With Earth Day coming up this weekend, why not celebrate by 3D printing a DIY greenhouse dome for your garden? Polish up that green thumb, it’s time to use those maker skills for a Mother Nature-approved project.
Nature is filled with majestic plants, vibrant flowers, and ripe fruits, all of which tend to tickle the sentimental side of human beings. While it’s always nice to hike through areas that are rich with green, you can also bring the beauty of the earth into your own backyard.
No matter what type of climate you reside in, a greenhouse can create the ideal environment for your favorite plants. You don’t need to create a gigantic greenhouse, you can also 3D print your miniaturized version on your own!
Designed by Thingiverse user “graph”, this 3D printable Greenhouse Dome is a great way to show your appreciation for the environment and celebrate Earth Day 2018. On top of that, you’ll be able to start sprouting seeds in a warm and nurturing greenhouse.
It’s not too often we see a 3D printing project that will end with some beautiful plants or flowers, so let’s take a quick look at this special Earth Day-edition Weekend Project!
3D Printed Greenhouse Dome: What Do You Need?
To build your own 3D printed Greenhouse Dome, you’ll need to do a lot of 3D printing. Depending on the size you want to make, the models consist of numerous tiny pieces that need to be assembled together. For just one mini Greenhouse Dome, you’ll need to print over 130 parts. Luckily, most of the individual pieces are small and can be grouped together.
Other than your 3D printer, PLA filament, and a whole lotta patience, you’ll also need to purchase some greenhouse plastic film to wrap around the dome. Add some soil and your plant of choice and you should be good to grow!
A new Instructables post from user mikey77 shows how you can adjust your 3D printing slicer settings to make watertight and airtight containers, cups, tanks, and more.
There are tons of useful and unique objects that you can create with your desktop 3D printer, but there are certain factors that prevent makers from properly producing food-safe and watertight items. Generally speaking, the layering of FDM prints lead to micro spaces that allow bacteria to build up, water to leak, and air to seep out.
But a new Instructables post from user mikey77 claims that with just a few tweaks to your 3D printing slicer settings, you can 3D print containers, cups, and tanks that are watertight and airtight. The concept is simple. All you need to do adjust your slicer to prompt over-extrusion of your filament.
That’s it? Well, pretty much. You’ll have to manually change a number of slicer settings, and, if you’re planning to print something for the kitchen, make sure you’re using a food-safe filament, a clean extruder, and the right nozzle.
Let’s take a closer look at the maker’s methodology, slicer settings, and impressive results.
3D Printed Watertight and Airtight Containers: How to Make it
Aside from your 3D printer, all you’ll need here is a reliable slicing software and PLA filament, preferably one that is considered to be food-safe.
To achieve over-extrusion, you’ll need to slow down your print speed and increase the extrusion multiplier. By doing so, the extrusion will be wider and overlap side by side layers. There are a number of slicer settings you’ll need to adjust, and thankfully, mikey77 shares all of the specifics on his Instructables post. He uses the MatterControl slicer in his example, but the settings should be able to transcend into any slicing software.
These setting adjustments will lead to 3D prints that are more solid, making it easier to clean and keep bacteria out. The maker claims that storing and measuring dry food should be fine with most types of PLA. But when it comes to holding liquid, you’ll want to use a filament that doesn’t have additives and is rated food-safe.
You’ll also want to utilize a clean extruder for all food-safe 3D prints. This is because previously used filaments can leave residue in the extruder, and could end up being infused into your food-safe filament.
Lastly, to be on the safe side, you should also use stainless steel or another lead-free nozzle to print food-safe items, rather than the commonly used brass nozzle. Some brass nozzles are alloys that include lead, which could seep out and come in contact with food.
Mikey77 also claims that his slicer settings could also be used to produce airtight objects like air pressure tanks and artificial muscles. In his Instructables post, he also includes STL files for a glass and beaker, allowing you to experiment with this innovative concept.
Engineer and maker Igor Albuquerque has created a 3D printed articulating LED lamp that you can mount on your desk and configure to fit your work or study environment.
Studying or working late tonight? Well, you’ll need good lighting at your desk to keep your eyes comfortable and healthy. Why not use your 3D printer to create a flexible LED lamp?
Today’s project is an Articulating LED Lamp designed by Brazilian engineer and maker Igor Albuquerque. This 3D printed desk accessory is extremely versatile and doesn’t get in the way while you’re busy at work. The designer provides three different sized arms, allowing you to extend the reach of the lamp however you see fit.
Albuquerque modeled his lamp after the 3D printable articulating phone mount designed by Kenneth Haynie. Thanks to the adaptable design, you’ll be able to configure the desk lamp to your needs.
Previously featured on our list of 3D printable back to school supplies, this DIY lamp is the perfect addition to your desk. Want to build your own? Let’s shine a light on the 3D printed Articulating LED Lamp!
3D Printed Articulating LED Lamp: What Do You Need?
In order to create your own 3D printed Articulating LED Lamp, here’s what you’ll need:
You can download the STL files for the model from Thingiverse.
Although this project isn’t too difficult to 3D print and assemble, Albuquerque does caution us to be careful when working with electricity.
“Make sure there is no short circuit and just try to connect to the electrical power plug after making sure that all components are properly connected and double insulated. If you don’t have enough experience working with electricity, ask for others help,” he states on his Instructables post.
You should also be careful not to touch any exposed wires or the metal part of the LED lamp once it’s turned on. If the wiring is exposed, keep it out of reach from children and pets.
3D Printed Articulating LED Lamp: Putting it all Together
The lamp is comprised of eight individual parts, all of which need to be 3D printed once, aside from the nut.stl (you’ll need to print this part four times). Albuquerque suggests using 0.2mm resolution and 20 percent infill. Additionally, only the lamp holder.stl requires support structures.
Once you’ve 3D printed the various parts that make up the Articulating LED Lamp, it’s time to put everything together. First, you’ll start with the wall mount, threading the bolt through the wall mount and the wall joint parts. Next, attach the female arm to the wall joint using a knob, followed by connecting the male arm to the female arm. Then, attach the lamp holder to the other end of the male arm and pass the LED spotlight through the lamp holder.
