3D Printed Tractor Accessories: Revised

 

Challenge: To produce an authentic looking accessory for a 3D Printed tractor.

Background: On a previous post on this blog we detailed this project and the students involved have now addressed a number of issues that were present.  In the initial version, the post of which is here, the students had a connector pin created but it needed some refinement.   Some of the smaller details on the print needed reworking.

The students took the initial working print and tested it in conjunction with the tractor - they identified that pin required reworking (it was made bigger and was therefore more robust, the original broke early on).   The ends of the accessory were adapted to ensure that they were balanced.  An attempt was made to address the connection at the underside of the design although this still needs to be addressed.

In the photo left you can see the progression between the three stages of development.  Print one while it had a design was too small, the second print, bottom right had some details but required the refinement that was provided by the third print.    

The dimensions of the different prints (particularly from two to three) did not vary significantly (and you can see them here).  

The students now feel that they are at the point where they have a working model and now want a final phase of adjustment (small details, accessories and tweaks) before completing a final design.

There has also been a range of discussion about what else could be produced in this range to create additional accessories that the students are familiar with on account of our school being in a heavily dairy farming dominated area.  The video below shows the print in 'action'.