Summary

Whats more fun that a construction toy used for... well... construction!

This excavator shovel has 2 short rod pivots on each side allowing for tilt control or rigid positioning options.

The walls of the piece are 2mm thick for strength, and the whole thing prints on it's back with no raft or support needed.

Print Settings

Rafts:

Doesn't Matter

                                            <p class="detail-setting supports"><strong>Supports: </strong>                     <div><p>Doesn't Matter</p></div></p>                                                                                <p class="detail-setting resolution"><strong>Resolution: </strong>                     <div><p>0.35mm layer, 0.5mm nozzle</p></div></p>                                                                                <p class="detail-setting infill"><strong>Infill: </strong>                     <div><p>20%</p></div></p>

Post-Printing

I needed to run a file around the end of the rods to clear up some burs but all in all the print came out perfectly usable.

How I Designed This

I used sketchup and started with a hexagon which I sliced in halve and extruded to amke the scoop.

I added the rods and digging teeth later.

This is actually my 3rd design iteration as I imported some of the pieces from the thinkfun construction sets into sketchup so I could make sure the design had enough clearance between the mounting rods to allow it to work.

My first sketches had a more curved look but I found this tended to need support and while it matched actual excavator scoops perfectly it did not "look" right. The hard edged design is more instantly recognisable and is an easier print.

Excavator/Scoop

Excavator/Scoop

Related Models