Minnow Trap

thingiverse

This is a compact Minnow Trap I designed to be printed, utilizing the fast Honeycomb infill pattern in Simplify3D. Using the process settings below, it takes solid object files and prints them out without top or bottom layers, producing a cage-like pattern in the parts. I use two different processes: the first Process prints the cage pattern until a certain height, then the second Process prints the solid parts of the objects. This method allows you to create many useful items like animal cages, screen guards, and sifting screens by adjusting the infill percentage to achieve the desired hole size. The cage for this Minnow Trap is approximately 7" x 9" when flat, requiring a good-sized print bed. You'll need to use the setting below (specifically, the 12% infill) for the end caps to snap fit together with the main cage when complete. Process 1 settings... (Layer Tab) Layer Height = .20 Top & Bottom Solid Layers = 0 Outlines/Perimeter Shells = 2 (I used 4 for the funnel to make it stronger for bending) (Infill Tab) Infill percentage = 12% Internal Fill = Fast Honeycomb External Fill = Rectilinear (Advanced Tab) Stop Printing at 1.40mm Process 2 settings... (Layer Tab) Layer Height = .20 Top & Bottom Solid Layers = 2 Outlines/Perimeter Shells = 2 (Infill Tab) Infill percentage = 80% Internal Fill = Rectilinear External Fill = Rectilinear (Advanced Tab) Start Printing at 1.40mm The Cage part requires some supports, while everything else does not need any. I used PLA, so the funnel was placed in the sun for a bit and then rolled to shape. It's held together with thin wire from baggy ties. The funnel is super glued to the end cap, but you could use wire or even fishing string if this were part of a survival kit. If using PLA, I wouldn't leave it out in the sun for too long unless it's in water, as it may deform. I'll update with pictures once I get it in the water. Enjoy, and post some makes if you use these! It lets me know I'm not wasting my time uploading designs. If you like what you see, check out more of my lures at https://www.theneverendingprojectslist.com/.