Tectonic Plate Boundary Models

The By-Color and AMS profiles are back online! Thanks to Auré for the print photo and fixing mistakes, and user_3641663245 for testing the AMS profiles.

 

UPDATE 04/03/2025: New By-Color Profiles Added!

I’ve added new By-Color Profiles that allow you to print each color separately without needing an AMS. Each color is printed as an individual piece and then assembled using glue. I manually adjusted each model so that all parts sit flat on the print bed. This is more approachable for non-ams users and uses way less filament than with the color changing of an ams.

Introduction

This model shows the four main types of plate movements. I was inspired by my geography teacher’s lessons on tectonic plates and how they shape our planet over millions of years. The idea of massive plates moving and creating incredible forces fascinated me, so I decided to bring this concept to life through a detailed 3D model.

 

To make the project as educational as possible, I worked closely with my teacher to ensure accuracy and clarity. The model highlights key processes like slab pull, ridge push, and the interactions at convergent, divergent, and transform boundaries. My goal is to make learning about plate tectonics engaging and accessible for everyone.

 

Printing information

Single Color

For users who prefer a straightforward print, I have included a single-color profile that allows the entire model to be printed in one color. This eliminates the need for assembly while maintaining all the details of the design. Additionally, this option requires only a fraction of the print time and filament compared to the AMS multi-color version, making it a faster and more efficient choice.

 

AMS (Advanced Material System)

For users with an AMS, I’ve optimized profiles that enable the main body of the model to be printed in four distinct colors. Additional color components are designed as separate pieces that can be attached with glue, and aligners are incorporated into the design to ensure precise assembly. The arrows are also printed separately to conserve filament and colors when using the AMS.

 

By-Color (Non-AMS)

For users without an AMS who still want a multi-color model, I’ve created By-Color Profiles. Each color component is printed separately and then assembled using glue. This method allows for easy and precise color separation while keeping the printing process accessible to everyone. Additionally, this approach uses significantly less filament than AMS printing, as it avoids the waste from frequent color changes.

 

However, keep in mind that printing in multiple colors with AMS will significantly increase print time and require considerably more filament due to frequent color changes.

 

Unfortunately, I can't print the AMS profile myself yet, as I don’t have an AMS (for now).

The first person to share their experience will receive a special thx!

 

Recommended Print Settings

• Filament: PLA
• Supports: Not required
• Layer height: <0.2mm (recommended)
• Infill: 10-15%

The Science Behind Plate Tectonics

The Earth's outer shell, the lithosphere, is broken into large plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them. These plates are constantly moving due to forces in the Earth's mantle, mainly ridge push (where new crust forms and pushes older crust away) and slab pull (where heavy oceanic plates sink into the mantle, pulling the rest of the plate with them) (Britannica, 2024).

 

Continental-Continental Convergence
When two continental plates collide, neither sinks easily because both are too light. Instead, they push against each other, causing the land to crumple and rise, forming massive mountain ranges like the Himalayas. This process creates strong earthquakes, but volcanic activity is rare since no plate sinks deep enough to melt into magma (British Geological Survey, n.d.).

 

Oceanic-Continental Convergence
When a dense oceanic plate meets a lighter continental plate, the oceanic plate sinks beneath the continent in a process called subduction. As it descends, it melts and releases magma, which rises to form volcanic mountain chains. These areas also experience strong earthquakes, from shallow ones near the surface to deep ones as the plate sinks further into the mantle (Geosciences LibreTexts, n.d.).

 

Divergent Boundaries
At divergent boundaries, plates move away from each other, mostly under the ocean. As they separate, magma from the mantle rises, cools, and forms new crust, creating mid-ocean ridges. This process results in frequent but mild earthquakes and continuous volcanic activity, with lava steadily emerging from the cracks (Kids Britannica, n.d.).

 

Transform Boundaries
At transform boundaries, plates slide past each other horizontally. This movement builds up stress, which is released as sudden, powerful earthquakes—like those along California's San Andreas Fault. Since there's no new crust forming or sinking, there's usually no volcanic activity at these boundaries (Live Science, n.d.).

In summary, plate tectonics drive the movement of Earth's surface, shaping landscapes, triggering earthquakes, and creating volcanoes. Whether plates collide, pull apart, or slide past each other, they constantly reshape our planet in ways we can see and feel over time.

 

References:

• Britannica. (2024). Plate tectonics: Definition, theory, facts, & evidence.
• British Geological Survey. (n.d.). What causes earthquakes?
• Geosciences LibreTexts. (n.d.). 5.8: Plate tectonics.
• Kids Britannica. (n.d.). Plate tectonics.
• Live Science. (n.d.). What is plate tectonics?

The 3D images of the tectonic boundaries are taken from a YouTube video “The 4 Tectonic Plate Boundaries and the Hazards They Create” by Simple Geography.

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