USS Arizona

⚓ USS Arizona (BB-39) – 3D Printed Battleship Model

This is a detailed, fully 3D-printed model of the USS Arizona (BB-39) — one of the most iconic battleships in U.S. naval history. The completed model measures approximately 35 inches (89 cm) in length, designed for high fidelity and precise fitment across dozens of components.

🧩 Design & Modeling Process

The design began from an open-source FBX file, which was carefully converted into a B-Rep surface model for advanced CAD refinement. Each major structure was segmented into individual printable components for improved detail, modularity, and printability.

Using surface reconstruction and solid modeling techniques — including lofts, patches, and stitching — every section was rebuilt into watertight solids suitable for FDM printing. Part interfaces were optimized for mechanical fasteners and tight tolerances, while key areas were resized to accept M2.5 heat-set inserts for durable, serviceable assemblies.

🖨️ Printing Details

The model was printed on a Bambu Lab A1 using Bambu Matte PLA.

• Primary components: printed with a 0.4 mm nozzle using stock PLA settings for balanced strength and surface quality.
   
• Fine details such as searchlights, seaplane, cranes, and ladders were printed with a 0.2 mm nozzle to preserve small geometry and minimize cleanup.
  
   

Layer height, temperature, and speed were kept within Bambu’s default profile parameters. All parts were oriented for minimal support use, and seams were positioned strategically for hidden assembly lines.

🧱 Assembly

Parts were printed in high-resolution PLA, cleaned, dry-fitted, and assembled using CA glue. Fine details were installed after major hull and deck structures were complete.

Key subassemblies include:

• Main and secondary turrets with individual barrels
   
• Superstructure towers, rangefinders, and deck houses
   
• Aircraft catapult, crane, and reconnaissance seaplane
   
• Deck fittings, railing lines, and lifeboats
   
• Propellers, shafts, and rudders below the waterline
   

The total design, printing, and assembly process took over 50 hours of work.

⚙️ Materials & Hardware Used

Adhesive

• Starbond Medium Super Glue (CA adhesive) – for bonding printed sections and small features; strong hold on PLA.
   

Threaded Inserts & Fasteners

• HANG LIFE M2.5 Brass Heat-Set Threaded Inserts (3.5×4 mm) – embedded in propeller mounts and hull fittings.
   
• Mxuteuk M2.5 Stainless Steel Hex Socket Screws – used with inserts; M2.5 × 0.45 × 10 mm screws secure propellers.
  
   

Rigging & Chains

• Coats & Clark Dual Duty XP Heavy Thread (Slate) – used as railing cables and rigging lines.
   
• PandaHall Black Plastic Rolo Chain – used for anchor chains, cut to scale length.
  
   

🛠️ Assembly Notes

• Threaded inserts were installed using a soldering iron on low heat.
   
• Dry-fitting was done prior to gluing for clean alignment.
   
• Seams were sanded and blended for a smooth deck transition.
  
   

🕰️ Time & Effort

• CAD design & prep: ~20 hours
   
• 3D printing: ~25 hours
   
• Assembly & detailing: ~10 hours
  
   

🌊 About the Project

This build serves as both a tribute to the USS Arizona and a demonstration of precision CAD modeling and 3D printing techniques. It highlights how open-source assets can be transformed into robust, professional-grade assemblies through CAD reconstruction and thoughtful segmentation.

Upon request, I can provide the Fusion 360 (.f3d) file or a STEP (.stp) version for remixing or adaptation, in accordance with the attribution statement included in this project.