Here’s a great picture showcasing the full assembly process:
Finally, mount the Articulating LED Lamp to your desk area and plug it in. You should have a working light to guide you through your studies or work.
If you want to view the full assembly instructions, check out Albuquerque’s Instructables post. Happy making!
South Korean maker “DIYPark” shows us how to create a fully 3D printed and functional Mini Crossbow. Set up some targets and take aim, because it’s time to get your archery on.
When taking on a DIY project, we often see how combining 3D printing with electronics and other technologies can produce some unbelievable objects. But sometimes a 3D printer is all you need to bring a spectacularly fun concept to life.
That’s what South Korean maker Park Gwan Su (known on Thingiverse on DIYPark) did with his 3D printed Mini Crossbow. This tiny bow will have you feeling like Robin Hood of the maker world. Not only is it fully functional, but it also packs quite a punch, so you’ll need to be responsible and cautious with where you’re taking aim.
Nonetheless, this Weekend Project is a great way to showoff the capabilities of your desktop 3D printer, and will provide endless enjoyment to you, your family, and your friends. Let’s take a closer look at this incredible 3D printed Mini Crossbow.
3D Printed Mini Crossbow: What Do You Need?
In order to build your own 3D printed Mini Crossbow, all you need is your 3D printer, a few different colors of filament, some fishing line for the crossbow string, and toothpicks for ammunition.
This project will require a fair amount of 3D printing time, as the model is made up of 10 individual parts. There’s also some targets that you can print out as well, giving you something to shoot at once your bow is complete.
You can download the STL files for free from Thingiverse or Cults3D. The maker uses 20 percent infill for the parts, none of which require support structures. Feel free to get creative with colors and personalize the Mini Crossbow to your style!
According to the project’s creator, the crossbow is capable of firing off four consecutive shots. DIYPark also recommends wearing safety goggles to protect yourself from any stray arrows, because, well, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
3D Printed Mini Crossbow: Putting it all Together
In his Youtube video on the project (posted below), DIYPark shares insight into every step of the project, from 3D modeling to assembly. Right around the 3:30 mark, the maker moves on from the CAD modeling process to the assembly. The instructions are clearly depicted and easy to follow, but may require a tiny amount of post-processing to make sure everything fits together.
Once all of the 3D printed parts are put together, it’s time to thread the fishing line onto the bow. Simply tie some knots on each end and snip the leftover sting off. And there you have it. Load in some toothpicks and take aim at the mini targets that DIYPark provides with the other STL files.
And don’t forget, while it might look like a toy, the Mini Crossbow can be dangerous and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Please be careful where you aim this tiny bow, and don’t let children play around with it without adult supervision.
Oskitone’s new and improved OKAY 2 is a mind-blowing DIY synth that you can 3D print and put together on your own. Hone your 3D printing and soldering skills with this sweet musical instrument and let the sounds sweep you away!
Looking for a new musical instrument to play? Why not use your 3D printer to create a synthesizer that is completely tailored to your style? Well, we’ve got a great project for all the musically-minded makers to take on over the weekend.
Last year, the San Francisco-based one-man musical instrument studio Oskitone released its first version of the OKAY synth, and has since refined the concept in a variety of ways. The new and improved OKAY 2 is an analog, monophonic, square wave synthesizer that is largely made up of 3D printed parts. It was designed on OpenSCAD and EAGLE by a man named Tommy, who is in charge of Oskitone.
The instrument utilizes modular PCBs, octave and volume controls, and a speaker to share your creative sounds with the world. Unlike the first iteration, the OKAY 2 has a completely redesigned key mounting, improvements in the key travel distance, an audio out jack, and a built-in display stand.
This 3D printed synth looks and sounds tremendous, and you can build your own customized version for a relatively low price. Let’s take a look at what it takes to assemble and start jamming out on the 3D printed OKAY 2 synth.
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DIY OKAY 2 Synth: What Do You Need?
In order to build your own OKAY 2 Synth, you’ll need to have a 3D printer and soldering iron kit. While there are a number of electronic components inside of this compact instrument, you can acquire everything by ordering the OKAY 2 Synth DIY kit from the Oskitone website for $55.
The STL files for the body and keys of the synthesizer are freely available on Thingiverse.
Putting together this DIY synthesizer is no easy feat, but thankfully Oskitone provides detailed instructions on how to put this project together. The lengthy assembly manual goes into the 3D printing settings, the PCB assembly, testing and debugging, and circuit schematics.
As you can see in the time-lapse video below, the OKAY 2 Synth requires quite a bit of assembly and soldering time, but your hard work will be rewarded with a customized musical instrument create with your very own hands. If you want to learn more about how this synthesizer is put together, be sure to view the full assembly manual from Oskitone.
No dual extrusion? No problem! This week’s Project of the Week shows us how to fuse different filaments together and create your own multicolor objects with a single extrusion 3D printer.
Thanks to recent advancements in dual extrusion FDM 3D printing, makers can now create vibrant objects in multiple colors. Unfortunately, only a select few desktop 3D printers offer multi-material capabilities, and these machines tend to be on the pricier side of the consumer market.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t produce vivid objects with your single extruder 3D printer. In fact, there are a number of DIY method that will enable you to create multi-colored objects on any FDM 3D printer.
We recently came across a project on Instructables that shows a new technique that fuses different filaments together. Posted by Matlek, the post makes mention to various DIY methods used to create multicolor filament, and then breaks down the maker’s simple, yet stunning filament fusion process.
Let’s take a quick look at this multicolor fused filament project!
Fused Multicolor Filament: What do you Need?
Do you want to create your own multicolor filament? With this unique process, you only need a few select materials. Thankfully, all of the tools are easily obtainable, and there’s a good chance you already have them at home. Obviously, you’ll need a few different strands of filament to fuse together, as well as a 3D printer to extrude your Frankenstein filament.
Here’s the rest of the required materials:
Fused Multicolor Filament: Putting it all Together
First, you’ll want to take the two tips of your filament and place them over the candle flame. Using the heat source, firmly press the two tips together to fuse them for up to 30 seconds until you feel they are properly aligned.
