Life Size Dummy 13 Assembly Instructions
Dummy 13 Assembly Overview
The general Dummy 13 assembly instructions are outlined below. Before beginning the life‑size build, assemble the included free 8" Dummy 13. This smaller model will help you become familiar with the components and how they fit together.
Tools needed for assembly:
electric heat gun, such as WARRIOR 1500 Watt, 11 Amp Dual-Temperature Heat Gun (use the LOW temperature setting)
Scaling a design to 1300% introduces challenges that aren’t present at the 8" size. Some parts simply cannot fit on the 3D‑printer build plate at this scale, so certain components are printed in two pieces and then assembled. In addition, plastic behaves very differently at this size—large parts do not flex the way small ones do. To compensate, the joints in the life‑size Dummy 13 have been specially engineered to provide additional flexibility while still maintaining the tension needed to hold poses.
Even with these redesigned joints, we found that assembly forces at this scale could still cause cracking. For that reason, all skeleton components are printed in PA6 nylon, a tough engineering‑grade copolymer with characteristics that become especially valuable during assembly.
One of nylon’s key advantages is its ability to be moisture‑conditioned. When exposed to a high‑humidity environment for 24 hours, nylon absorbs moisture and becomes significantly more flexible, making joint insertion much easier. As the material returns to equilibrium with room air, it gradually regains its original rigidity.
Moisture‑Conditioning the Nylon Parts (Required Before Assembly)
To make assembly easier and reduce the risk of cracking, we strongly recommend moisture‑conditioning the nylon socket components before installation.
PA6 nylon becomes dramatically tougher and more flexible when it absorbs moisture. This flexibility is essential for assembling the ball-and‑socket joints without cracking. Dry nylon is stiff and more brittle, whereas fully conditioned nylon bends, stretches, and snaps into place safely.
To ensure proper assembly, please use one of the conditioning methods below.
Recommended Container
For best results, we strongly recommend using a Sterilite 20‑Quart or 80-Quart Gasket‑Seal Tote, available at Walmart, they are inexpensive and perfect for the task as the gasket helps seal in humidity.
Sterilite 20‑Quart Clear Gasket Box with Blue Latches
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sterilite-20-Quart-Clear-Gasket-Box-with-Blue-Latches-Gasket/39916455
or
Sterilite 20 Gallon (80 Quart) Large Gasket Tote, IP68 WaterProof lastic Storage Bin with Lid, Gasket Seal and Durable Latches, Black
https://www.walmart.com/ip/seort/17936606052
This style of container seals tightly and reliably traps humidity for the full conditioning period.
Method 1 — Bathroom Steam Conditioning (Highly Effective & Easy)
This method uses a steamy bathroom to create a fully saturated humidity environment.
Run a hot shower for several minutes until the bathroom becomes warm and foggy.
Condensation on mirrors indicates the air is at or near 100% humidity.
Place the nylon parts inside the Sterilite gasket‑seal tote along with a small bowl containing ½ inch of water. Do not allow the parts to touch the water.
While the bathroom is still steamy, close the tote and seal the lid. This traps fully saturated air inside the container.
Leave the sealed tote in the warm bathroom for 12–24 hours.
This method reliably produces a fully humid environment, allowing the nylon to absorb enough moisture to become flexible for assembly.
Method 2 — Warm Location + Sealed Tote (No Steam Required)
This method works anywhere and requires only the sealed tote and a warm spot in the home.
Place the nylon parts inside the Sterilite gasket‑seal tote.
Add a small bowl with ½ inch of water inside the tote. Do not allow the parts to touch the water
Place the sealed tote in a warm location such as:
A warm laundry room
A sunny window area
Near (but not touching) a space heater
On top of a low‑temperature heating pad set to warm, not hot
Leave the parts sealed for 12–24 hours.
The bowl of water maintains 100% humidity inside the tote, ensuring full conditioning.
Method 3 — Contractor‑Bag Steam Tent (For Very Large Parts)
Use this method if the parts are too large to fit comfortably in the tote.
Place the parts inside a heavy‑duty contractor garbage bag.
Place a small open container of hot water inside the bag (such as a mug or bowl). Do not allow the parts to touch the water.
Inflate the bag slightly with air, then twist and tie it closed sealing completely.
Leave the bag sealed for 12–24 hours in the warmest area of your home.
This creates a large, sealed, high‑humidity chamber suitable for oversized components.
After Conditioning
The nylon will be noticeably more flexible and much easier to assemble.
Over the next several days, after assembly, the parts will gradually return to normal stiffness as they dry.
This does not affect long‑term durability.
Pre‑Assembled Components
Where practical, major sections of your Dummy 13—such as the chest, pelvis, arms, and legs—have been pre‑assembled. Unfortunately, we cannot ship him fully assembled due to shipping constraints. For any remaining joints that require assembly, we strongly recommend moisture‑conditioning the socket components using the method above.
Using Heat to Assist Assembly
Gentle heat can also help. Lightly warming the parts will make them more pliable; however, take care not to overheat or deform the plastic. A hair dryer is often a safer option, as it provides enough heat to increase flexibility without reaching the temperatures of a heat gun.
Assembling the Joints
Even when properly moisture‑conditioned, the life‑size Dummy 13 joints may require a considerable amount of force to seat fully. This is normal. The joints are engineered to be tight so they can support the weight and maintain stable poses once assembled. Using heat to gently warm just the socket portion of the joint, not the ball, will help the plastic become more pliable to aid assembly. be careful not to overheat the plastic which could permanently deform the joint, and only apply heat to the skeleton socket part, and not the outer armor, as the skeleton is made of a more heat resistant material than the armor.
Rest assured that the parts will fit, and with proper moisture conditioning beforehand, and heating, the risk of cracking is significantly reduced. Take your time, apply steady pressure, and ensure the components are aligned before committing to the final push.
If a part does crack during assembly, don’t worry—super glue works well for minor repairs, and replacement components are available at a nominal cost.
Final Notes
Enjoy assembling your Dummy 13. It’s a unique, hands‑on experience, and the finished piece is something you’ll be proud to display. If you have any questions or run into difficulty at any point, simply email support@3DCreationsofRI.com and we’ll be happy to help.
