This week’s top models are the usual versatile, functional, and well-designed sampling we are used to seeing on 3D Share website. 3DShare regular Lawrence Butts contributes two models this week that are very different, but could be used at the same time. His carabiners and his baton, made into a walking staff, can both be used on a long hike, for example. Other models include a Spidersuit for an iPhone, a chopstick stand that is fashioned into a camel, and a T Puzzle that can get you some non-screen time while stimulating your mind with its “deceptively difficult” side.
I had to look up what a carabiner was top be sure–although it looks familiar to me. Lo, it’s most frequently used as an essential component in rock climbing gear to run rope through. While I myself never rock climbed, I have stood around and waited for friends to finish their climbs. That being said, I do know that this is essential safety gear, which is why you need to make sure the design is correct. Leave it to our tried and true designer Lawrence Butts to provide a design (for 99 cent download) and printing instructions that seem functional, easy, and safe to use. Happy climbing and carabining, everyone!
I never tire of observing all of the 3D printed smartphone and iPhone gadgets out there. This one, a free download from FORMBYTE, is sure to please Spider-Man fans, who may already own any number of their own Spidersuits. But it can also please Halloween enthusiasts, and even arachnologists–those who practice the scientific study of spiders. Me? Every time I’d pick my phone up I’d be faced with this creature: I could get used to that! It would be great if you could 3D print all of Spider-Man’s amazing superpowers, too. Hey! Come to think of it, maybe Spider-Man could use some 3D printed carabiners for support on some of those more difficult climbs he makes…
The simple little chopstick stand is transformed into a worldly and decorative item by the FORMBYTE design team, who suggest printing this camel chopstick holder at layer height 0.1-.15 mm, with a 50-100% infill. You can download the design for 99 cents, or simply buy the finished product from Shapeways, for anywhere between $9 and $25 depending on what material you choose. Either way, why settle for bland stands when you can have camels instead?
While Lawrence Butts spells it “batton,” this is a “baton” that, when fully assembled, reaches almost one foot long and is 33 mm round. Once again, Butts provides the 3-part design, and makes available the middle part as a free download. You can print out several of these and make a staff, too, as Butts points out. He recommends printing in ABS filament, with at least 20% infill and 2 shells or more. So, print three pieces out and have a baton, or print out more and have yourself the coolest 3D printed walking stick on the block.
Playing with little puzzles in our spare time is a nice antidote to screen time’s effects on our eyes and minds. Both children and adults are subjected to much screen time, which can hurt your eyes and cause fatigue and other problems. Why not 3D print a puzzle that is challenging enough for you to obsess over–instead of your usual online video game? This puzzle, contributed by Joe Larson as a free download, was recreated from memory, and it has two sides: one easy and one difficult. You can share the easy side with that young person in your life, or use it to boost your confidence before tackling the more difficult side. Either way, you can’t go wrong as you collect little 3D printed puzzles to help relieve stress and whittle away some spare time.
Do these designs make you want to get to making? Let us know about your favorites in the 3D Share Top Models forum thread for the week!
