My first constraint for this project is making sure the materials I use do not create something extremely heavy and annoying to carry around. Since this prop does not need to be used functionally as a sword and only as something for show I want the material to be light.
The next constraint would be in making sure that the swords are durable. So using something like cardboard though it would be extremely light may break very easily or bend, ruining the look of the prop. Something like a thin wood stacked onto each other may prove more durable for this project.
The third constraint would be the sizing of the swords as this will limit the types of wood/ necessity of wood work needed to find the ideal size. Something around arms length (2 to 3 feet) might suffice and will also help in making sure it stays light.
The fourth constraint is assembling the swords in such a manner that an Arduino can be put in place to control LEDs that are activated by some switch around the handle. This will require some parts of the wood to have hallow pieces which may become weak spots for the prop.
The final constraint is making sure that the design of this sword holds true to it’s fantasy/cosplay aesthetic. It shouldn’t look extremely realistic or like a toy but it should be recognizable to it’s origins and compliment a full cosplay.
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[…] Top 5 Constraints: Prop Swords […]
That is so awesome you’re making a Cosplay sword! I’d want to make something like the Deity Link sword. I’m excited to see what yours turns out to be. I did a quick search and it looks like they use XPS foam (eXtruded PolyStyrene). What sword are you going to replicate?
This is a really interesting project. From what I know about cosplay, usually the costume reflects that of an actual character in a game. show, ect. Is there a specific character or motivation you are deriving the sward design from. Picking something specific may help develop ideas for the sword. Very cool!
This is a cool project! I think you thought out a lot of the potential issues so good work on that! I would suggest that for the structural stability, maybe integrate some wiring through the interior as a very durable light weight answer. I think your biggest challenge is integrating the Arduino in a way that it is hidden well. I have a similar challenge for my project.
This looks like a cool project. I am not sure what type of aesthetics your are going for, but is most likely will include many curves and sharp edges. It will be extremely hard to machine such shapes. If you want a durable lightweight material, you could 3D print it. It will eliminate any machining constraints and ensure accuracy in your design.
I definitely think the sizing of the swords both height and width are the biggest constraints for this project. Since you don’t want it unproportional to what they actually are supposed to be, the success of it will depend on the material you choose. The lights will also be hard to incorporate and finding a spot for the internals.