Creating HAL 9000 Model Parts in SOLIDWORKS
I love finding quirky items to display in my home office. But I seem to always find things that aren't quite complete. Like this iconic HAL 9000 replica I picked up recently (from 2001: A Space Odyssey, which was released 58 years ago this week). The model kit included a stand, but no wall-mount provisions, nor anything to secure the 9-volt battery. Luckily, the future is now - with access to SOLIDWORKS and a 3D printer, I have everything I need to remedy this situation. Here's how I did it!
SOLIDWORKS Part Design
I like to begin my SOLIDWORKS design projects with a sketch... on paper. It's an intuitive way to quickly brainstorm and map out ideas, and serves as a handy off-screen reference later, while working on the 3D model. In this case, I needed a wall mount bracket and battery holder, each with simple design requirements, which I'll glue in place.
The hanger will be a simple angled piece with a notch to secure a nail. I'll be sure the angle matches the model, to provide plenty of glue surface. A couple of Boss Extrude features roughed in the basic shape, 2 chamfers eased the corner to match the model and improve strength, and a Cut Extrude provided the nail notch.
The battery holder needs to keep the battery in place while allowing for easy removal. I extruded a rounded rectangle shape slightly oversized from the cross-section of the battery, added a base, then cut one side off to provide access. Finally, a fillet softens the sharp corner.
3D Printing and Assembly
These parts are small enough and don't need to be particularly strong, so I opted to print them on my home 3D printer using PLA plastic; both were finished in about half an hour, so I printed extras (just in case).
A little super glue and patience later, the wall-mount bracket and 9-volt battery holder were affixed in place and ready to hang on the wall.
I love how the model turned out, and it'll be a fun addition to my workspace.
Now I just need to find a way to make HAL say, "I’m sorry, Dave, I can’t do that." But that'll be a project for another day!
More SOLIDWORKS DIY Projects
Wonder Woman Costume Comes to Life with 3D Printing, 3D Scanning, and 3D Design
SOLIDWORKS Backyard Design Project
Designing a Trailer Using SOLIDWORKS Weldments
About Matthew Kusz
Matthew Kusz is a Senior Technical Support Engineer at GoEngineer. When Matthew isn’t assisting customers with their engineering challenges, he spends his free time repairing antique watches/clocks, designing furniture, tending his aquariums and learning about bee keeping.
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