Author:
Alexandra Houff
Subject:
Engineering
Material Type:
Lesson Plan
Level:
Upper Primary, Middle School, High School
Grade:
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Tags:
  • 3D Printing
  • bcpl-3d
  • License:
    Creative Commons Attribution
    Language:
    English
    Media Formats:
    Other

    3D Printed Bracelet/Ponytail Holder

    3D Printed Bracelet/Ponytail Holder

    Overview

    Make a 3D printed bracelet holder using files from Thingiverse, Cura, and a Lulzbot Mini 2 printer

    Find the Thing Files on Thingiverse

    This will print in two pieces. Make sure that both files are downloaded. The taller base is for necklaces, but I recommend starting with the shorter base.

    Before you can print a 3D object, you need to get the files to tell the printer what to print. So lets do that. Head over to Thingiverse and do a search for Thing 2787523 (it's the Whirlwind Bracelet holder pictured). Or go right to the link:

    Download/Review the files

    Locate the files for the bracelet holder. Download both the Base_Vertical file and the Arm_Vertical file. They download as .STL files; you will need to make sure you have Cura- Lulzbot Edition downloaded to your machine so you can prepare the files for printing to a 3D printer.

    If you are using a different printer, you can download other versions or settings of Cura specific to that printer. Some printers use their own software as well, so please refer to the manual for your specific printer.

    thingiversefiles

    Open the file in Cura

    There is no need for supports for either of these files with the Lulzbot Mini.

    Once you've downloaded the files, open Cura and load the files one at a time starting with the Arm file. When you open the Arm_vertical file, you will see that it is too large to print as-is. You will need to scale the file down. Select the Scale tool as shown in the attached image and scale to 75% (make sure uniform scaling is checked). For the other settings, you can leave them as is.

    The Cura software will tell you how long it will take to print and how much it will weigh approximately (in this case, it will take almost 5 hours and will weigh ~45 grams).

    Save the file either to your machine (if you are printing via USB cable) or to a SD Card (if you are printing directly from an SD Card).

    Cura File

    Save the Base_Vertical File in Cura

    Follow the same steps for the Base_vertical file, making sure that you scale the file 75% for the base too. For the Build Plate Adhesion drop down, you can change it to "none" since it has a fairly large base.

    Save that file as well, and then fire up your printer.

    Base Cura

    Print File

    This project assumes some knowledge of printing with the Lulzbot printer.

    Once you have both files scaled and saved, you can start your printer. This project prints in two parts. The base takes less time than the arm, so if you are in a hurry, start with the base.

    Make sure your printer is aligned and ready to print. Then either print from the SD card directly or via USB using the settings you established.

    If you are not familiar with the Lulzbot Mini, please take about 15 minutes to watch this video before you get started.