A tool that simplifies the process of combining multiple STLs into a single file for larger volume 3D printing. Using OpenSCAD, the user can define their build volume, import multiple STLs, and position them around in 3D space without having to write the code by hand.

Editable Parameters:
Position from center(mm): x,y,z
Rotation about axis(degrees): x,y,z
Mirror about plane: x,y,z

For strategies on creating printing plates efficiently, there is a good writeup on the MakerBot blog: makerbot.com/blog/2011/09/19/how-to-make-a-printing-plate/

Flow rate and feed rate are no longer difficult to calibrate, thanks to stepper extruders. However, to really get your print quality to the next level, you will need to calibrate temperature and reversal settings for a given material. (and/or travel feed rate, depending on your machine) This is a fully parametric calibration test for both bridging and gap distances within the same part.

Bridging is a great test for temperature. If the bridge is too saggy, the temperature is too high. There are also some advantages to higher temperatures though, one of which is it makes the thermoplastic less viscous, creating less work for the motor. If your preference is printing really hot, a fan concentrating cool air on the extrudate can also be used to calibrate bridging.

Traversing large gaps is obviously a great test for reversal/travel speed settings. Set extra shells to 0 to avoid hiding any ooze behind inner perimeters. Make the infill very low to save printing time since you only care about spanning gaps for this test. Use a camera for feedback if you are extra picky about strings.

Good Luck.

Fasten your French cuffs in style with Stephen Colbert's face

Input important information that is specific to your machine, specify the speed and resolution you desire, and get back values to enter into Skeinforge(for great looking prints!). Unpolished MK6 reversal calculations are also available, but are still a work in progress.

Inspired by the work of Dave Durant: thingiverse.com/thing:5310

The first sheet is for working with Skeinforge, and the other has general calculations.

A bracket for mounting the Y-axis endstop packaged with gen4 electronics onto a Cupcake CNC.

Extra mounting holes are there just in case the friction grip is not adequate.

A palm-sized heart container with a sliding dove tail lid.

Files have a support structure modeled into them for easier printing. This requires some cleanup after the print.

UPDATE
Rev2 has a stronger connection with a better fit.
flickr.com/photos/nickstarno/5446315732/

A simple plastic insert to keep the collars of nice shirts sharp. You can find plastic ones in stores for something like $10 for a pack of 24.

But seriously, is there anything more annoying to go out and spend money on? Never again...


flickr.com/photos/nickstarno/5412347284/in/pool-makerbot/

A printable harness to prevent your cables from falling into the abyss when they are not in use. Keep yourself organized and save the frustration.

The STL is optimized for USB peripherals the same size as the one that comes with a Makerbot. If you want to fit a different sized cable, scale accordingly.

More pictures: flickr.com/photos/nickstarno/sets/72157624529783381/

This is a pocket watch housing for the highly programmable Makerbot Watch. ( wiki.makerbot.com/makerbot-watch ) Designed to protect the circuit board when not in use, while being able to hinge open for easy tinkering.

Inspired by the feedstock hinge ( thingiverse.com/thing:1358 ) , I tried to use the least amount of hardware as possible. The ABS filament acts as the hinge pin, and the clamshell parts have built-in bumpers that keep all the components well constrained. Adding 3mm magnets will really give the whole thing a robust feel.

There are two versions posted:

1. watch top.stl, watch bottom.stl; -These are pictured and have a more finished looking aesthetic, and more refined bumpers.
2. (rev4).stl; -These are an ultra light weight ribbed version that have a consistent material thickness, however requires a well tuned 3d printer.

For anyone who wants to make something similar, there is a dxf quantifying(1:1) the critical features of the parts.

I was afraid of my heating wires detaching because they were getting tangled on the x-stage and from all the movement of my heated build platform, so I made this attachment to relieve some of the stress.

The part is a little thick so that I could file it down to be a snug fit. The mounting features were added in OpenSCAD so you can adjust them if you need to.

See also jabella's clever paperclip solution: flickr.com/photos/jabella/4609979407/

My Makerbot was having a hard time printing out thin walls with water-tight settings, so I made this simple hollow cube to calibrate again from scratch. The walls of the cube are 1.5mm because that is the minimum thickness I would ever use. (See the OpenSCAD files if you'd like to change dimensions)

While going through the calibration process, I strategically changed one Skeinforge parameter at a time no matter how mundane or obvious the change seemed to be. The process is documented with expected vs. actual results, notes, build times, high res pictures, and download-able gcode files for those interested in SkeinView-ing.

You can find it on the Wiki: wiki.makerbot.com/skeinforge-calibration-logs


2 Hollow Cubes.stl is for optimizing oozebane or extruder controlling for multi-part prints. (I haven't gotten that far, yet.)

This is a derivative work of Coin-op Bottle Opener by Hoeken.


Makerbot branded bottle opener for giveaways.

UPDATE: I found a problem with the makerbot_bottle_opener2.stl causing the letters to be at different heights. Now its fixed and uploaded 5/18/10

Makerbot bottle opener.stl is an embossed logo, opener 2.stl is a bigger embossed logo, and cut.stl is a debossed logo.

