3D Printed Tags for Roses in Garden

Challenge: To produce tags suitable for the garden to identify roses when planted.   

Background: The 3D Print was identified as the best resource to produce this as it would allow the production of something that was durable and would not suffer from weathering.   This student was well versed in 3D Printing having produced in recent years several key prints that were featured on this blog.   Some of these have been complex designs of the highest level of student work.   If anything this was something that the student was more than capable of doing and could have added to it in terms of its complexity.    

Degree of Difficulty: Low - the student was capable producing detailed complex design, this was something easily within her skillset.    Of note the top of the three designs was printed incorrectly, it was intended to have lettering on it, but the student had not grouped the design correctly so it came out as a blank print, however the student was able to convince the teacher that they felt the need for an option to have a 'blank' label which could be written on using permanent maker.   The student thought that it would also be possible that this would allow the label to be written on the tag and then have the tag adjusted as the rose was going.

Size: 30mm by 120mm.   The lettering for the naming on the two plates raised 20mm from the plate.

Timeframe: Four hours for the duration of the print of three lables.

What we would do differently: This print, while in theory would work in the short term is questionable in the long term.   The rose plant that these were designed for are expected to grow significantly as with that expectation of growth the labels would not be able to constrain the base of the plant.   If  there is one specific issue that could be addressed it would be the label either needs to be temporary in place or would be adjustable so that it could be expanded or removed (in the worst case scenario it would 'ring' the rose when the plant was growing and the label had not been removed).   This concept was something the student was able to achieve successfully however with completion of the project it was felt that additional design features could be added. 

3D Printed Stationary Holder: Advanced

Challenge: Student wanted to produce a stationary holder that was themed for her Dad.  

Background: Student had experimented with 3D Printing in the past but came up with a specific print that she wanted to theme around her Dad.   She wanted to feature an opportunity for a stationary holder that was personalised and themed, in this case the two key pieces were the '#1 Dad and the farm house that would serve as the way to hold the pens etc.   There was one attempt to create this prior to printing when the print was viewe and feedback given, which related to the size of the objects and their suitability to hold stationary as the original design was too big with the stationary.   The student was able to respond with minimal direction and adjusted the print and design accordingly.   The student then completed the print and was thrilled with the result.   As the PLA used was white there was some discussion about using spray paint to decorate the piece however the student felt that the design looked fantastic with the white and opted to leave the print as it was.   

Degree of Difficulty: Medium the design had some key aspects which needed to work in conjunction with each other.  The student had the composition of the elements correct, therefore the design worked well.   Had this been out of balance the elements could have been more challenging.   The barn design was located on Tinkercad the student concerned then just had to hollow the design out to support items being put inside it.

Size: 120mm wide, 120mm long.   The lettering at the front was 10mm raised off the base, the base itself was 3mm thick.   The house that forms the centrepiece of the design was 70mm to the top of the roof.    For the design and how it was intended these dimensions were extremely successful.   Other than the rafting on the door there was minimal waste plastic that was produced by this print.   As it was with this print no changes needed in hindsight.

Timeframe: Ten hours to complete the entire print.   Not to sound repeditive but we are using a Ultimaker 2+ which has been reconditioned which as a machine is now five years old.   Given the age of the machine and recent improvements in hardware over time using a newer machine would reduce this time.   We use as default a 20% infill on the print as standard and a 8mm nozzle.   Both these could be modified.

What we would do differently: Nil - this project was originated by the student, the student was able to come up with the concept, create the design, refine the design and oversee the print.    Tick.