Spielberg wanted the eyes to rotate left and right according to the movement of Indiana Jones as he moved about the room.
Goal.
To create a perfect replica of the Golden Fertility Idol with eyes that rotate in their sockets according to the movement of a person approaching the idol from both sides.
The inner mechanics of the idol were created by Kit West. These were hidden by the backside of the sculpture which was held in place with magnets. The eyes were controlled remotely via servo so that their movement could be manipulated, out of frame, during filming.
ANIMATRONICS
Electroplating Copper
In an attempt to create the most realistic metallic finish possible, I set out on a quest to electroplate the shell of the idol in copper.
This process involves two chemical reactions:
1. to form copper(II) acetate
Cu(s) + 2CH3COOH(aq) -> Cu(CH3COO)2(aq) + H2(g)
2. a reduction reaction to form copper on the part itself
Cu²+(aq) + 2e- -> Cu(s)
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The Key to Electroplating 3D printed parts is making by first making the surface conductive. This allows the Cu2+ ions to move in the direction of the current and bind themselves to the part. I did this by mixing graphite with acetone and painting it onto my part. While the surface plated lightly in copper, the finish was not to the caliber I wanted and the endeavor was ultimately scrapped for a more reliable spray paint finish.
