Summary

This is a study of ball socket joints printed in situ. There are several BSJ models around but all print components separately. So i wanted to see if it can be printed in assembly, and i got it to work! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfWnMXuzFdk

These joints have about 180 of freedom around one axis plus 360 rotation.

Print Settings

Printer:

Anet A8

                                            <p class="detail-setting rafts"><strong>Rafts: </strong>                     <div><p>Doesn't Matter</p></div></p>                                                                                <p class="detail-setting supports"><strong>Supports: </strong>                     <div><p>Yes</p></div></p>                                                                                <p class="detail-setting resolution"><strong>Resolution: </strong>                     <div><p>0.1</p></div></p>                                                                                <p class="detail-setting infill"><strong>Infill: </strong>                     <div><p>100</p></div></p>                                                        <br>                        <p class="detail-setting notes"><strong>Notes: </strong>                    </p><div><p>The outer shape needs support when printing (bed support only!), the joint also needed support but since I don't know how to set specific supports in Cura,  there is one support column in the model itself.  </p><p>This is printed at 100% infill for strength, if you scale the thing up, you can probably go with whichever settings you are comfortable with, like 1 mm shell and 15% infill.</p><p>This is not symmetrical, if you print the model upside down it will most probably not work</p></div>

Post-Printing

First clear external support structures, then snap the joints, it is easy and doesn't need any tools. Just move them along the direction of intended movement, there will be a little resistance at first, then the support structure breaks and the joint starts moving freely.

How I Designed This

I started printing http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1116392 and got tired of getting balls and sockets to match. But this is 3D printing, why not print the assemblies in one go? First i tried printing a BSJ vertically, it almost worked but the neck of the ball would snap easily, no matter how hot i would print it. Printing at higher temperatures creates better bonds between the layers. Then i figured out that with little support this can be printed horizontally.

Ball Socket Joint Bracelet

Ball Socket Joint Bracelet

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