Once the two different filaments are fused together, there will be a small disc of plastic where the two tips met in a trial by fire. This is when you’ll take your plier cutters to remove this burnt ring, which will prepare you for the following step: smoothing out your newly fused filament.
To perform advanced smoothing on the fused filament, you’ll take the file and sand the area where the two materials were merged, smoothing them as much as possible. This is the most important step, as a poorly smoothed filament strand could end up clogging your 3D printer’s hotend.
This is why it’s handy to test the fused filament with the heat break, which will allow you to simulate whether or not the filament will extrude smoothly out of your 3D printer.
As you might have guessed, you should be using two filaments that have a similar extrusion temperature. Although it will be tough to plan out which part of the model gets what color, a little experimentation can go a long way!
At the very least, this is a fun and easy project that could turn your single-extrusion 3D printer into multicolor machine. Check out the full instructions on Instructables.
An engineer named Arnd (also known as AHNT) recently shared a fun 3D printing project, showing us how to create an customizable soda can lamp that can you light up with LEDs or a candle.
Here at All3DP, we go through a lot of 3D printing filament and thirst-quenching carbonated drinks, so we always try to encourage our readers to recycle as often as possible. But that doesn’t always have to equate to throwing your filament strands and soda cans into the recycling bin. It turns out you can also reuse your discarded aluminum trash to make a 3D printed soda can lamp.
A young engineer named Arnd–who also goes by the name AHNT— recently shared his unique Individualized Soda Can Lamp project on MyMiniFactory. He designed a 3D printable sleeve that fits snugly around most 250mL soda cans. You can poke tiny pixel-like holes into the can through the sleeve, enabling you to add a customized design to your lamp.
AHNT created two different types of bases to illuminate the lamp. There’s one designed to hold a votive candle, while the other is made for use with a LED strip circuit and 12 VDC barrel jack. Let’s take a look at this innovative 3D printing project and figure out how to make our own Soda Can Lamp.
3D Printed Soda Can Lamp: What Do You Need?
Aside from your 3D printer and 3D printing filament, here’s what else you need to complete this project:
3D Printed Soda Can Lamp: Putting it Together
There are five essential steps to creating a customized soda can lamp, and AHNT takes us through each part in his YouTube video detailing the project. The first thing you’ll do is open the can by getting ride of the top lid. You can either use sandpaper or a filer to grind away at the top of the can until the metal sheets divide, creating a gap in the can. This will make it easy to remove the cap.
Next, you’ll stuff the can with some paper towels to stabilize it, which will prevent it from buckling when you begin piercing it with the needle. The 3D printed sleeve acts as a template for the design you will put into the can through the perforation process. The designer uses a size 18 medical needle, which you can find at your local pharmacy. After you put the can inside of the 3D printed sleeve, you’ll use the needle to poke holes through the tiny gaps in the sleeve.
To create your own design, you can use Powerpoint or Adobe Illustrator (or a number of other programs). First, create a rectangle and place the design inside of the rectangle, which you will then print out. Cut out the design and glue it to the can, and push the 3D printed sleeve over it. The design will act as a stencil for you to poke out your custom design.
To obtain a clean surface on the can, AHNT suggests spray painting the can to get rid of the branding design and any colors. Finally, you can use the 3D printed base for either the LED stripe or candle, which the engineer goes into more detail about in the YouTube video.
If you want to create your own Soda Can Lamp, check out the comprehensive instructions in the video below!
Are you a diehard fan of the Metal Gear video game franchise? Now you can use your 3D printer to cosplay as Solid Snake with a Solid Eye that is equipped with a working LED light.
For over 30 years, generations of gamers have been captivated by Hideo Kojima’s massively popular action-adventure stealth video game franchise Metal Gear. The first iteration of the game was released way back in 1987, and earlier this year, the developer Konami is released the 23rd title from the series, entitled Metal Gear Survive.
Each game stars a special forces operative, usually named Solid Snake or Big Boss, that is tasked with finding the super-weapon called “Metal Gear”. Those who completed Metal Gear Solid 4 might recall a special eyepatch that helped Solid Snake defeat Liquid Ocelot.
This device is called the Solid Eye, capable of combining “Enhanced Night Vision Goggles” light amplification and imaging technology, while also doubling as binoculars.
Well, if you’ve been preparing to take on a top-secret mission of your own, you can gain some of the stealth that has made Solid Snake so successful over the years.
Designer Cristian Esalini recently shared his 3D printed version of the Solid Eye, which is even equipped with a red LED light. This 3D printable prop is perfect for Solid Snake cosplay, or even just showing off your fandom and knowledge of this classic series.
Here’s what you need to know in order to 3D print your own Solid Eye!
3D Printed Solid Eye: What Do You Need?
The casing of the Solid Eye accessory is 3D printed, but you’ll need a few other components to get the LED flashing. The STL files for the 3D model are freely available on Thingiverse.
Here’s what else you need to build your own 3D printed Solid Eye:
3D Printed Solid Eye: Putting it Together
Now that you’ve got all the components needed to build the Solid Eye, it’s time to put it all together. The print itself takes about four hours to complete, and should only have support material from the base of the model.
Esalini recommends sanding, priming and spray painting it black once it’s finished. Don’t be shy while sanding the 3D print, as the designers claims that this post-processing method requires some “insistence”. There’s also white lettering on the front that states “SOLID EYE SYSTEM”, which can be done with stickers or a stencil.
For the strap, Esalini suggests finding one that measures between 10 and 15mm, depending on who will be wearing this contraption. The inner side of the 3D printed Solid Eye casing is where you’ll mount the electronic components. You can look at the photo of the circuit above. The assembly process looks quite simple, but comprehensive instructions are not available, so it’ll definitely be helpful to have some experience with soldering and electronic circuitry.
Once you finish connecting everything, you should have a wearable Solid Eye with a leering red LED light. Show your friends that your the stealthiest Solid Snake in town, the Big Boss of gaming, and someone who knows how to make use of their 3D printer.
Instructables content creator Becky Stern shares her latest 3D printing project: LED Mason Jar Lanterns. This beginner-level project will help you improve your design and DIY skills, and you’ll have some lovely new lanterns to light up your home!
