Debate: Types of wire for shaping and support
Posted: February 22nd, 2015, 8:29 pm
As those who have made a RyuJin (or many other models) know, wire is sometimes needed for shaping or support.
Wire is used for shaping models with long curved forms. It is also used to support weight bearing portions of models. When supporting weight bearing portions of models, sometimes the wire is also attached to a base for the model.
The best wire should be thin so it can fit between layers of paper. The gauge of wire is how thick it is. Here is a guide: http://www.whimsie.com/gauge%20wire.html
The material chosen impacts hardness/flexibility and strength. Metals include aluminum, steel, copper, Bronze, titanium, etc. Non-metal materials could be chosen as well. Choosing the proper material is important because it will allow you to have a thinner wire.
Hardness "aka" flexibility is relevant, because harder wires are harder to bend but will be stiffer in the final model. Solid wire is more appropriate than stranded wire because stranded wire is too flexible. Different metals can be treated to change their hardness. Usually hobby wire is sold as soft or 1/2 hard.
Finally there is wire cross-section shape (round, 1/2 round, flat, square).
Let's discuss what wiring people prefer. Other methods for shaping and support (besides MC, glue, or other paper treatments) are open for discussion as well.
Wire is used for shaping models with long curved forms. It is also used to support weight bearing portions of models. When supporting weight bearing portions of models, sometimes the wire is also attached to a base for the model.
The best wire should be thin so it can fit between layers of paper. The gauge of wire is how thick it is. Here is a guide: http://www.whimsie.com/gauge%20wire.html
The material chosen impacts hardness/flexibility and strength. Metals include aluminum, steel, copper, Bronze, titanium, etc. Non-metal materials could be chosen as well. Choosing the proper material is important because it will allow you to have a thinner wire.
Hardness "aka" flexibility is relevant, because harder wires are harder to bend but will be stiffer in the final model. Solid wire is more appropriate than stranded wire because stranded wire is too flexible. Different metals can be treated to change their hardness. Usually hobby wire is sold as soft or 1/2 hard.
Finally there is wire cross-section shape (round, 1/2 round, flat, square).
Let's discuss what wiring people prefer. Other methods for shaping and support (besides MC, glue, or other paper treatments) are open for discussion as well.