3D Printed Small Bowls/Containers

Challenge: Student wanted to create matching bowls/containers

Background: This student wanted to create two identical storage containers that we separated by their contents, which in this case were 'sweet' and 'salty' objects.

The student wanted to 3D Print the round objects and put lettering on the inside of the container by dropping the lettering into the side of containers.   The student had some experience with 3D design and was able to complete the prints without any input from the students.     

The student opted to spray paint one of the designs as shown in the photograph and was making a decision about the decoration and the colouring of the second container, prior to the end of the school year.   

The student used Tinkercad for the CAD design software, used a laptop to create.

Size: Both containers are the same print, with the exception of the lettering so the dimensions are identical.   The containers measured 80mm across and was 50mm high with the container being 70mm long.   The containers edges were between 10mm and 20mm thick.

Timeframe: Three hours per storage container so a combined time of six hours.

Level of Difficulty: Low - the containers were produced in a manner that the student was happy with however the context, design part of the process was straightforward and the student was able to master the process and the sign easily.

Next steps for the student/what we would do differently: The student was being challenged to look at creating lids for the containers that fitted with the designs.   The storage containers could be looked at increasing the size of them to increase their capacity and obviously the lettering could be modified for different purposes.

3D Printed Phone Stand 2023

 Challenge: For a student to independently design and create a phone stand suitable of different devices.

Background: At the end of last year looking to extend a student one of the design ideas and challenges that they were interested in creating was a stand that could be personalised for a stand.  Previously we have student work on this type of project.   There have been basic versions very similar to what the student had in mind, which is detailed here on this blog in 2018 and a more complicated version with a similar idea but also included a draw for storage was developed in 2019 and can be located here.

In this instance because the student was looking at creating something original we didn't take the opportunity to show them the previous designs as we felt that it might influence them and the student was looking forward to the challenge of creating something original themselves.   

For this particular student the challenge was for them to create, design, measure and build an original stand.  They had worked on projects with other students previously however this was their first independent project.  The teacher had the guiding only but wanted the student to develop their skills and work ideas.   As usual the students used Tinkercad for the design (again we have pointed out repeatedly on this site the interface, the student management systems for classrooms and the design functionality of Tinkercad is exceptional - its also free).      The student was able to create measurements based on the size of the phone that the gift was intended for.

Aspects of the design fell out of the process - obviously the personalisation of the holder is something that has been a feature of these kinds of designs.  The student knew from experience to sink the lettering for the name into the base of the design, instead of having it to the outside of the print, which as well as producing considerable rafting also 

The student also put a subtle hole into the base of the design, as can be viewed in the photograph on the left.   This allowed a charging cord to be linked to the print and have the phone on the stand, displaying or playing media while charging at the same time.  

Size: This print ended up being 80mm wide 120mm high and 50mm deep.   In addition there was a heart that reduced the amount of plastic for the base, the stand was hollow underneath - these were all based around the size of the photo and being able to have the phone on the stand.

Level of Difficulty: Medium - the student was extremely pleased and could have added additional features to the design.  This was extremely successful from the students perspective, however they were successfully able to print the design at their first attempt.

Next Steps for the student/What we would do differently:

As an independent project this worked extremely well.  The student concerned was very happy with the finished project. As an aside a miniature screwdriver is ideal to remove the inlay rafting that is present in the name that has been sunk into the base of the design.   Sandpaper is required to tidy the design up and then the intention is to spray paint it a different colour.

Overall another successful project.

As we have mentioned it is currently the school holidays in New Zealand we are returning shortly with a new classroom for 2023 and will begin the process of printing out new classroom work at this point.