3D Printed Fidget Spinner - Next Steps

 

Yesterday we detailed our progression relating to the production or modification of a 'fidget spinner' type toy as one of our students had expressed an interest in producing a customised version of these.

Yesterday we looking at developing ideas and finding a prototype.   We left off yesterday when we were at the point of finding the Bambu Studio Lab version, which had a 3D Printed ball bearing and not a physical metal version.

This print provided the mechanism for our students to investigate and see the relationship between the various parts of the design.

As explained yesterday the component parts are the four pictured pieces - the mechanism for the movement can be seen at the bottom of the picture.   We are looking at ways that we can personalise the finished design with the insertion of the prints to complete the design.

We have started the process of identifying potential ways to put a name or further details on the design sot that the fidget spins but it does not detract from its current rotational ability.

We started this process by printing a basic cotton candy set of inserts.   This was completed on the Bambu P1S.    The print took 22 minutes - which included a six minute warm up and machine preparation.   

The print used 4.56g of regular PLA to complete the print - this gave the inserts a price point of $0.07c to complete.

When the design inserts were completed they were pushed into place - when the students attempted this and found that they could not be forced the teacher made an attempt to complete this process and was able to introduce one.

The others proved somewhat resistant to being inserted so a tool was used to apply pressure, which in this case was a standard hammer.   This forced the inserts into the space and locked them in securely.

The students have now begun the process of testing the spinning before we start to look at ways in which it can be personalised by the students or they are able to develop or unpack the design that they have access to which details the engineering.

Currently the only drawback from this new version would be the weight which would be described as being slightly lighter than a traditional fidget spinner which is another aspect of the creation and the design that we are having our student investigate.   The entire cost of the print including the inserts is currently coming in at under $0.40c.