About This Project
For this assignment, we were tasked with creating 5 impossible objects to fit into a small capsule. An impossible object is something that can only be created using a 3D printer. We also had to use two forms of 3D printing. I chose FDM and SLA.
Before We Start Printing
The first step was to go to thingiverse.com and find something that could not be made using any other form of fabrication. After a few minutes of searching, I came across a shark that can bend. What makes this object unique and limited to a 3D printer is that it is all one piece, which could not be done otherwise.
Printing!
This process took longer than I expected. I had to rescale my object multiple times in order to make it fit into the small capsule as well as be large enough to not break upon removal from the supports.
For the FDM pieces, I began by downloading my object from thingiverse.com and uploading it to 3DPrinterOs. Once here, I was able to make multiple copies of my piece as well as change its scaling. I initially used a raft, but after multiple failed attempts of removing it, I decided to use a brim. This worked much better.
(Failed FDM Prints) (Successful FDM Print)
Next, I sent uploaded my .slv file to PreFace. After scaling it on the computer and generating supports, I was able to print my piece. After multiple attempts and hours of waiting, I was finally able to make two objects that could flex just enough to fit into the capsules.
(Failed SLA Print) (Successful SLA Print)
What I Could Have Done Better
If I was more familiar with the 3D printing process I could have saved a lot of time. If I had known that using a raft was going to be an issue I would have been able to finish my FDM part in about 45 mins total. The same applies to the SLA print.
Cost
Cost of FDM Printer Pieces= $0.30
Cost of SLA Pieces= ~$1.00
Time = 3 hours (of printing time, not including all the time I spent waiting and the time printing for the failed pieces) * $20 per hour= $60
Software Used= Free Online
MakerSpace Membership= $20 per hour x 3 hours= $60
Total= $121.30
It is easy to see how once you have the 3D printers, it is very cheap to produce things with this process.
