3D Print with Fabric: Flower Bracelet

3D Print with Fabric: Flower Bracelet.

Included STL files for:
(1) Complete Flower Bracelet (complete bracelet including both sides of clasp)
(2) Flowers Only; (3) Clasp (Rod) ; (4) Clasp (Slot for Rod)

I am including the separate files because I have found sometimes I need a brim on the Clasp (Rod) only but not on the flower pieces or the other side of the clasp.  Most slicer programs don’t let you add a brim to part of an STL file.  So I am giving you all three files:) Just import them all into your slicer program, line them up as the bracelet and slice as you normally would:)

Fabric and painter’s tape needed. I recommend mesh fabric (must be “mesh” with holes for filament printing on top of fabric to adhere to filament already printed beneath the fabric).  I recommend 100% Polyester “Mosquito Netting” or Lightweight Polyester Fabric (see photos). I don’t recommend ‘Tulle' fabric because it tears easily and I don’t recommend mesh knit fabric because it is too stretchy. I used blue painter’s tape to secure fabric in place to the print bed. 

Fabric can be found at Joann's or Amazon.

3D PRINTING SETTINGS
Layer Height 0.2mm
PLA works great
20% Infill (or more)
Brim possibly need only on the Clasp (Rod) piece
Total Dimensions:7 inches x 1 1/4 inches x 1/8 inches (thickness)

*I do not recommend scaling the print smaller. The gaps between the flowers are minimal (0.5mm) scaling the print smaller makes those gaps smaller and may affect the quality of the print.

Printing instructions: When you import this STL file into your slicer program, add a “pause print” command at the following layer heights:
0.0mm Start with your choice of filament color
1.0 mm Add pause print to Insert Fabric 
2.4 mmmm Add pause print and change filament to a different color

(see photo of these same layer height pauses)

How to Insert Fabric:
When the print is paused at 1.0 mm layer height, lay fabric over print. Size of fabric should extend ½ inch or so beyond the border of print.  Make sure the fabric is smooth and pulled taunt and use painter’s tape to tape all edges down securely. I have found that I do not need to adjust the layer height to allow for printing over the thickness of the mesh fabric. Once fabric is smooth and secured in place, continue the print.

When the print is complete carefully pull it off the print bed and trim excess fabric with scissors.
 

Have fun!