Software
Plasticity: My go to software for designing printable 3d modesl in Plasticity. Plasticity is CAD softeare that allows direct editing. It is Parasolid based software and the Studio version has xNURBS built right in. Complete with the Blender Bridge plug-in for sending models directly over to Blender, or the ability to exports in STL or STEP formats for 3d Printer compatability. One of the coolest pieces of software I have ever used.
Here is a preview video of Pasticity in action, showing some of the cool features it has to offer.
3D Printer
Bambu Lab P2S + AMS 2 Pro:
The Bambu Lab P2S is my second 3d printer and a vast step up from my old Creality Ender 3 S1 Pro. With its Core XY format, enclosed chamber, hardened steal quick swap nozzle and new PMSM serrve extruder I'm able to print the same more 3 to 4 times quicker than my old printer with dramatically superior quality. The AMS 2 Pro allows for multi-colour printing and the built in filament dryer is brilliant.
Summary: I was a little cautious of buying into the Bambu Lab ecosystem, but I'm so pleased I did. Such a simple and complete experience from the software to the hardware. It all just works and it works really well.
Making a Zzzoom-it
Designing & Printing A Favourite Childhood Toy
The Mattel Zzzoom-It
One of the coolest toys we had as kids was the Zzzoom-it from Mattel. My two brothers and I spent coutless hours shooting each other with the miniature frisbee like discs each Zzzoom-it fired. We quickly worked out that the more rubber bands we put on the Zzzoom-it, the faster and further they would fire.
Unfortunately like a lot of things from our youth, these toys have not been in production for decades. If you are lucky you can occassionally find a secondhand one like I did on eBay.
I decided to redesign and 3d print a more robust version but keeping true to the original form.
BOOKING & CONTACT
Original 1971 TV advert from Mattel
Step 1: Design
The ideal software to use for this project was Plasticity. As a CAD application it allowed me to use accurate dimensioning which was necessary to ensure exact fitting parts and a fully functioning print. I scoured the net for images of the Zzzoom-it and set about designing it in Plasticity. This was the first major model I had made in Plasticity (at the time it was fairly new software and still in beta) but I soon realised this was one of the coolest 3D applications I had ever used.
Step 1: Design
Each component of the Zzzoom-it was designed to be 3D printed. Brass thread inserts were heat pressed into the upper body of the Zzzoom-it so it could be assembled with an assortment of M3 Button Head Socket Screws. The magazine holder which is capable of holding 5 additonal discs was attached to the top of the Zzzoomit with magnets for easy removal.
Step 2: Print Preparation
Once all components were designed in Plasticity I exported them individually to Bambu Studio software for slicing and generating the supports where necessary. Bambu Studio generated the G-Code which was sent to my Bambu Lab P2S 3D printer via the network for printing. I used Bambu Lab PLA as the filament of choice with PETG-HF for the trigger and arm mechanisms as this filament will stand up to the stress of firing the discs, in particular the arm that retracts with 3+ medium sized rubber bands and hits a solid stop block when fired.
Step 3: Printing
Let the printer do its thing. Estimated time to print the top section was 2 hours and 39 minutes. Here’s a quick time lapse.
Step 4: Rinse & Repeat
Same process for the other parts. I opted to print the larger parts separatley. Here's and indication of how long each part took.
Bottom Section: Bambu Lab PLA Matte – Jade White (10100)
Print Time: 2 Hours 3 Minutes
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Handle: Bambu Lab PLA Matte – Mandarin Orange (11300)
Print Time: 2 Hours 5 Minutes
BOOKING &
Trigger & Rubber Band Bracket: Bambu Lab PEGT-HF – Black (33102)
Print Time: 36 Minutes
BOOKING & CONTACT
Arm: Bambu Lab PEGT-HF – Black (33102)
Print Time: 51 Minutes
Step 5: Assembly
Coming soon…