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.