Clamshell Egg

thingiverse

This is a 120mmx190mm clamshell egg inspired by the iconic egg from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Its design features an innovative print-in-place hinge, carefully engineered for smooth functionality. To achieve this complex mechanism, I leveraged automatic supports in Simplify 3D and strategically removed excess material over the hinge joint lines. Printing upright at a precise 0.2mm layer height and 30% infill ensured optimal structural integrity. I chose MakerGeeks Gold PLA, but unfortunately, it yielded a peachy hue rather than the desired color. To rectify this, I meticulously sanded, primed, and then applied a rich coat of Rustoleum Metallic Champagne Bronze paint. Two strong magnets are press-fit into the top holes, offering a secure closure. However, please note that the fit may be snug depending on the magnet's strength. As a special touch, an inner egg is included. I printed mine in PETG, but failed to dry it properly, resulting in a beautiful textured white finish. A 50mm hole at the bottom serves multiple purposes: it allows for easy access to the interior and provides clearance for the hinge, making it simple to add fairy lights inside. For those interested, I've uploaded a plain STL file that I created by suppressing features in Fusion 360. This version should print without issues, but I haven't tested it personally. Throughout my design process, I experimented with several iterations before settling on this effective hinge mechanism. My initial attempt featured a slim hidden hinge, which performed well with partial prints but failed to work as intended on full prints due to binding and adhesion caused by the long print time and proximity to the heated plate. I've also learned a valuable lesson about Arizona's intense sun: it's best to avoid leaving models outside. Fortunately, the white primer coat posed no issues, but the gold topcoat caused significant warping. By applying gentle heat, I was able to coax the model back into place.