Atari 2600 Fridge Magnet

Screen Shot 2016-04-11 at 10.48.03 PM.png

I was inspired by a vintage video game system on display at the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Using Tinkered, I 3D modeled the Atari 2600 and printed it on a 3D printer to make one of a kind custom fridge magnets.

Design

Screen Shot 2016-04-11 at 10.40.57 PM.png

Screen Shot 2016-04-11 at 10.40.26 PM.png

From photos or an actual machine, sketch out the details. I record basic shapes and colors. Using Tinkered I 3D model the console, joysticks and cartridges.

3D Print

Screen Shot 2016-04-11 at 10.41.18 PM.png

I use a Makerbot 3D printer, that is available for free at my community library maker space. The filament color doesn't mater as I will be painting the prints.

Clean & Prime Prints

Screen Shot 2016-04-11 at 10.42.40 PM.png

Screen Shot 2016-04-11 at 10.42.24 PM.png

I use a small file, hobby knife and stiff brush, to clean up the 3D prints. Then I spay the prints with a grey primer.

Cartridge Art

Screen Shot 2016-04-11 at 10.39.18 PM.png

Screen Shot 2016-04-11 at 10.39.37 PM.png

Google search for cartridge art. I choose Space Invaders, Astroids and Pacman. Scale the image to the game cartridge size you 3D printed. Print the images on a color printer and cut out. Glue onto the face of the 3D printed game cartridge.

Paint

Screen Shot 2016-04-11 at 10.44.01 PM.png

Screen Shot 2016-04-11 at 10.45.30 PM.png

Screen Shot 2016-04-11 at 10.46.39 PM.png

Screen Shot 2016-04-11 at 10.46.56 PM.png

Use acrylic craft paint (black, orange, red & white) to paint the 3D prints like the vintage game system. Use thin coats. Drying time can be sped up using a hair dryer.

I dry brush white to bring out details and give it a worn look.

Spay with a clear coat to protect the paint job.

Attach Magnet

Screen Shot 2016-04-11 at 10.46.05 PM.png

Screen Shot 2016-04-11 at 10.46.26 PM.png

Cut magnetic strips to length.

5 minute Epoxy glue is used to attach the magnets to the back of the 3D prints.