The goal of this assignment was to 3D print an “impossible” object that fits inside a toy capsule. I decided to 3D print Flexi Articulated Gecko Full by jtronics on thingiverse.

I first downloaded the SVG file from thingiverse and opened it on https://www.3dprinteros.com/. There I scaled the print down to fit in the capsule, and then sliced it so it could be sent to the FDM Prusa printer. I first printed my gecko with a skirt. However, during the printing process the PLA peeled off from the base, ruining the print.

I then tried a second time with a raft. My rafted gecko turned out very well, and the raft was easily able to be peeled off. Fortunately, I didn’t have to deal with removing any support structures because the entire design was flat. I was also initially worried that the gecko was too small for the articulated joints to move properly, but they were able to function normally.

It also fit very nicely into my capsule.

For the SLA print I used the Form 3 printer.

After it finished printing, I post processed it in a isopropyl alcohol bath to remove the resin, and cooked it in a UV chamber. I then finally trimmed off the support structures.

The finished product looked cool because of the clear resin, however, it was very stiff and I didn’t try to move it out of fear that I might break it.

Overall, I am satisfied with how my geckos turned out. The articulations for the FDM prints move pretty well and are visually appealing due to the lack of supports I had to remove. I learned from this assignment that although simple, 3D printing can be inconsistent and be tough to master.

Cost Analysis:

Labor: 3 hrs (excluding printing time) * $12/hr = $36

Filament (PLA): $0.48

500 ml Resin: $19.99

https://www.amazon.com/ANYCUBIC-405nm-Rapid-Photon-Printer-500ml/dp/B07G353WMB/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=4SW86K992KWR&keywords=sla+resin&qid=1572888593&sprefix=SLA+%2Caps%2C166&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFIM09DTlVMUUtVNjUmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAxMjEyOTcxWUxRNVpSVEFKRE5JJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA1NzE5MTkyWFdKUTVOUFpGMVFEJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Prusa and Form 3 printers: free OEDK use

Total: $56.47