In this assignment, we had to 3D print an object 5 times using two different machines. In this, I used the Bambu FDM printer and Prusa printer.

First, I found a design I liked on thingyverse.com. The design that I chose was a little potato buddy. This impossible object has jointed legs that hang off the side of the desk, and I thought it was really cute.

To start, I downloaded the .stl file and imported it into the Bambu 3d printer. In this, I used a setting that printed with higher detail to ensure that the joints did not fuse and were functional. In my first trial print, I did not use supports and the buddy was also too small, so I scaled it 150% and it printed good. For the other two, I printed it with supports because they did not print correctly and had to be aborted. I think it had to do with the fact that I printed two at a time instead of one at a time. Regardless, adding supports made the printing process significantly easier.

For my second machine, I wanted to test out the resin printer. However, the joints did not print correctly and fused together. I think this had to do with the fact that there were “floating” parts, and I did not apply supports correctly. This was a disappointment, because I liked how the clear resin looked with the print design.

After that trial, I decided to try the Prusa. The Prusa worked fine, but in terms of detail, it was just lacking compared to the Bambu. The outside was rougher, and the joints did not print as smooth. I also printed it with supports, as there were floating components. In this, it looked less precise in my opinion.

 

In conclusion, I am very happy with how my prints turned out. The designs were super cute, and the buddy looks cute sitting on desks and as a trinket. In the future, I like how the resin printer looks aesthetically, but I think the Bambu printer is the most trustworthy when it comes to consistency.

Clean Workspace:

Cost Breakdown:

Type	Item	Price	Source	Quantity	Total
Materials	PLA Filament	$0.43/ounce	amazon.com	~15 ounces	$6.45
	Gumball Capsule	$0.45/capsule	amazon.com	5 capsules	$2.25
Labor	3D printer operator	$19/ hour	ziprecruiter	4 hrs	$76
Over head	3D printer overhead	$1.33/ day	makerbarn	5 days	$6.67
Total					$91.37