If there’s one type of container that has become synonymous with the stereotypical hipster, most people would probably put their money into mason jars. But these popular receptacles aren’t only good for holding your neighborhood bar’s newest cocktail, you can actually do a lot with them.
Becky Stern, a Brooklyn-based content creator for Instructables and Autodesk, recently shared a how-to guide for LED Mason Jar Lanterns. This unique 3D printing project is perfect for beginners, and will help you improve your design and DIY skills.
These DIY LED Mason Jar Lanterns are a simple, yet stunning project that will fill your house with decorative light. The lanterns contain a simple LED, a battery circuit, and whatever ornamental touch you decide to put on them. Not only will you get more familiar with your 3D printer, Stern’s project also connects you with TinkerCAD, basic circuitry, and artistic creativity.
Here’s what you need to know to get started on your own 3D printed LED Mason Jar Lanterns.
LED Mason Jar Lanterns: What Do You Need?
Aside from your 3D printer, you’ll need a few other components and tools to create your own LED Mason Jar Lanterns. Luckily, the parts on required for this Weekend Project are easily obtainable. Here’s what you need:
LED Mason Jar Lanterns: Putting it Together
Once you have your materials ready, it’s time to start digitally crafting your LED Mason Jar Lanterns. For those who want to take an easier path, you can simply download Stern’s lid model. Conversely, you can also customize your own lid using the Glow Circuit Assembly in TinkerCAD. This 3D printable lid is designed to hold and connect the battery and LED together.
On her Instructables post, Stern shares the TinkerCAD files for two different sized lids, both of which fit the common mason jar. After finding the 3D model that fits your jar, it’s time to 3D print the 3D printed lid and incorporated Glow Holder. The content creator states that she prepared her model on Autodesk Print Studio. In Stern’s example, the lid model is 3D printed with 20 percent infill, no supports or rafts required. If you want to design your own lid, Stern also supplies easy-to-follow TinkerCAD instructions on her post.
Once the 3D printed lid and Glow Holder is ready to go, it’s time to insert the LED and battery into the mount. To do so, you must trim the leads of your LEDs, and then insert the battery and LED into the holder (place the positive side/leg facing the + on the 3D printed holder). Finally, fit the lid into the mason jar and secure it into place with the metal band.
After the assembly process is complete, it’s time to get creative. Stern suggests decorating your lantern with paper cutouts, and even provides some instructions on how to make a Jack-O-Lantern design. All you have to do is cut the paper to match the inside of the mason jar, fold it, cut out a design, and voila! The Instructables content creator states that you can use the LED color and paper color to enhance the design of your lantern.
You can also achieve a striking visual effect by painting the inside of the mason jar with glitter glue, or filling it with translucent beads, seaglass, or any other ornament that will help disperse the light throughout your DIY lantern. Feel free to experiment with other decorative ideas, and be sure to share your 3D printed LED Mason Jar Lanterns on Stern’s Instructables post!
Lulzbot shows us how to build a fully functional longboard using 3D printing technology. You can follow along with their surprisingly simple instructions or use them as a basis to build your own board.
Ever want to use your 3D printer to create a functional mode of transportation? On today’s edition of Weekend Project, we’re featuring a gnarly idea for all the street shredders who love to roll around town on four wheels.
Aleph Objects, the company behind the 3D printer brand Lulzbot, is sharing instructions on how to build a 3D Printed Longboard. In the past, we’ve seen a number of insanely cool 3D printed skateboards created by makers like James Bruton of XRobots, who is actually fully sponsored by Lulzbot.
Now, the Colorado-based manufacturer is sharing a simple design for all to undertake. The 3D Printed Longboard is a relatively simple and well-structured project, but does require a 3D printer with a large build volume, as well as some tooling around with threaded rods.
If you’ve been looking for a 3D printing project that you can take with you all around town, hit the brakes and get ready to make. Here’s more information of Lulzbot’s 3D Printed Longboard.
3D Printed Longboard: What Do You Need?
This project is tailor-made to be used with the Lulzbot TAZ 6 3D printer. However, if you have a desktop 3D printer with a large enough build volume, you should have no trouble building your own 3D printed longboard.
Your 3D printer will need to be able to produce pieces that measure around 230 x 25 x 240 mm. Aside from the Lulzbot TAZ 6, which we recently awarded as the best large format 3D printer in 2017, this project can likely be undertaken with the Creality CR-10, among other large volume FDM 3D printers.
Here’s everything you’ll need to create the 3D Printed Longboard:
3D Printed Longboard: Putting it All Together
Believe it or not, building your own 3D printed longboard is actually not as difficult as it sounds. The Lulzbot team lays out a simple set of instructions to help get your wheels rolling.
Before you start assembling your longboard, you’ll need to 3D print the four sections of the deck. The STL files are freely available on the Lulzbot website.
Next, take the three 3/8″ threaded rods and prepare to cut them down with the proper tools, such as a vise and hacksaw. Two of the rods will be trimmed to 700 mm for the side of the deck, while the middle rod will be cut to 820 mm. Then, insert the threaded rods into the holes of 3D printed deck parts one section at a time.
Once the threaded rods are inserted into the 3D printed deck, loosely attach the four 3/8″ nylon lock nuts and washers to the threaded rods. By slowly tightening the nuts with a wrench, you’ll notice the sections begin to constrict together. According to the Lulzbot team, this step will be easier to complete if you have an assistant to hold the other end of the longboard.
Lastly, it’s time to mount the wheels and trucks with skateboard truck mounting hardware. After this final step, you should be left with functional 3D printed longboard. Have fun shredding your neighborhood streets and remember, always wear a helmet!
You can learn more about the 3D Printed Longboard project on the Lulzbot website.
Have a trash bin full of leftover filament scraps and failed prints? Designer Agustin Flowalistik shows us how to recycle 3D printing waste by creating a Plastic Smoothie, which can be used in a laser cutter to create vibrant objects.
You know how the old saying goes… One manufacturing technology’s trash is another manufacturing technology’s treasure.
Well, at least that’s the case in the latest DIY project by Agustin Flowalistik. Looking for an easy and affordable way to recycle filament scraps and failed prints, the renowned designer came up with the idea to concoct a Plastic Smoothie.
