Matrix of Leadership (Fully Functional)

“In the darkest hour…” 

This one was fun to design. There are a few models out there, even some who break apart, so I wanted to make something that also has the sphere hovering in the middle, at least the illusion of it. So want to feel like a Prime yourself? 

Variants:

There are 3 main Variants, 

Full: includes the mechanism to break it apart and make the inner sphere hover in the air, holds together with magnets and can easily be light up

Magnetic: This one breaks apart just the same,but the sphere is not fixed inside and has no hole for string, but can be light up easily as well

Static: No functionality, but will still look good on your shelf

Sphere: For every version the are two options for the middle Sphere. Either smooth are with a crystalline texture as it is shown in some continuities. The choice is yours.

Materials:

For the Full version you'll need a bit of hardware:

• 10x3 Magnets (4x)
• 6x3 Magnets (2x)
• Extension Springs, 32 mm x 4 mm (4x), (a lager diameter or a slight different in length will be fine to) 
• Fishing line, 1 meter is more than enough (any string/line will work, but clear works best to keep with the illusion)
• A light source (almost anything will work, I used one of these “electric tealight/party decoration thingies”)

The Magnetic Version only requires the10x3 and if you want it to light up, a light source and 6x3 Magnets, the Static version requires no hardware, just glue for assembly

Printing:

There are quite a few parts to print and some of them aren't easy/require post post processing, but i tweaked the orientations and supports to make it easier. At 0.16 height quality printing take about 1-1.5 days.

I recommend a smooth build plate for a cleaner look with less obvious seam lines.

Spheres are notoriously a problematic part to print, often with visible layer lines. I made use of variable height range quite a bit due to this and keept them oriented so you wont see where the supports are as much as possible. The Grey Casing parts can be printed on edge (nicer edge, less nice support interface inside) or the outside flat part (inside will look nice, but can be problematic to support and might need some sanding to fit nicely into the golden part). 

The Handle Front can be printed standing or lying. Standing will look better, but require more printing time and a lot more supports. 

Assembly:

This is the assembly for the Full version, so depending on which one you pick, you can skip some steps (more at the end). Assembly isn't really complicated, but some parts can be a bit finicky.

Optional Step 0.5: Coating the Sphere. 

To archive that shiny, crystalline look, I used UV resin, two thin coats makes for a nice shine. Mod Podge/ Dimensional Magic or similar products will work as well. If you do this, you might want to print the sphere at a 99% so it will still fit. You might also have to re-drill the holes for the strings.

Step 1: Insert the magnets. Two for the Sphere (6x3) and four for the Handles (10x3)

(Note: I have slightly redesigned the Sphere part so the pattern covers the whole sphere, front and back)

Step 2: Put the light source in place. I used hot glue. That way, if I ever want to change it, I can pry it back out with relative ease.

Step 3: Assemble the Casing by glueing the grey parts into the gold ones. Make sure everything sits flush to avoid obvious seems later on.

Step 4: Attach the small Details to the Casing.

Step 5: The spring mechanism. (String highlighted in red for better visibility)

Start out by putting in two springs, on one side and connect one line to each.

Thread the strings through the Sphere Front, left to right, crossing the lines. Close up this side with the Handle Top, making sure the string goes over the guide pin and through the hole.

Tie the string ends to two more springs and put them in place. There should be just a little bit of slack in the system when closed.

Close up this side too, making sure the string follows the correct path over the litte guide pins.

Check to see if it works, then you can close the Sphere. 

From the back: 

Step 6: Install the casing. This part can be a bit trick with just two hands, but the simplest method is to extend the handle, slide the Casing in between Handle and Sphere and then slide it onto the Handle. Repeat for the other side, check the fit and glue in place.

Congratulations! You now have a fully functioning Matrix of Leader ship!

For Magnetic version: Assemble the same and simply ignore Step 5.

For the Static version: Ignore stuff about magnets and springs. The Handles are already in one piece, no need to assemble them. The Grey Casing parts are cut at a slight angle so you won't see the seam between them.

I've also designed a simple stand. Left blank on purpose, so you can put whatever text you want on it, if you so desire. “Matrix of Leadership”, “Till all are one”, or whatever else you want.

Scale:

The finished model is approx. 25 x 17 cm.

A1  mini:  All parts will individually fit on the A1 mini build plate. Simply download the files, change the printer and rearrange the parts. It's gonna be quite a few plates to print this way though.

Filament:

I used the following (though any others will work just fine):

Handels + Details: Anycubic PLA Silk Silver, 

Outer Casing: ESUN PLA Silk Gold, 

Inner Casing: ZIRO PLA Silk Black-Silver, 

Sphere: ZIRO PLA Translucent Light Blue

All that being said, HAPPY PRINTING!

Want more like this? An ion blaster to go with it? A fusion cannon? Star Saber? Something else? Check out more of my Transformers related models:

https://www.printables.com/@AdmiralSam_2544890/collections/2648384