Conor Mulligan - Engineering Portfolio
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LAPD 2019 Blaster (Blade Runner)
Description
The LAPD 2019 Blaster, officially designated as the M2019 PKD Detective Special, is the standard-issue sidearm of the Blade Runners—specialized officers tasked with hunting down rogue replicants in the neon-lit dystopia of Blade Runner's Los Angeles. A fusion of cutting-edge technology and classic firearm design, the blaster embodies the gritty, utilitarian aesthetic of a future riddled with moral ambiguity and technological advancements.
Built to ensure maximum stopping power and precision, the LAPD 2019 Blaster features a distinctive twin-trigger system and a combination of a revolving cylinder and a futuristic electronic display. This hybrid design allows it to fire both conventional ammunition and energy-based rounds, making it versatile enough to handle any threat, human or synthetic. Its heavy, rugged frame is designed for reliability in the harshest urban environments, ensuring it never fails in the field.
With its signature dark finish, amber grips, and glowing red LEDs, the weapon has become an iconic symbol of authority and control in a world where the line between human and machine is blurred. In the hands of a Blade Runner, the M2019 PKD Detective Special is more than just a weapon—it's a tool of judgment in a society where the difference between man and replicant is often razor-thin.
Challenges
- Balancing aesthetics and functionality in a compact design.
- Creating a seamless blend of transparent and opaque materials.
- Achieving precise alignment for lighting and mechanical parts.
Results
- Delivered a visually stunning and functional replica of the LAPD 2019 Blaster, combining interactive lighting with realistic finishes.
- Successfully integrated multiple materials and techniques to faithfully recreate the iconic prop.
Engineering Skills Demonstrated
- Electronics Integration: Wired LEDs with custom circuits and magnetic battery compartments.
- Resin Printing: Created detailed parts, including transparent amber grips, with precise post-processing.
- Material Science: Combined resin and metal components for functional and aesthetic balance.
- Mechanical Assembly: Incorporated springs and steel rods for movable parts and realistic functionality.
Project Summary:
- Fabricated a detailed replica of the LAPD 2019 Blaster from Blade Runner using resin printing, metal components, and interactive electronics, emphasizing accuracy and functionality.
Design and Fabrication Steps:
[1] 3D Printing and Surface Preparation:
- Printed components using an Anycubic Mono M5S with Anycubic Tough Resin for durability.
- Handle grips were printed with RESIONE Clear Water-Washable Resin in flaming orange to replicate the distinctive amber look.
- Post-processed parts by washing in 99.9% isopropyl alcohol and curing with the Anycubic Wash and Cure Station 2.0.
- Sanded all components with 400- and 2000-grit sandpaper for a smooth, polished finish.
[2] Electronics Integration:
- Installed 3mm red, yellow, and green LED lights and pre-wired diffused-lens diodes for functional lighting.
- Powered the LEDs with 12V A23 batteries housed in a magnetically attached compartment.
- Designed a circuit with slide switches and used 22 AWG pre-tinned wires, secured with heat-shrink tubing for clean, durable connections.
[3] Metal Components:
- Incorporated 3mm steel rods for functional pins, adjusting holes with a DeWalt drill for precise fits.
- Added ballpoint pen springs for trigger mechanisms, ensuring smooth movement.
[4] Painting and Detailing:
- Applied a base coat of TAMIYA Gloss Black lacquer to all parts.
- Layered Alclad II metallic paints for a realistic finish:
(a) Stainless Steel for light metallic parts.
(b) Magnesium for darker sections.
(c) A blend of steel and magnesium for gradient effects.
- Coated handle grips with Rustoleum UV-resistant gloss clear coat for a polished amber effect.
- Enhanced the weathered look with a black acrylic wash, applied to crevices and wiped away selectively.
[5] Assembly:
- Used Starbond CA glue to securely bond components.
- Ensured modular assembly for maintenance, including magnetic attachments for the battery compartment.
