Articulated Orca (singlecolor and multicolor)

Dimensions (LxWxH)

170 x 96 x 65mm (100% scale)

Basic information

After multiple requests, I've decided to revisit my previously uploaded Orca design, and articulate it. Unfortunately Mattes beat me to it, and has already uploaded an Orca model himself, so definitely check it out as well. I've decided to release the design anyway, as it would be a pity to scrap it completely, especially considering all the work that has been invested into it. I believe that my implementation of this idea still has something to offer, and isn't just a blind “copy” of the already existent design. It's unfortunate, that we both had the same idea at the same time, but I think there is enough space for both of us. I originally intended to enter the Bathtub toys competition with this design, but I think it's fair to leave it to Mattes, since he was the first one to upload his version of the articulated Orca. I just wanted to clarify that, as I don't want to look like a copycat, or the Edison of 3D modelling :)

Now briefly about the design itself:

The model has 8 movable parts: The body is split into 6 segments + 2 movable fins. It prints in place, and no additional assembly is required. 

The base model is slightly oversized, so that all the fine details come out nicely, namely if you're printing in multicolor. If you're printing it in a single color only, and aren't bothered with loss of definition too much, feel free to downscale it to your liking. The model has been thoroughly tested, and should print fine up to 50% of the original size in single color, if you have a well calibrated, and reasonably accurate setup. Good cooling is very important, as the dorsal fin is fairly thin, and sticks out. It's advised to print at least two instances of the model to give the fin enough time to cool down and solidify, especially if your machine has trouble with cooling, or if you're printing a significantly downscaled version. 

Files information

I've included 3 files: All of them are in the .stl format, and sorted into 2 folders. The folders are labeled Singlecolor and Multicolor, the single color folder contains 1 file, which is a plain, 1 piece version of the model, intended for single color printing. The Multicolor folder contains 2 files for multicolor printing, each file is named after the color, which was used on the example model in the image gallery. Import them all at once into your slicer as one file with multiple parts, and it should automatically align the parts, and assign an individual color to each of them. 

This design is a part of the Articulated Sea Life collection by me. You can check out other designs from this collection here.

The Articulated Sea Life collection is a live project, and I'm continuously adding new designs, anytime I get an interesting idea, or a suggestion. The designs are also updated, if any changes or tweaks have to be made. Feedback, suggestions and ideas are welcome!

Material

 PLA

Layer height

 0,2 mm

Infill

>15%

Support

None. The model doesn't require any support material.

Scaling

Possible, but mind the accuracy of your setup. If you go too far with your scaling experiments, you might run into issues such as fused segments, or fragile links. If you have a well calibrated setup, you should be able to print the model at up to 50% of the original size without any issues, other than a definition loss.

Orientation

Default, laid flat on the belly

Adhesion aid

Not necessary, the contact area with the buildplate should be sufficient. However if your print surface suffers from poor adhesion, consider using an adhesive spray, or some other kind of adhesion booster. Using a brim is possible, but not recommended, as it would be too difficult, and inconvenient to remove afterwards.

This section contains a list of all updates and fixes, which were introduced to the model along the way. Each update will be thoroughly explained, so that you know, which issue was each specific update addressing. If you're having any problems with the model, you can check here, if a new, revised version of the model, has already been released in a response to your problem, or not. 

If you run into any issues with the model, please pay a visit to a section of known issues, which can be found just below the Updates and fixes. If you won't find your specific problem in there, don't hesitate to contact me via dm!

11/30/2024 - Fixed a non-functioning link in the model description

There currently aren't any known issues/work in progress. If you run into any, please contact me via dm.

My work is free for personal, non commercial use. If you want to sell, or monetize my models in any other way, please visit my Patreon for more licensing options.