Electra - 3D printed modular origami

thingiverse

Inspired by David Mitchell's "Electra" origami design, this 3D model makes an ideal Christmas tree star or decoration. Mathgrrl has shared a blog post about the creation process on her MakerHome blog (http://makerhome.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/day-327-saturday-guest-auntdaisy-and.html). The model, which is based on an icosidodecahedron and consists of 12 pentagonal and 20 triangular rings of modules, can be printed in a single color or in five contrasting/complementary colors. It measures approximately 16.5cm across. Assembly instructions are provided, along with photos of both the 3D printed and paper origami versions. For more information on David Mitchell's origami design, visit OrigamiHeaven (http://www.origamiheaven.com/papercrystals.htm) or purchase his latest "Paper Crystals" book (http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0953477495). To print the model, create 5 copies of "Electra_6_mod.STL," either in one color or five different colors. The print settings for ABS on a Replicator were: 10% infill, 0.3 mm layer height, 2 shells, 100mm/s feedrate, 150 mm/s travel, extruder 230°C, and platform 110°C, with no support. The model can also be printed using 0% infill and 1 shell. Assembly instructions are provided in "Assembly.JPG." Friction holds the joints together, but if they're loose, a bit of glue can be used. The tightness of the joints may depend on print settings and filament size. Other untested STL options are available for experimentation. The model was successfully printed on a Replicator 1 using filament swapping with d3dfilaprint's Orange PLA, Fabadashery's Galaxy Blue PLA, and 3dfilaprint's Glow-in-the-Dark Blue PLA.