Thwomp desk Paperweight (v1) - from Super Mario

Desk Paperweight - Thwomp (from Super Mario)

Backstory

This is a little and fun project that was born two years ago for a Render Weekly prompt challange on Instagram. In that occasion I decided to make a desk accessory: a paperweight. It immediately came to my mind the idea to use a downscaled version of Thwomp, as it is an heavy block of stone in the game, Since i like minimalism I designed it to be as minimal as possible and easy to cast (originally it has been meant to be made in cast metal). Since I dont have the possibility to make it in metal I decided to adapt it for 3D printing. To solve the weight issue (making it with 100% infill woould be a waste of plastic while not achieving a proper weight), I thought to design it as a container to be filled with something that make it heavier while being easy to find.

I tested two easy-to-find fillers: plaster powder and modeling clay (Das like).

• Wall plaster powder (same as cement), you can also try the plaster paste). In case of powder you need to weight, mix and pour it, and wait it to dry.
• Modeling clay is also cheap and ready to use and dries quickly.

The weights I tested by far:

Plaster filled version: 69gr dry

Modeling clay version ~80gr

Assembly guide

An improved version of the assembly guide is in progress.

Component preparation

Let it dry at least 24h. (for plaster powder mix)

Alternatively to plaster you can use a light concrete or mixture of plaster and sand to make it heavier.

I tested another variant with modeling clay (see below).

Once dry, insert the lid and press it with proper force to snap it in place. !! Remember to check the correct orientation of the face (it must match the one on the back) !!

Thwomp is ready to pounce on your sheets of paper!

That's it for now.

This published is the fifth iteration I tested my self. There is for sure room to improve it with your help.

Please if you like the project share your thought in the comments. If you test/find other heavier fillers let me know, or have advices please write it down in the comments.