in metal. I went with Stainless Steel in a Matte Black finish. I also altered the ring design from 3 Trit vials to 5.

Unfortunately, this was my first attempt printing in metal. I did not properly compensate for variations in printing sizes. The ring arrived looking just awesome, the internals looks correct, but not a single Trit vial would fit into its location. I was forced to use a Dremel and alter the internal grooves. Doing so resulted in some less than perfect marks along the ring.

The Trits are currently held in place with some fingernail top coat. I wanted something I could easily undo (with Acetone) so that I can salvage the Trits when I re-print the design.

Currently there are 5 Green Trit vials in the ring. I have 5 Ice Blue and 4 Red at my disposal.

EDIT: 4 Better photos





Sorry for the low-quality images - phone camera.

Very Nice. Perhaps you would explain where you got the 3D printing done? Can they do Titanium? How much did the printing cost? If you have a UV light source, maybe you can take pictures that show the tritium more. Way to go!


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KITROBASKIN said:

Very Nice.

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Thanks. I've been working on the designs for a while.

KITROBASKIN said:

Perhaps you would explain where you got the 3D printing done?

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The plastic prototypes were printed by Scuplteo.
The metal version was printed by Shapeways. Sculpteo didn't have a metal option that I liked.

KITROBASKIN said:

Can they do Titanium?

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The four 3D printing companies I have been checking out are Sculpteo, Shapeways, Ponoko and i.Materialize. Titanium is an option for some of them, but not all.

KITROBASKIN said:

How much did the printing cost?

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The prototypes were about $10-12 in ABS plastic. Plus shipping.
The metal version was about $16 - Stainless Steel with a Matte Black finish. Plus shipping.
Pricing various drastically by Material, Size and Company. I believe titanium would cost me about $150. Also, material will effect printing/delivery speed.

KITROBASKIN said:

If you have a UV light source, maybe you can take pictures that show the tritium more. Way to go!

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I don't have a true UV source, but I have some actinics that might bring out some more color. Also, using my actual camera will help as well. I just haven't had time while at home.

GaminKWB said:

I don't have a true UV source, but I have some actinics that might bring out some more color. Also, using my actual camera will help as well. I just haven't had time while at home.

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Updated original post with 4 higher-quality images.