Low cost laser cut molecular model

thingiverse

Human: Molecular models are a vital tool in chemistry education. They provide an especially valuable learning experience when students have access to a sufficient number of pieces, allowing them to build and manipulate their own models freely. Conventional molecular models can be quite expensive, leading some educators to hesitate before placing them in the hands of students, particularly children. To overcome this limitation, creating low-cost models is essential so that everyone has the opportunity to participate without worrying about losing a piece. 3D printing may not be the most efficient method for producing large quantities of model pieces, even small ones, due to its time-consuming nature. However, laser cutters offer a faster and more practical solution. With one 3 mm x 60 cm x 90 cm MDF board, you can create hundreds of model pieces in no time. For models that require foldable parts, such as the fullerene model, using a 1 mm non-corrugated cardboard sheet is an ideal choice. This allows for easy folding and assembly of the model pieces. I utilize common 5 mm plastic straws to connect the various components of my molecular models. For more detailed instructions on creating these low-cost models with laser cutting, please visit my Instructable at https://www.instructables.com/id/Low-Cost-Molecular-Models-With-Laser-Cutting/. Additionally, you can find instructions in Portuguese at http://www.xciencia.org/2019/12/12/modelos-moleculares-com-corte-a-laser. Be sure to check out my other projects while you're there!