Swinging Snowman, PLA Spring Motor Style
Swinging Snowman, PLA Spring Motor Style
3D
Published 2017-03-28T11:18:42+00:00
Winter is here (well, at least where I live) and snow is on its way (well, for some of us) and how best to celebrate the cold wintry weather by staying inside and printing a Swinging Snowman, PLA Spring Motor style!
Complete with hat, eyes, earmuffs, buttons and a bow tie, this steampunk stylized thing utilizes a PLA Spring Motor and a clockwork style escapement mechanism to swing the snowman a couple of minutes or more per winding. No batteries, power supplies, motors, bearings or bushings are required.
Video of prototype is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj2_3SADafo&list=UUv_zm49u-RjnCJVwhUO-ecA&index=1.
Designed using Sketchup 8, and printed in PLA on a Makerbot Replicator 2 using Makerware 2.3.3.42 "Standard" (.2mm layer height, 2 shells, 10% infill) settings.
Carefully study "Assembly.skp". Note that the .skp file should be used as an assembly diagram and not be used to print parts as the parts in the .skp file may not be the final parts as found in the .stl files.
Print all PLA parts from the .stl files. Print "Knob.stl" and "Spring.stl" with Makerware "Standard" settings modified for 100% infill, the remaining parts using Makerware "Standard" settings with the default infill. Due to the balance requirements of this thing, I do not recommend changing the layer height, shells and/or infill settings as the performance of your build may vary significantly.
Test fit and trim, file, sand, etc. all parts as necessary for smooth movement of moving surfaces, and tight fit for non moving surfaces. Depending on the colors you chose and your printer settings, more or less trimming, filing and/or sanding will be required.
Assemble as per "Assembly.skp". Note that "Hat.stl" and "Button.stl" were glued in place with a small dot of thick cyanoacrylate glue.
Lubricate moving surfaces with light machine oil.
Comment if questions.
Hope you like it!
| Date published | 28/03/2017 |
| Technology | FDM |