While there are a variety of devices that allow you to recycle your 3D printing filament, Flowalistik’s latest method truly evokes the maker spirit. Using everyday kitchen appliances and laser cutting technology, you can create new objects with an endless array of colors.
After blending up all of your leftover filament into finely shredded plastic scraps, you’ll melt the colorful mess of plastic together in a mini oven. With this freshly baked sheet of recycled PLA, you can get creative using a laser cutter and a bit of vibrant imagination.
Here’s a brief overview on Flowalistik’s Plastic Smoothie project, which he recently shared on Instructables.
Plastic Smoothie: What Do You Need?
First and foremost, if you want to undertake the Plastic Smoothie project, you’re going to need an abundance of PLA filament scraps and failed prints to sacrifice. You’ll also need access to a laser cutter, which you can likely find at your local makerspace or FabLab. If you’re unfamiliar with laser cutting and want to learn more, be sure to check out our comprehensive overview on laser cutting technology.
Otherwise, there are still a few supplies needed before you start blending your Plastic Smoothie. Here’s the checklist for this DIY project:
There are a few tips and tricks that Flowalistik shares to make this project as affordable as possible. For starters, he recommends using an old blender if you have one handy. Obviously, once you start shredding plastic in it, you’re not going to want to use it for an actual smoothie afterwards.
When it comes to using failed 3D prints, you should break them down into small pieces before throwing them into the blender, reducing the damaged that the blades will incur. Additionally, due to the toxins in ABS and other material types, Flowalistik only used PLA filament for this project.
Plastic Smoothie: Putting it All Together
The first step to the Plastic Smoothie project is gathering and blending your leftover PLA. You can take this opportunity to decide which colors and textures you want to create. Once the recycled plastic is shredded up, you’ll lay it out on an oven tray and prepare to start baking. Flowalistik uses oven paper on the base of the tray, bending the corners to avoid any molten plastic from spilling over.
After experimenting a bit, the maker found that the most consistent results came about when melting medium and small plastic bits at 190-200 C for 20 – 25 minutes. Once the plastic scraps are melted together into a colorful sheet, you’ll need to remove it quickly and flatten it out in between the wood panels.
This pressing procedure has to be performed quickly, as the melted plastic will cool down quickly once it’s removed from the oven. Keep the oven paper on the plastic and add as much weight as you can onto the wood panels, and you’ll have a perfect sheet of recycled PLA.
Finally, Flowalistik uses an Epilog Laser Mini 18 40W laser cutter to cut the 3mm plastic panels. You can use the same settings as you would for a 3mm sheet of acrylic. The designer adds that he had to increase the power of the laser in order to make the engraving more apparent.
If you don’t have much experience with laser cutting, you might be wondering what you can make with this recycled plastic. Luckily, Flowalistik has shared a number of his own experimental models, including coasters, animal rings, spirographs, and a really impressive rocket ship.
You can learn more about the Plastic Smoothie project and the laser cutting process on Flowalistik’s Instructables post. If you want to continue supporting the designer and his intriguing projects, head on over to his Patreon page.
Recently purchased an Amazon Echo Dot but not in love with its eerie futuristic attitude? Maker Baard Fleistad has created the Gramazon, a 3D printable gramophone attachment to give your AI device a 1920s makeover.
Small, black, and round, the Amazon Echo Dot is an inconspicuous addition to the household, that is until it hears anything akin to its name being called. If you’re someone who wishes they could go back to the days where people were swing dancing around a blaring gramophone, then you may be interested in giving your Amazon Echo Dot a 1920s makeover.
Baard Fleistad, self-proclaimed as “some Norwegian nerd who lives in Florida”, has come up with a 3D printable design to spruce up your Echo Dot with class. His idea is a 3D printed acoustic amplifier in the form of the old-fashioned gramophone.
This amplifier then turns the Echo Dot into a 1920s style horn speaker. Fleistad explains that he’s wanted a horn speaker for some time but hasn’t found an economical option.
“I have always loved the look of the old radio horns of the 20’s and 30’s, but sadly, acquiring them is becoming harder and harder these days, and when you do come across one, the price is usually very high. There are reproductions on the market in the form of standalone bluetooth speakers, but these are usually sold at an even higher price point than the originals,” Fleistad explains.
So, instead of continuing in his unsuccessful search, Fleistad came up with his own solution. He used the Echo Dot as the center of his 1920s horn and created a 3D printed shell. The final design, which the designer wittingly calls the Gramazon, is a gorgeous and classical attachment for your AI housemate.
Give Your Home a Cheap 1920s Makeover with the Gramazon
Fleistad wanted to create a straightforward and slick 3D printable model, and started designing with Autodesk Fusion 360 to see what he could “slap together”. His primary goal was to create a design which didn’t require anything other than the 3D printed parts and some paint.
“Initially I was just going to make the horn part, and make a wooden base for it to house some electronics for a Bluetooth receiver and speaker, however, looking at my Echo Dot sitting at the corner of my desk, a light-bulb went off and the idea for the Gramazon was born!” Fleistad exclaims.
After succeeding with the design process, the maker finally started 3D printing the Gramazon. The STL files, which are available on Thingiverse, are printed with 20 percent infill, no supports necessary.
After assembly, Fleistad used 80 and 100 grit sandpaper, as well as copious amounts of Bondo, primer coats, and XTC-3D (for the inside of the model) to get the perfect finish.
“Just expect a lot of sanding if you plan to achieve a smooth surface finish on this project,” he warns.
If you’d like to create your own Gramazon, it’s as simple as downloading Fleistad’s files, 3D printing them, assembling, sanding the print down, priming it, and painting it with style. Visit his Thingiverse page to download the files and bring your Amazon Echo on a trip to the roaring twenties.
It’s time to leave the nest and make yourself a stunning and challenging DIY desk ornament. Maker Greg Zumwalt has created a complex 3D printed mechanical hummingbird-themed automata toy–and you can too.
One of the many advantages of 3D printing is its ability to manufacture complex geometries in a single print. But you can also use the technology to create a barrage of small parts, each one given a role within a magnificent mechanical structure.
