ESEE IZULA-II Scales

prusaprinters

<p>The ESEE IZULA-II is famous for being sold without scales so buyers can customize to their choosing, or to use a paracord wrap. I typically used a paracord wrap, but wanted to try out designing 3D printable scales. I printed this in PLA, but will probably reprint in PETG once my shipment comes</p> <h3><strong>Parts Needed</strong></h3> <p><strong>2x M3x10 Machine Screws.</strong><br/> I used the ones from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FCN64HV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1">this case</a>. You should be able to use any M3x10 screw but for the record my screws were ~12mm long, with a head depth of ~2mm, a thread diameter of ~3mm and a head diameter of ~5.35mm.</p> <p><strong>2x M3-0.5 Nuts</strong><br/> Again I used the ones from the case, and they should be the same for whatever you buy, but for the record my nuts were 5.5mm wide measured from parallel sides, or ~6.2mm measured tip to tip.</p> <h3><strong>Design Process</strong></h3> <p>So I don't 8really* know what I'm doing, so no guarantee this is the best method, but this is what I did, in case someone wants to recreate the process.</p> <p><strong>1) Trace the outline</strong><br/> Using the pen tool in Photoshop I traced around an image I had of the knife. I didn't bother carving out the grimping ridges, and it's not perfect but it came out alright. I then filled in the outline with paint bucket and exported as a .png (uploaded as well).</p> <p><strong>2) Convert to vector image</strong><br/> Using Inkscape I converted the .png into a vector image and saved as a .svg file. I have uploaded a copy.</p> <p><strong>3) Design in Fusion360</strong><br/> So I had issues scaling the file to the size of the knife. I couldn't figure out how to scale the .svg I imported after uploading, so I ended up having to upload it, measure it to find out how much I needed to scale it, close that one and upload a new one scaled at the right size. It worked okay but if anyone has a better method please let me know. After that I just drew two lines across the body and extruded out the scale and the middle section. I fileted the scale body at a 5.00mm radius. I have uploaded a copy of my Fusion360 Project.</p> <p><strong>4) Drill out the holes</strong><br/> So I probably should have done this in Fusion360 to make customization a little easier in the future, but I am still limited in my skills. So since I only needed to deal with basic shapes from here on out I switched to Microsoft 3D Builder. I subtracted out a cylinder for each screw hole, each screw head, and each nut. I've uploaded "IZULA-II Scales - pre cut version.3mf" which should allow for easier adjustments.</p> <h3><strong>Customization</strong></h3> <p>I would love to try and add some cool features to the scales. Not sure when I'll get around to it but I'm thinking some low-poly geometric shapes, knurling, or other embossing could be cool. I'd love to see other people remix this into a cool new design.</p> <h3>Print instructions</h3><p><strong>Step 1.</strong><br/> Place 2 M3-0.5 nuts into the right facing scale. Ive printed a few of these and the force required to get them in ranged from them falling in place to using hammer. Most I could press in with my thumb. No matter what as long as its in there flush tension should hold it together.</p> <p><strong>Step 2.</strong><br/> Screw in two M3x10 screws in through the left facing scale and into the middle piece. I screw them in until there is a small nub sticking out the back of the middle piece</p> <p><strong>Step 3.</strong><br/> Load all three pieces together around the knife. Tighten screws.</p>