Subcomponent Vase

Howdy, wonderful people!

Vase mode is an eternal source of inspiration and challenge! And one thing I've always liked is vase mode projects where individually (vase mode-) printed bits join together. Usually, that involves things slotting into each other, but I've always wondered if it would be possible to form workable screw threads and connect things that way!

Yep, those shiny round bits are attached to the main vase body by screwing on, and they're all just individual vase mode prints.

Constructing threads in vase mode is certainly something I'd worked with before, but strictly in horizontal orientation, which is how the subcomponents print in this model; the thread is just a profile that is formed as part of the regular perimeter of the object, even if there's a bit of technical magic to get it to effectively become the "inside" of the form (it's actually still the outer perimeter sweeping in and out again.)

Vertical threads were another matter entirely, but the actual logic behind it is fairly simple: create a regular thread, then slice away anything that angles more than 45 degrees towards horizontal to ensure it can be printed neatly in vase mode. So, that means it's effectively a wedge with partial threads on each side, and that worked well! I did need to simplify some of the thread detail to make sure it printed neatly, but that's ultimately the basic idea behind it.

One potential complication with doing this in vase mode, though, is that the fit between the parts is sensitive to the specifics of the print, and could be affected by slicing parameters and filament characteristics. Fortunately, all such issues can be remedied by just scaling things if need be, which is quick and easy to test because it's all vase mode :D

Print Description

This is a vase mode print, so set your slicer accordingly! The subcomponents are also vase mode prints, so you'll either want to print them individually or use 'simulated' vase mode by slicing with zero top layers, a single wall, and zero percent infill.

Note that the fit of the threaded connection can be affected by the specifics of the slicing and the filament, so it's probably wise to print a single subcomponent first to check the fit. If there's any need to make the fit a little looser, scaling it up just a little will achieve that.

Print Dimensions

At default size, the main vase body occupies 160mm x 160 on the print bed and is 145mm tall.

Supports Needed?

Not at all!  Designed for straightforward printing!

Scalability

As a vase mode print, this should scale happily up or down. However, it's worth testing out the fit of the threaded subcomponents onto the main vase, as scaling will affect the tolerances. If necessary, scale the subcomponents up or down slightly to change the fit.

Print Orientation

As you'd imagine with vase mode, the main vase prints base-down. The subcomponents print flat-side down, with the thread facing up.

Further Thoughts

You might notice there's a gripper tool in the files!

You see, I printed a few of my test in silk PLA, which is of course prone to weakness compared to a lot of other filament options. To make things worse, the fit with the silks was a bit tight, and I managed to crack one of the subcomponents just by trying to grip it with my fingers. So, rather than reprinting with a slightly increased scale as I've suggested above, I instead created a tool that slots into the subcomponent and allows it to be turned with a little more finesse (but also probably risk just breaking the thread part on the vase instead :P). You may or may not find the tool useful! :D

Happy printing!

xoxo

Sven.

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453 Subcomponent Vase