Greg Zumwalt, an Oklahoma-based maker and former software and video game company owner, has recently shared the Mechanical Hummingbird. The project will push your 3D printer to the limit, but the results will have you enjoying the sweet nectar of automata magic.
This Mechanical Hummingbird is an intricate 3D puzzle, requiring a substantial number of 3D printed parts. Zumwalt designed the entire structure to be 3D printed, save for the small motor used to bring movement to the bird.
3D printed parts include the bird’s wings and body, the blossoming flower, the elaborate array of gears, and even the base. By the time you’re finished with this project, both you and your 3D printer will go from a novice in the nest to soaring DIY eagles.
Interested yet? We thought so… Here’s some insight into Zumwalt’s marvelous –and almost fully 3D printed — Mechanical Hummingbird project.
3D Printed Hummingbird: What Do You Need?
Your 3D printer is going to do most of the work here. In fact, this complex automata is comprised of 97 individual 3D printed parts. All of these STL files are available for download on Zumwalt’s Instructables post. He also shares CAD images for each component, which he modeled using Autodesk Fusion 360.
However, while you get that extruder warmed up, you’ll need to obtain a few other things as well.
3D Printed Hummingbird: Putting It All Together
This project consists of 97 3D printed parts, so you can max out your efficiency by grouping together sections of the mechanic device on the print bed. Zumwalt provides steps to assembling the innumerable amount of puzzle pieces. Be aware of the filament color you use for each component, particularly with the bird and flower.
Each step in the Instructables post goes into detail about the assembly of the STL files. You’ll start with the base of the bird, which is also where the electric motor will be mounted. This is followed by the transmission, the body and wings of the bird, and an explanation on how to conjoin these 3D printed pieces. Finally, it’s time to 3D print the flower stem and bulb, which along with the hummingbird, offers a good opportunity to get creative with filament colors.
Zumwalt suggests that before starting assembly, you should test fit, trim, and sand the 3D printed parts to ensure smooth movement and a proper fit. You can also file any excess “ooze” (also known as an elephant foot) from the surface of the 3D print that is contacting the build plate.
Since the Mechanical Hummingbird uses threaded assembly, the maker also recommends using a 6mm x 1 tap to clean out the threads. He also uses petroleum jelly to lubricate the gear train, as well as areas between the rotating contact surfaces.
There’s no denying that this project will require a lot patience and 3D printing time, but this automata ornament is an enormous example of the little things your 3D printer can do.
If you’re interested in building Zumwalt’s Mechanical Hummingbird, check out the full description, STL files, and assembly instructions on his Instructables post.
Looking for an awesomely interactive project to 3D print this weekend? The Ruiz Brothers and Phillip Burgess have shared Animated LED Sand, a DIY physics toy featured on Adafruit.
Although the laws of physics are an integral part to our understanding of the nature and universe that surrounds us, learning about Newton’s laws from a textbook can be a daunting and exasperating task. Instead, why not enjoy the science of matter and energy with an interactive toy you can 3D print yourself!
The Animated LED Sand device is an incredibly simple, yet awe-inspiring DIY toy that will entertain kids and adults alike. Using an LED matrix that displays little grains of sand, this 3D printable toy interacts with motion and acts as if it’s under the influence of gravity.
This Weekend Project, created by the Ruiz Brothers and Phillip Burgess, is currently featured on Adafruit. We’ll give you a quick recap of the project, and show you how to make the complexities of physics more fun.
Animated LED Sand Toy: What Do You Need?
If you’re interested in assembling your own 3D printed physics toy, most of the supplies can be purchased from Adafruit. Here’s what you’ll need:
Animated LED Sand: Putting it all Together
Once you have your supplies, it’s time to dig into the circuitry and coding for the Animated LED Sand. You’ll need to connect the slide switch to the Feather Board, and will need to be 70mm for the GND and 50mm for the EN pin.
The CharliePlex Featherwing also connects directly to the board, and requires the connections for the SDA and SCL wires to be 70 mm long. Meanwhile, the 3V and GND connections can be 80mm long.
Lastly, the LIS3DH connects to the top of the Feather (via the 3d printed mount), and will need to be 40mm long for all connections. If you’re more of a visual learner, Adafruit shares a circuit digram to help you connect the various electronic components together (pictured below).
In order to use the LED Sand sketch, you’ll need to download the latest version of Arduino IDE. If you’re unfamiliar with Arduino, the Ruiz Brothers suggests going over introductory tutorials. There are also a few libraries that will need to be installed onto Arduino IDE.
The 3D printed enclosure comes in a handful of relatively easy to print files. You can download the STL files from Thingiverse. There is a dome version, which teeters back and forth on a surface, or a gimbal version, which keeps the toy in constant spin.
Lastly, you’ll need to solder the electronic components together and assemble the Animated LED Sand toy. This project showcases an interesting relationship between electronics and 3D printing, using 3D printed spacers and mounts to keep everything in check.
If you’re interested in building this DIY Physics Toy over the weekend, you can view the full assembly instructions here. Be sure to check out the video below for more information and maker inspiration.
In this video tutorial, we will show you how to open a wine bottle without a corkscrew. The video contains 4 easy life hacks that you can do yourself with simple household items:
1. Open a wine bottle using only a lighter. Just heat up the bottle for 1 minute on the neck right below the cork, while turning the bottle around. The heat will cause the air to expand and eventually the cork will pop right out!
2. For this wine bottle opening method, you will need a long screw, a screwdriver and a fork. First, you’ll need to screw the screw into the cork with a screwdriver. Then just use a fork to pull the screw out. Voila!
3. This method of opening a wine bottle requires a shoe of any kind. Just place your bottle in the shoe and slam it against the wall. Sooner or later the bottle cork should pop out.
4. For this simple wine bottle opening technique, you will only need a fork! Just use the fork handle to push down the cork, so you can enjoy your wine. Cheers!
Create your own radio controlled 3D printed screw drive tank by following along with YouTuber Ivan Miranda’s latest six-part project.
Maker Ivan Miranda has a message for you: never give up. These words flash up on his latest video about creating a 3D printed screw drive RC. It’s the final video in a series of six that all attempt to create and perfect a remote-controlled screw drive RC tank.
