For this assignment we were tasked with printing an object that can only be practically produced using 3D printing. Before starting I had to chose my object to print, which I decided to go with an articulating axolotl creating by EndK7 at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6168975.
I decided I would first print using FDM or fused deposition modeling to create four axolotls since SLA or stereolithography printing has a tendency to fuse joints together. The 3D model I was using is very large so I first scaled it down to 40 mm in the y direction to determine how much space it would take
First print to determine size
My first print turned out to be much smaller than expected so I decided to change the scale in the x direction instead which increased the length without decreasing the other dimensions. After updating the scale I printed out 4 axolotls with the same dimensions that can fit easily into the capsules.
Four axolotls made with FDM
For my final axolotl I used SLA printing, which took a few more steps than FDM printing. Once I had set up the object in PreForm I then waited a few hours for the print to finish. Afterwards I had to place my part into the wash station were I washed it twice for 10 minutes each time to make sure no resin remained on the object. Once the part had been washed and dried I then placed it in the curing machine for an hour to be cured.
Axolotl between washing and curing
After my part dried I then removed the supports and noticed the joints had fused together. Unfortunately during the removal of the supports I accidentally cut one of the joints which eventually failed and separated from the rest of the part but I least gained experience in 3D printing.
Final 5 axolotls
Clean workspace after use
Cost Analysis:
Assuming 25g of pla filament used per FDM axolotl + filament cost of $0.05 / gram : 25g * $0.05/gram *4 = $5
Assuming 25 ml of resin used for SLA axolotl + resin cost of $80/liter : 0.025 liters * $80/Liter = $2
Cost of Labor: $15/hr * 2 hours = $30
Total Cost: $37
