3D Printed, on fabric, Baubles
2022-Jan-02, Sunday 02:37 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
chebeSo I'm minding my own (read: entire world's) business on twitter when a tweet by ![[twitter.com profile]](https://p.dreamwidth.org/e0caa790ec10/-/twitter.com/favicon.ico)
AtelDsign enters my feed. Geometric 3D printed baubles, that are printed on fabric! I had to try them!
First step is to obtain the files. I do not have a Prusa, but the details match; 0.4mm nozzle and PLA. I downloaded the stls, and then had to figure out how to edit the g-code to pause the print while I positioned the fabric.
I discovered that I'm using a Marlin based printer, and that it's open source. Nice. Then I found a post explaining how to add m600 command to g-code.
I goes like this;
When the printer gets to that instruction the printer head is retracted and it waits for you to take action. This design folds *up*, so place the fabric face-down over the first printed layer (use magnets in the corners to make sure the fabric doesn't move), and then press resume on the touchscreen when you're ready.
Remove from print bed, and cut the shape out (around the outside, not each individual panel, the fabric will act as a hinge between them).
Assemble the 3D shape by folding the panels together. You will need to glue the outside edges together to get it to stay together. I used Glue Goop, but got it from an EU distributor.
The last part is to turn them into baubles with LEDs. I grabbed 3mm red LEDs, soldered silicone wire to each leg, and heat shrink tubed the whole lot. To get the LED to stay put I used hot glue. I haven't finished the wiring because I'm still not sure what form I want them in. At the moment they're all connected to a breadboard and powered off USB. My internal debate is between powering them individually (with a battery each), or stringing them up like a traditional string of seasonal lights. And also if they need micro-controllers? To be resolved next year.
Also, the dodecahedron does not fit on my Snapmaker A250 bed. Luban auto scales it down, which works fine and still fits the LED same as the others. (I did accidentally leave it on the bed until everything had completely cooled down, and as I removed it the first layer pulled away from the fabric. I glued it back down fairly successfully, but try to remove the prints before the bed has completely cooled to make your life easier.)
First step is to obtain the files. I do not have a Prusa, but the details match; 0.4mm nozzle and PLA. I downloaded the stls, and then had to figure out how to edit the g-code to pause the print while I positioned the fabric.
I discovered that I'm using a Marlin based printer, and that it's open source. Nice. Then I found a post explaining how to add m600 command to g-code.
I goes like this;
- Open the stl in Luban,
- Generate the g-code, save to disk,
- Open the g-code in a text editor, search for
;LAYER:n(where n is the layer you'd like to pause at), - Add
M600to a new line, save, exit, - Reopen Luban, open your workspace, and open the g-code file to send to printer
When the printer gets to that instruction the printer head is retracted and it waits for you to take action. This design folds *up*, so place the fabric face-down over the first printed layer (use magnets in the corners to make sure the fabric doesn't move), and then press resume on the touchscreen when you're ready.
Tetrahedron print, with organza sandwiched between print layers, still on print bed
Photo by chebe
Remove from print bed, and cut the shape out (around the outside, not each individual panel, the fabric will act as a hinge between them).
Tetrahedron print on fabric cut out, laying flat
Photo by chebe
Assemble the 3D shape by folding the panels together. You will need to glue the outside edges together to get it to stay together. I used Glue Goop, but got it from an EU distributor.
Tetrahedron print on fabric, folded to form 3D shape
Photo by chebe
The last part is to turn them into baubles with LEDs. I grabbed 3mm red LEDs, soldered silicone wire to each leg, and heat shrink tubed the whole lot. To get the LED to stay put I used hot glue. I haven't finished the wiring because I'm still not sure what form I want them in. At the moment they're all connected to a breadboard and powered off USB. My internal debate is between powering them individually (with a battery each), or stringing them up like a traditional string of seasonal lights. And also if they need micro-controllers? To be resolved next year.
Also, the dodecahedron does not fit on my Snapmaker A250 bed. Luban auto scales it down, which works fine and still fits the LED same as the others. (I did accidentally leave it on the bed until everything had completely cooled down, and as I removed it the first layer pulled away from the fabric. I glued it back down fairly successfully, but try to remove the prints before the bed has completely cooled to make your life easier.)
All four geometric shape baubles lit up with red LEDs
Photo by chebe