Thanks to the shape of the screw drive wheels, Miranda is able to use the small tank on soft ground. In fact, he tests out his design on the beach. However, as cool as it sounds, it’s certainly wasn’t a simple build.
Miranda has 41,000 subscribers on YouTube and is an avid maker. He makes everything from games to his own 3D printers to violins he can’t play. Usually he works on a new project every week, however, this screw drive project has now occupied a lot of his time at the insistence of his viewers.
The complex screw drive tank is finally a success after many 3D printed iterations and even help from his audience. He explains in his video description: “Well, it finally works, ya’ll told me to never give up and this is the result,” he adds.
Check out the final video in this series, however, make sure to watch the others for a full run-down of the project. You’re likely to find yourself hooked on Miranda’s channel.
Creating a Screw drive Tank with 3D Printing
Miranda begins the video by disassembling his screw drive tank. Predominantly all of the parts were 3D printed, other than the screws, some rods, bearings, beams, and electrical parts.
Throughout the process, he’s used 3D printing to create quick iterations. He also powers the design with twin brushless motors and controls it with off-the-shelf RC gear.
He’s worked with multiple different screw shapes. Finally, he explains how he completed the task: “I basically increased the tolerances and gave me more space to fasten everything, added a few washers and in the last minute (literally) I had to add to wooden beams for rigidity.”
During the final tester on the beach, Miranda sees a lot of progress. After a quick tinker, he is able to get the screw drive tank racing across the sand and working perfectly.
However, Miranda learned that the tank certainly doesn’t work after racing into the sea. He adds: “You cannot call me a coward!” before the tank gives up.
Ever wanted to use your 3D printer to create the ultimate speaker box? Coder and tinker Yasthil Bhagwandeen shares a new Instructables project on how to build your very own 3D Printed Mini Bluetooth Speakers. Now that sounds cool…
3D printing technology is disrupting how a wide range of consumer goods are produced, and audio gear is certainly no exception. With companies like print+ and V-Moda using 3D printing to offer customizability to consumers, the technology could soon become a valuable part of the audiophile’s sonic experience.
A new Instructables project by Yasthil Bhagwandeen takes a DIY approach, showing us how to 3D print our own mini bluetooth speakers. The coder and tinker presents the full scope of his project, leading us from the design process, through his mistakes and triumphs, and finally to the finished product.
If you have access to a 3D printer, a bit of maker prowess, and a love for sound, you can build your own 3D Printed Mini Bluetooth Speakers.
3D Printed Mini Bluetooth Speakers: What Do You Need?
Unlike some of the more simple ideas featured on our Weekend Project series, the 3D Printed Mini Bluetooth Speakers require a handful of tools and components. Here’s what you’ll need to take on this project:
Tools
Components
3D Printed Mini Bluetooth Speakers: Putting it Together
If you’ve gotten this far, you’re probably quite interested in building your own own set of 3D Printed Mini Bluetooth Speakers. Let’s take a quick glance at the design process and assembly.
First and foremost, you’ll need to download the STL files for the speaker box from Thingiverse. If you have all of the aforementioned tools and components on hand, it’s time to start 3D printing the casing for the speaker.
In Bhagwandeen’s version, he uses the Anet A8 3D printer and CCTree PLA, 3D printing the speaker box with 50 percent infill and a layer height of .32 mm. The 3D model for the speaker box, designed by the tinkerer on Fusion 360, is a relatively quick 5 hour 3D print.
He also shares the initial mistakes and subsequent redesign that came with developing this project. Obstacles included incorrect measurements, which made it difficult to fit in the speakers, as well as forgetting to print holes for the switch, jack, and micro USB slot. Eventually, Bhagwandeen overcame these issues and was able to build his speakers.
Before soldering, the maker recommends connecting the electronic components to make sure they’re working properly. Then, it’s time to start the soldering process, which is done according to the schematic provided below.
Once the soldering process is complete, simply use the hot glue gun to mount the electronics into the 3D printed speaker box. The speaker enclosure was designed to snap fit together, so you can open and shut the box without issue. Bhagwandeen states that the speaker isn’t extremely loud, but it does produce a fair amount of volume.
It’s an intermediate project that does require some time and maker skills, but it also seems like a nice undertaking for a beginner looking to get familiar with soldering, or even a more experienced maker who wants a fun and useful project for the weekend. Either way, you can bring your favorite sounds right to your own DIY speaker box with this unique Weekend Project.
With just a spring and a 3D printer, Croatian digital artist and maker Vedran Marjanovic Wekster shows you how to create a NERF-ified version of the Thirst Zapper gun from the video game series Fallout.
In the post-apocalyptic setting of the critically acclaimed video game Fallout 4, the main character– referred to as “Sole Survivor”– uses an eclectic and creative mix of weapons to trudge through a dark and dismal world. In the game, you can spray down your enemies with the cool and refreshing Thirst Zapper gun, a Nuka Cola bottle-shaped weapon that is capable of discharging irradiated soda at the bad guys.
Wekster uses 3D printed parts and a small spring to create the Fallout themed NERF gun. Thankfully, he’s sharing the files on Thingiverse, so we can all prepare ourselves for any potential nuclear apocalypse.
Thirst Zapper NERF Gun: What do you Need?
For this Weekend Project, you just need a few things you might already have laying around the house. Here’s the list of goods:
Small screws (test size at hardware store or from toolbox to find right fit)
Thirst Zapper NERF Gun: Putting it all Together
Looking to improve upon his previous Rick and Morty-inspired NERF gun project, Wekster wanted to experiment with a reverse plunger mechanism. Instead of re-doing the model, he searched for a video game weapon that could contain the size of his new idea. Eventually, he settled on the Thirst Zapper from Fallout 4, a fitting match for the video game trailer creator and DIY enthusiast.
The model comes broken into 11 different 3D printable parts, including everything from the reverse plunger to the Nuka Cola logo. Wekster explains in his video that the smaller inside components were 3D printed with a 0.1 mm layer thickness, but he used a 0.4 mm layer thickness for the outer shell. In order to make the 3D printed parts strong enough to withstand force, he uses 60% infill for a number of them.
