And we are almost done with the semester! In this 2nd to last homework, we learned how to use different types of 3D Printing to make an “impossible object,” an object that can only be created using 3D printing methods. I decided to print a little gyroscopic fidget toy.

Step I: Choosing the Print

I followed the beginner steps for this homework, logged in to Thingiverse, and looked for an interesting object. I found an interesting object by user tdroze and downloaded it into an OEDK computer.

Step II: Print in Pursa

Using the software in one of the computers at the OEDK, I printed a test on a PURSA to ensure that the size was fine to put in the container. When the print was finished, I assured the dimensions were correct, and I moved on to print more copies on the PURSA.

 

While the PURSA was printing, Gabby Lea and I used the bamboo machine to print using a different method.

Step III: Placing Prints on Gumballs

After finishing all the prints, I put my five prints into gumball capsules.

Cost and Analysis

Cost Type	Cost	Price	Source	Quantity	Total
Materials	Filament (PLA/ABS)	$20/kg	Amazon	0.1. kg	$2
Labor	3D Printer Operator	$15/hour	In-house	1 hr	$15
	Prototyping Engineer (You!)		In-house	1 hr	$20
Overhead	Facility Cost (Machine Time)	$1/hour	In-house	2 hr	$2
	Quality Control	$5/test	In-house	1 test	$5
Design	Engineering and Development	$30/hour	In-house	1 hr	$30
	Iterations	$10/iteration	In-house	5	$50
Misc.	Waste and Scrap	$2	In-house	1	$2

Total = $126.40

The current cost of $126.40 for 3D printing reflects the combined expense of materials, labor, overhead, design, and miscellaneous factors, with a significant portion stemming from iterative design adjustments. In the future, this cost could decrease as advancements in 3D printing technology improve efficiency and reduce the time and material waste associated with prototyping.  As design software becomes more advanced, the number of iterations required to perfect a design could be minimized, thus reducing the total design and development cost. Consequently, the cost of small-scale, custom 3D-printed items like this toy is likely to decline over time, making such products more economically accessible.