I have a 3D printer in my lab that is very useful for printing out specialized components to test a variety of setups and configurations. I have been making use of it recently while trying to test out different configurations for a new experimental setup. As I finished off the design of my components this morning, I learned that I would have additional time with the 3D printer after testing my new experimental setup.
I decided to make a dinosaur.
I spent probably too long in the afternoon designing a dinosaur using FreeCad in four components. It is always important to have the components fit with each other and understand how the printer may often overwrite holes. I generally leave at least a few tenths of a millimeter between pieces that need to fit together. I built two legs, a torso/neck/tail/arms, and a head component so that nothing would be too warped. For additive printing, one needs to be aware of the effects of gravity on still malleable plastic.
I had to sand and file the pieces so that they would fit together. The most challenging piece was the head, as the cylinder was built off of the ground. I was pleased with some of the warping that happened to the small arms to make them a little smaller and more awkward.
I was quite pleased with how everything printed, so I decided to paint everything when I got home. In the morning, I may add some eyes, teeth, and shading before keeping it as a mascot. Hopefully the acrylics are appropriate paints for this dinosaur.