After 3D printing the various parts, Wekster painted the Thirst Zapper’s body to match the prop to the video game version. His exact post-processing method isn’t fully explained in the video, but you can use acrylic paint on white filament to achieve a similar effect.
As you can see at the end of the the video posted below, the Croatian artist and maker becomes ecstatic after successfully testing his 3D printed Thirst Zapper, which fires out a NERF dart at an impressive speed.
If you’re looking for a fun project that will keep you hydrated and safe beyond the end of days, take a look at Wekster’s YouTube video and start 3D printing this Fallout-themed NERF gun before it’s too late.
Do It Yourself projects allow people to reuse items lying around the house to create something cool instead of throwing them away. However, just because you can make anything it doesn’t mean you should. A subreddit with a pretty self-explanatory title (DiWHY) is collecting the worst DIY fails, and they are so dreadfully awful, you might feel like Leonardo Da Vinci after checking them out.
Basically, the entries belong to one of the two groups: a) a project is so bad, it shouldn’t exist to begin with; b) the execution turned out horribly wrong. From leaving a print of your baby’s bottom on a bowl to preserving childhood toys like failed biological experiments, some people should really consult others about their latest crafts. Scroll down to review the cringy entries and upvote your favorites!
Hi, in this tutorial I show you how I made a fairy house lamp recycling some cardboard from an old box, egg cartons, pizza boxes, toilet paper tubes and two plastic bottles.
The only bought materials I used are the acrylic colors, the hot glue and the P.V.A. glue (less than 3$ in total). It took me about ten days to finish, including the drying time. Let me know what you think!
Want to keep your filament in tip-top shape? Engineer and 3D printing enthusiast RichRap shows us how to create DIY Heated DryBox for 3D Printing filament for under $20.
No matter how finely tuned your 3D printer is, the quality of your prints are highly dependent on the state of the filament you’re feeding through the extruder. Some 3D printing materials are highly susceptible to moisture in the air, which can result in poor quality prints. Before printing, these spoiled filaments need to be kept in an airtight container with desiccant and dried out in the oven.
On today’s Weekend Project, we’re sharing the DIY Heated DryBox created by engineer and renowned 3D printing enthusiast RichRap. Not only does this contraption keep your filament properly stored, it also has the capacity to actively heat the material while printing. More importantly, the entire project shouldn’t cost you anymore than $20 – $30, depending on where you source your materials.
Let’s dig a bit deeper into what you’ll need to build a DIY Heated DryBox.
DIY Heated DryBox: What Do You Need?
There is some 3D printing involved in the assembly of the DIY Heated DryBox. But it also requires some other inexpensive parts. Here’s what you need:
DIY Heated DryBox: Putting it all Together
The first thing you’ll need is a plastic storage box that holds at least 11 liters and has a lid. You can likely find one at your local hardware store or on Amazon. It’s important that the height of the box is tall enough to fit an upright spool of filament, but the lid doesn’t have to be completely sealable.
RichRap also suggests using a Reptile Heating Mat as the heating element for the DIY Heated DryBox. He was initially inspired to create this solution after a trip to E3D, a UK producer of high-end 3D printing accessories. While visiting, he saw the company was storing its exotic and nylon materials in a plastic box that had this type of heater laid on top of it.
The temperature and humidity sensor is stored within a 3D printed housing. The heating element slides into the 3D printed base, and will rest underneath the filament to keep the environment toasty. You’ll also have to 3D print a spool. All of these files are freely available on Thingiverse or Youmagine.
Finally, two cable connectors are inserted in the front, allowing two different filaments to exit through tubing directly to the printer. Another cable connector is mounted in the back for the power cable of the heating element.
This project requires a bit of hands-on work, but the results that RichRap achieves without breaking the bank are truly impressive. While filament storage solutions like the Polybox are readily available, the DIY Heated DryBox is more versatile and costs a fraction of the price to create. On top of that, you get that sense of accomplishment that comes with completing any useful DIY project.
Learn more about the components on RichRap’s blog, and check out the video below to see the entire assembly process in action.
Looking for a weekend DIY project? Check out this awesome 3D printed hand-powered mechanical laser show created by software developer Evan Stanford.
Is your 3D printer sitting idle this weekend? Want to find a amusing project to show your friends and family just what this technology is capable of? What better way to seize the day than with a fully 3D printed mechanical laser light show.
Today’s Weekend Project is the Mechanical Laser Show, a spectacular showcase of the functionality of 3D printed gear mechanisms and 3D design. Created by software developer Evan Stanford, his goal was to use a laser to display a Persistence Of Vision (POV) image. However, he didn’t want to use any electric motors or servos, instead opting to create a hand-powered device with fully 3D printed parts.
The outcome is an impressive feat in mechanical engineering, one that you can replicate quite easily at home. This project uses a gear mechanism and custom designed cams, which are used to display the laser image. In his visual examples, Stanford creates laser-powered stars, hearts, even the Batman logo on the wall.
DIY Mechanical Laser Show: What Do You Need?
Interested in building your own mechanical laser show? Here’s what you need to put this project together:
DIY Mechanical Laser Show: Putting it all Together
First things first, you’ll need to 3D print the different parts, all of which are available on Thingiverse. The device itself is comprised of nine components: the front and back plate, gear, crank, bolt, two axels, and two cams, which are interchangeable depending on the image you wish to display.
The rubber band is used to secure the laser pointer to the 3D printed device. Stanford shares a few different 3D printable cam designs on Thingiverse.
“When you turn the input crank, the cams turn at a 5:1 ratio. Every time the cams rotate, the laser traces the path once. Using 2 cams allows the laser to move with 2 degrees of freedom. Basically one actuates in the X axis and one in the Y axis.”
To design your own image projections, Stanford developed a Go program (available via GitHub) that takes the target path as input and outputs the two cam profiles. This target path uses a series of points that the laser will travel to sequentially. The software developer also shares instructions to ensure that the mechanical variables or optimized to properly display the laser show.
If you want take on this project, you can find more information on the Hackaday project page. And, if you’re not convinced yet, check out the mesmerizing “Mechanical Laser Show” video below and get inspired. Happy making!
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