bq is a company founded in 2009, and since then they have become quite successful as a producer of tablets, smartphones, e-readers, and 3D printers. In fact, the company, which employs close to 1,000 individuals, brings in well over 100 million euros per year in revenue.
With a company slogan that states, “We help people understand technology, we inspire them to use it and develop it,” 3D printing definitely is a large part of their business plan, and showing people the benefits that the technology can provide is part of their mission.
bqLabs, which is a subdivision of the company and part of the Innovation and Robotics department, frequently creates unique and interesting 3D printable designs, and then releases them to the community at large. This allows for individuals to test out the products before they become final releases and are published on the official bq website. One of these latest products is an awesome toy dragon, named “Braq”.
Braq is a fully articulated model which is printed in 42 separate pieces, and held together by 2-3 mm thick elastic cord. This incredible creation was designed by a woman named Sonia Verdu, who has been modeling and painting different dragons for years. With help from bq, and with the use of various illustrations and sculptures, Verdu modeled Braq in such a way that he could be 3D printed.
The 3D printable pieces, some of which are printed on rafts, require no additional support material. It is recommended that all of the parts, other than the head, are printed with a 0.2 mm layer height and an infill level of 10%. The head, because more detail is required, should be 3D printed with a 0.14 mm layer height and a 40% infill density.
“In the downloadable files, you will find the G-code files prepared for your 3D printer,” the company explains. “We also added the STL files which include brackets and, if you prefer, you can download the original modeled without brackets.”
Once all 42 parts are 3D printed they are strung together with elastic cord, which gives the articulation a more realistic feel. Two cords are used for the wings, one cord runs from the head to the tail, one for the front feet and one for the rear legs.
As you can see in the photos provided, Braq is not your typical 3D printable action figure. It is a piece of art, that just so happens to double as a toy.
What do you think about this incredible 3D printable dragon? Have you attempted to 3D print and assemble your own yet? Discuss in the Braq forum thread on 3DPB.com. Check out the video below showing the assembly of this cool little dragon.
