In the last few days I made some objects with Hinges/interlocking features via 3D printing.

I had fewer challenges than the previous assignment, but it took just as much time. The first step is to measure the dimensions of the gumball capsule to initially ensure that items will fit inside.

Coincidentally, I found that one of the few items I chose at the beginning could fit perfectly in there without having to change the size.

So I just need to import the file and print it.

The only step I made differently than in Instruction was the material, I tried two materials for my FDM printing, a PLA, and an Ultra ninjaflex. The reason I chose these two materials was because I started late, so some of my students had already completed their assignments, so I asked them for some suggestions. The FDM printing process was generally smooth, with only one defect for each of the two materials used, but they both occurred early in the printing process, so they didn’t waste particularly much of my time.

The next step was to try SLA printing, to save some time we printed multiple objects in one file.

SLA printing needs to be cleaned when it’s done and these finished products look cool.

 

Cost Type	Cost	Price	Source	Quantity	Total
Materials	NinjaFlex TPU (Emerald)	$33.33/750g	Amazon	4g	$0.17
	PLA	$20.87/1kg	matterhackers	20g	$2.2
Labor	Prototyping Engineer	$38/hr		5 hr	$190
Overhead	Facility Cost	$5/hr	Skool	4 hrs	$20
	iteration		Material only		$1
Total					$213.37

 

The main cost of this job was labor, but this cost could have been cut because it was the first time I had used a 3D printer at all, so it took me a lot of time to learn and operate it. Also, due to the high volume of people at OEDK, I had to keep an eye on my 3D printer at all times, which took up too much time. Apart from labor costs, the biggest cost comes from Facility Cost, but with mass production, this cost will be reduced. It is worth noting that one important component that is not factored into the cost is the designer/drawing cost. This assignment uses free open source designs from Thingiverse. If it is produced for commercial use, an original design or purchase of the rights would be required.