Electroscope

thingiverse

Human: An electroscope is a device used to demonstrate electric charge effects, conduction, and induction. For instance, with a metal electroscope, by holding a charged rod near the bulb at the top, opposite charges are drawn to the top while like charges repel to the vanes at the bottom, causing them to tilt and separate. If you ground the scope while still holding the charged rod near, like charges are repelled to the ground, leaving only opposite charges on the metal. When the rod is removed, opposite charges disperse throughout the vanes, tilting them until the metal is grounded again and allowing like charges to flow back into the scope. This phenomenon is known as induction, one of several ways to cause the electroscope to demonstrate a physical property. I built two electroscopecopies: The first time I printed it was with ProtoPasta magnetic iron filament (greyish) using Z-pause to achieve color difference in the base. Magnetic iron does not hold a charge, but you can use strong magnets like neodymiums to manipulate vanes into moving instead. The second time I printed it was with conductive PLA (blackish) and used dual extrusion to achieve color difference in the base. I have yet to test if conductive filament will hold a charge well. Print Settings Printer Brand: FlashForge Printer: FlashForge Creator Pro Rafts: No Supports: Yes Resolution: 0.200 Infill: 100% for smallest piece, 20% everywhere else Notes: For color difference on base, use manual Z-pause or dual extrusion files included. Post-Printing Be sure to lightly sand pegs on the smallest piece and holes in medium-sized piece to allow low-friction rotations of vane. Carefully rotate smallest piece to slot it into holes. Apply a touch of glue to rectangular pieces at top of base piece and glue medium-sized piece into place.