Flying Bat Automata

In line with the Halloween theme, I have designed a bat automata that flaps its wings when you turn the handle. All parts are printed with easy snap-in-place assembly.

Model video:

Printing

I have attached two .3mf files, one of which requires supports (Bed1_NeedsSupports) and the other that doesn't (Bed2_NoSupports). Alternatively you can print using the STLs, noting that each part is unique and needs to be printed once except Clip_A_x6 which needs six copies. However, you will have to rotate parts from their original orientation - I highly recommend just using the two .3mf files. I printed using the standard profile, just removing some unnecessary supports.

Assembly

The link to the assembly video is attached below. Note that the wings two main gears need to be aligned symmetrically before the case is closed. Just be observant when putting together wing linkages to make sure you've got the correct side and orientation - they look similar but have different end bits. Disassembly is possible but needs to be done carefully to avoid breakage. As all the joints/connections are snap-in-place, they need to be gently nudged until they sit flush. Attaching the completed bat to the base can be tough. I've shown in the video that you can take off the front case to help snap it onto the base and then attach the front case back on. If you then can't attach the front case, you can pinch together the two rods and slide it back off - the joints will then be a bit more malleable and you should be able to attach it with the front case on. I haven't had many issues but I assume with different printing tolerances you may needs to play around with it.

Assembly video:

This is my first complex design, I hope you enjoy!