For this project I found inspiration by combing through the links that were provided. I think fractals look really nice so I really wanted to do something with those, and other than that I saw a triangular shape that looked really nice. My code generates the shapes by using the turtle to move in complex ways by using the set_position function. The slicer couldn’t generate my shapes due to the complex z movements, “floating filament”, and gaps within my shapes. I tried the basic shape with all 3 of my prints and they didn’t turn out well. My triflake didn’t have the detail I wanted, and my other ones spun off. I was able to fix the spinning off by adding more layers to my shapes so that they more easily adhered to the other layers. I also got the detail I wanted by increasing the size of the shape.
Shape 1, Triflake:
I took inspiration from this by research fractals and decided on doing a triflake which is a combination of pascals triangle and koch’s snowflake. This is my form that takes advantage of floating filament as there are gaps between the layers of the triangle.
shape 2, Vessel:
I’ve been enjoying creating vessel like shapes, so I thought I would do another one. This is my form that takes advantage of non planar z movements and there are also “holes” within the structure. The bottom is actually a span of lines from the center that are close together so they blend.
Shape 3, Cone Spiral:
For this I wanted to do a twist shape with hanging edges. I struggled with this one until I found that by increasing the number of layers I could get the filament to better adhere to itself. The curves on one side look really good, but on the other and towards the top the amount of layers and lack of space made them thicker/not as detailed.
Andrew,
I had a similar experience with the filament not adhering to itself as well. Seems like we underestimate how many layers we need that first go-round. The floating filament detail on your triflake model printed out very clean! Were the holes in your second print (the vessel one) intentional? I’m curious if there was anything you could have done to somewhat control how much filament is being extruded for a given area in your print – specifically for your third model. I really like how it still held up its shape for the most part though, very cool and unique idea!
Hi Desiree,
The holes were intentional, and I tried to change how much filament was extruded for my third model, but it didn’t turn out the way I wanted. Thank you, the triflake is my personal favorite.
Hi Andrew,
Using fractals is a very cool project direction! Your triflake turned out really well. Adding more layers seems like a useful approach. I might try that in the future, thanks for sharing about it. I like your vessel, the holes are a cool touch. For the cone spiral, I wonder if decreasing the extrusion rate in the problematic areas would help? It would probably be tricky to implement but could be interesting.
Hi Liz,
Yeah I totally agree that changing the extrusion rate for the third model would have really helped it. I tried changing it a little within the code, but it didn’t really have the effect I was looking for. If I had more time I would’ve played around more with it. Thank you!
Hi Andrew,
These models are really unique I think my favorite is your first model. The floating string I think is really nice. The triflake design is nice. I also heard using glue can help with adhering, maybe trying that could fix the issue, I haven’t tried it not sure how effective it is. Great designs
Hi Alan,
The first one is also my favorite, I hadn’t heard of the glue fix, maybe I’ll try that in a future project. Thank you!
Hey Andrew! All of your prints are impressive. I especially like the spiral shape How many tries did this take to get to your final print? One of my first ideas was to do the exact same fractal snowflake design! However, I started my project late and saw you had done that already so I decided to switch focus. Your design looks absolutely beautiful and I’m super happy with the way it came out even if I wasn’t able to do it lol.
Hello,
I think the spiral took 3 tries, I fiddled with the extrusion rate and number of layers. If I had more time, I definitely would’ve played more with that. I’m glad that it looks cool lol.