Flexi Hornet - Articulated Wasp

cults3d

Before I got my first printer I was fascinated by the flexible/articulated models that were available for download from thingiverse. These models claimed to be print in place and their mechanism of movement printed as is. However, once I got my printer and tried to print one it was a nightmare. I didn't know what settings I should have used (and WTH is a 'tolerance' .... ) etc. Anyways I eventually figured it out, after wasting 500..ish.. gms of filament and 1 new bed surface later. Well now that I am trying my hand at properly making and sharing models I figured I should see if I can make these articulated or Flexi (flexible) models also. So here is the result of my experiment; it took 3 iterations but I managed to finally make a flexible/articulated model which prints "WITHOUT SUPPORTS" !!! that's right. I have included 2 body types in this upload, they have a different set of eyes and 1 of them has slots for 1.75mm filament in place of its antennas ( coz I love customization (: ) so that you can make your own antenna design using filament strands and some heat (The Black model in pics). I couldn't be happier with these results. This is a 2 part model with wings and body separated, these both print without supports and can be glued together after printing. I CAN make the whole model print as 1 piece with the wings combined but that would increase the fragility of this model and might have not been a fun print. Also it gives options to try out different wing designs (.....Coz I love customization :D....) which I might upload if I get around to designing them. Print one yourself and see if it compares anywhere even close to the "Flexi" models of the masters out there, I know I am trying to take a bite out of their pie but honestly it was in my plans to try and test an articulated model; to see if I can design a good one or not. I thank you for considering printing this model and do ask if you have any issues with printing this and do also share a make.