CAPS!

[Maethius]

I am curious if there are ways to order caps for Zoid kits (individual sprues?) whether plastic HMM parts or rubber parts, or even hardware that can be used as caps (I even looked at the caps for car tires). I haven't seen anyone producing 3D printed or cast-copy parts, either. I find that a lack of caps is a truly limiting factor in my customs and designs for future ones. I know I can learn to cast my own, or even order 3D printed caps, but I was wondering if there are other sources out there.

Thoughts?

[Fulano]

On the Zoids discord channel (linked to and moderated by the same people of the Zoids subreddit), there are a few members who make 3D-printed caps of various sizes and colors.

That's really all I can add to this conversation, though. I haven't ever seen Tomy or Koto-branded caps for sale by themselves.

[Snowflake]

Surely you need something with good friction and flexibility, which 3d printing is... the opposite of, isn't it?

[Maethius]

3D prints really vary a lot, depending on how they are done. Resin printers tend to get higher detail and durability compared to plastic filament. I really appreciate the point toward the Discord; I need to check it out. Ultimately I hope to get my own 3D printer and get busy creating my own parts, but I need to be able to justify the expense, first!

[dchan]

Are you specifically looking for something that will bend and flex? I've used a bunch of different resins and so far have found nothing as pliable as Tomy caps (or Gundam polycap parts), but it certainly might exist out there. Or maybe you just want them to complete the look of your customs, the way Koto's caps are just hard ABS plastic.

[Fontana]

This is a very annoying problem for ZOIDS modders. I understand the feeling very well.

In Japan, some people make their own ZOIDS with 3d printers, while others make molds and replicate them with resin.

In addition, in Japan, rubber caps are sometimes sold by themselves on flea market sites.

[Charlie]

I do wish to own a 3D printer one day and at least get some replacement part that have broken down. Perhaps caps can be printed with a soft plastic.

[Maethius]

Sept 28, 2021 16:35:43 GMT -5 dchan said:

Are you specifically looking for something that will bend and flex? I've used a bunch of different resins and so far have found nothing as pliable as Tomy caps (or Gundam polycap parts), but it certainly might exist out there. Or maybe you just want them to complete the look of your customs, the way Koto's caps are just hard ABS plastic.

Oh, I don't need anything really pliabe... my biggest concerns are size (reasonably close to existing caps) and how well they take paint. Well, and cost. They can be of any design, in fact, even unique sculpts... I just want to be able to create a new custom and throw 20-30-500 caps at it and make it look more officially Zoidy.

[Hanyoutai]

StaticClaws over on Etsy plans to start listing caps soon. Their designs are currently based on Wild kits, but others are planned in the future. The caps would be 3D printed. If you'd rather contact them immediately, you can send an E-mail to: [e-mail]

Here's a photo of the Wild caps they've got so far. They can print in a heaping ton of colors, and are looking at adding more designs over time.



Here's a rough example of what colors they can print in:

[Maethius]

Fantastic! Thanks for the post!

[dchan]

Oct 6, 2021 15:26:36 GMT -5 Maethius said:

Oh, I don't need anything really pliabe... my biggest concerns are size (reasonably close to existing caps) and how well they take paint. Well, and cost. They can be of any design, in fact, even unique sculpts... I just want to be able to create a new custom and throw 20-30-500 caps at it and make it look more officially Zoidy.

Well in that case I think a resin printer would really serve you well-- Zoids caps are sort of the perfect shape for printing, I think you could just place them flat on the build plate and wouldn't even need to add supports. You could probably knock out dozens of caps in a single ~30 min print I'm guessing. I'm still new to it, with about 1 yr under my belt, but feel free to ask if you had any firsthand-type questions.

Of course Hanyoutai's suggestion is probably much easier and cheaper too

[Maethius]

I've been looking at the Form Labs Form3. It is very pricy, but so far it is unrivaled for detail.