This time, we used 3D printing technology to create a 1:64 scale model of the Xiaomi Su-7. First, the model still requires a lot of time to process. For example, unnecessary parts need to be removed, thickness needs to be added to each face, and the model must be divided into modular sections. Only after this can it be smoothly assembled later.

Once the model was modified, we moved to the printing phase. After printing, the parts were placed in an ultrasonic cleaner for deep cleaning, followed by a second curing in water. Once cured, we had a complete set of Xiaomi Su-7 model parts, including a car body, chassis, interior, and several original factory wheels.

Next, we polished the surface of the model multiple times. There were still some layer lines on the model surface, so I used a craft knife to scrape off visible lines, then applied the first coat of filler. After the first layer of filler dried, I sanded the surface with 200-grit sponge sandpaper until it felt smooth to the touch. This process, repeated three times, resulted in a sleek Xiaomi Su-7 model.

For the painting step, I couldn’t find a spray can in Xiaomi Miami Blue, so I bought an airbrush paint online. Since I used an airbrush paint, I used a Turtle pump and airbrush for painting. Following the principle of spraying lightly multiple times, I carefully layered the paint until the color was evenly applied on each part of the car body. Afterward, I set the car body aside to dry.

During this time, I worked on the chassis interior and wheels. The chassis and interior were straightforward; I simply sprayed them matte black, then added detail using an acrylic marker. I like using a soft-tipped acrylic marker for detailing as it provides good coverage, and multiple coats are enough to cover the base color.

For the wheels, I used a chrome silver spray can.

After a while, the car body was dry, so I proceeded with detailing it in the same way as the wheels. I painted the roof, headlight grilles, and taillights black, and used a high-gloss silver oil pen to highlight details like headlights and the logo. With a final coat of clear gloss, the car body looked exceptionally pleasing to the eye.

The last step was making the car windows. I used vacuum forming to create the window glass, so I also modeled a vacuum-forming mold for the windows in the 3D model stage. Next, I used a vacuum forming machine. The principle is to use a household vacuum cleaner as the power source. After heating the PET sheet with a heat gun, the vacuum’s suction through the vacuum forming machine allows the sheet to shape around the mold. A car window shape emerges with impressive transparency. The formed PET window was then trimmed and fixed to the car body with UV glue.

With that, the painting and finishing of all 3D-printed parts for the Xiaomi Su-7 were complete.

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