3D Printed Junior Challenge: Paperclip Extension

Challenge: To produce a unique paperclip or creation that can hold together a small number of sheets of paper.

Background: This challenge was about the students creating innovation and also making something that in turn could be used to advertise our school.   The paperclip design had to feature the name of our school and was detailed in a post that was put on this blog which you can read by clicking on the link here. 

Students by using the bookmark template which is available on Tinkercads main screen were able to complete the basic aspect of the design extremely quickly.   The next step to challenge the students was to have them refine, explore and develop their ideas.

An example is shown left, in this example the student was able to create a copy of the school uniform as he felt the two t-shirt tops, locking together would create a point of interest.   The paper would then be held in place between the two shirts.    He also customised the school logo, which is visible in the version on the right.

Another further example was shown left - the student created their own unique and original frame, then added some extra in the form of the dots before placing the name of the school at the bottom of the design.

In both instances the designs are creative and interesting and 'nearly there' in that they require additional refining to complete.

 Size: The shirt deign measures 40mm down and was 60mm across.   The current format with the design is 10mm wide.   The dimensions are intended so it doesn't overwhelm the paper, however this maybe refined.  The second paperclip was 90mm high was 50mm wide and was 5mm thick.   This allowed more personalisation with the design - although there was no personalisation with the star or the different shapes on the demand.  The student was charged with identifying symbols and meanings (such as four stars for the Southern Cross constellation) of symbols locally associated with the school to further add finesse to the design.

Timeframe: Both prints took currently under one hour with the default settings that are being currently used with our Snapmaker machines.  

What we would do differently/Next Steps for the Students: As detailed these projects are far from completed.  The require revision and reworking in both instances.  The emblem which is located above the shirt is an important symbol for the school and its meaning needs to be maintained, and it needs accuracy.   The second example, as mentioned, needs refining in regards to the symbolism and features, while. the design is striking meets the partial brief it needs more polish (for instance the name of the school at the bottom needs to be clearly shown, at present it is not).