A printable mousetrap created for the "Mouse Get" challenge that Cathal Garvey posted on the Thingiverse blog. As I started sketching out ideas, the resemblance to London's Tower Bridge was uncanny, so I decided to go all out with it.

The elevator slides along rails provided by the entrance ramps, however there is only one way to get in. Fievel gets to eat his last meal, but he'll find himself on the ground floor for the rest of the night.

Its un-tested and will need straight rails to function well, so use a fine tuned bot for best results. The design process was a lot of fun, thanks for posting the challenge!


------UPDATE-------

I added Rails_System.zip to the files. This is a dxf and openSCAD file of the sliding rails that was written for easy manipulation even if you have no programming experience or knowledge. I want to optimize the geometry for future applications. Feel free to mess around with it.

This is a design concept for a stand that holds multiple spools of plastic for easy dispensing and reloading. The idea is to use printable parts for the joints and a commonly found broom handle (1" diameter) for the support and axle.

One 5ft. broom handle cut up into 5x1ft sections should produce a stand like the one pictured. If you want to go bigger, you will need more than one broom handle. Also, the feet have features for adding cross braces, if needed.

This is 100% un-tested, and I wont be able to start printing until the end of March. If anyone would like to test out the tolerances/stability, feel free. Any documentation of your findings would be greatly appreciated.

Added 30 degree chamfers and small fillets to hoeken's design

An adjustable solution for the business card displayer that will fit onto the Makerbot build platform. Could be used to prop up things of many shapes and sizes.

A protective cover for a toothbrush in times of travel. Designed to be printable on a makerbot.

Far too often I find myself carrying my toothbrush in a plastic bag in my backpack, and sometimes even fully exposed. Before I waste the energy going out and trying to locate and purchase a cover, I figure I will enable the world with a solution in hopes that it will someday find its way back to me.

The cross section shows the conical inner wall leading up to a hole. This enables the part to print without support material, and the hole allows for easy cleaning under the faucet. The outer wall maintains the smooth semi elliptical form, causing thick areas near the top. I am interested to see how much deformation this may cause.

Total volume of part: 0.49 cubic inches

Makerbot-printable pliers for light-duty uses. Designed to be useful for holding small things during inspection, or simply doing things fingers can not.

There is a male arm, a female arm, and a printable nut. The female swivels around the male, and the nut constrains the assembly. The geometry of the threads are based on the connections seen in the toothbrush holder and originally in the screwable jewelry box. ( thingiverse.com/thing:899 , thingiverse.com/thing:413 )

Alternatively, if the design is too optimistic, you can try printing two female arms and use a small screw and nut to hold it together.

All three pieces combined use a total of 1.24 cubic inches of material.

A Makerbot branded business card displayer.

A simple printable tool for getting the most out of your tubes of toothpaste, lotion, etc.

At a recent trade show, I noticed an astonishing amount of beauty and cosmetic products using the same toothpaste tube-like storing containers. By the end of it, the representatives were struggling to give out samples while the tubes were taking on that all-too-familiar form. ( re-nest.com/uimages/re-nest/toothpaste.jpg )

I couldn't help but think about how I would solve this problem with a (hypothetical) makerbot.

The slot width is made to fit the largest of flattened toothpaste tubes found amongst my friends.

The front slot is drafted just a touch to ease the initial insertion of the tube, and the large circular surface is intended to get that last extra bit once the squeezer reaches the back of the nozzle.

This design uses a total of 2.7 cubic inches of material.

In response to the remake challenge, blog.thingiverse.com/2009/08/26/remake-challenge-iphone-tripod-mount/, a portable media tripod mount. The adapter will fit many different handheld devices, and is reconfigurable to have either the single or double support block on top and bottom.

Smallest clamping size: 1.75in
Largest Clamping size: 3in.
Ideal fit: iphone

The two clamping arms fit into each other to prevent lateral movement. The female attachment has a press fit for a 1/4-20 nut, acting as the tripod mount. To eliminate the lateral movement between the female and either clamp arm there is a modeled "peg" and complementing features; however, there is probably a better solution.

Adding a low durometer material to the clamp fingers would make a nice grip without damaging the phone surface.

A simple device to hang your neckties, because no matter how hard you try we all need to wear one from time to time. Similar products in stores are no longer worth the price when we have the means to print our own!

Designed to fit any standard closet rod. There is 1.2 cubic inches of volume, costing around $0.2x in material

Please let me know if you experience any problems.

A practical flower pot shaped accessory! Hold toothbrushes, pencils, scissors, use as an ashtray, or come up with your own unique function. There is about 11 cubic in. of volume; based on what other people have posted for cost that should be around $3.xx in material.

This is a 2 piece design, allowing the user to unscrew the top and clean or get access to the insides with a simple 1/4 turn. The connection was influenced by Wizard23's idea for a Screw-able jewelry box ( thingiverse.com/thing:413 ), which I was able to see in person and it works beautifully. Be careful with the top because there is an extra mechanical advantage since the top is wider, so it should take less force to unscrew.

I dont have a makerbot, so I designed this conservatively. However, I took a couple printing risks with the details at the very bottom and very top. I think it should print based on my experience with other 3d printers, so I am very excited to see the Thingiverse community bring it to life.

Please send me your feedback!

I will update the files if there are reports of problems or someone wants a specific change.