Surprising Butterfly | Print-In-Place

Safety Notice:

This 3D-printed toy may contain sharp edges and small parts that could potentially break off and be swallowed. Use of this toy is at your own risk. Close supervision of children while playing is strongly advised to avoid injury and choking hazards.

Motivation:

After my children received a similar toy (not 3D printed), I wanted to explore the possibility of recreating it using a 3D printer.

Take a look for yourself:

The completed object weighs approximately 3g with a rubber band and takes about 20 minutes to print, depending on the printer.

This project is available to everyone on Onshape.

Onshape Document: https://cad.onshape.com/documents/0f200b4d5710fa0ddd5bcf14/w/9a7ba45cf9674edd15592ba8/e/4795471b8185274e835248bc?renderMode=0&uiState=657adc06578c4d72220da826

Print Settings:

• Filament: PETG or another durable material
• Layer height: 0.1mm
• Wall loops: 2
• Top/Bottom layers: 2
• Infill: 20%
• Infill pattern: gyroid
• Speed first layer: 25mm/s
• Speed other layer: slower than 80mm/s, the slower the better

Post-Printing:

As always, ensure the print bed is completely cooled down. Then, carefully release all four wings and the body of the butterfly using a scraper. Be cautious when removing the head to avoid damaging the fragile connection between the body and the head of the butterfly.

Once the butterfly is freed from the print bed, rotate the head several times and apply a bit of silicone spray to the pivot joint. Next, stretch a rubber band between the two hooks. If the rubber band is too long, double it up before stretching it in place.

Now, just wind up the butterfly and let the surprise begin!

I'm looking forward to seeing your makes and remixes. Please do share them with all of us.