Multi-Material Frankenstein Light Switch

thingiverse

I aimed to enhance the realism of LoboCNC's exceptional knife switch by printing the "conductive" parts in copper-colored PLA and the handle parts in wood PLA, so I divided the components and added dovetail joints. I also blocked off the opening in the nubbin, ensuring that the lackluster ivory toggle of the actual switch remains out of view (unseen in the photograph). I further modified the handle to be a complete sphere since it prints upright, and support was not an issue. For the baseplate, I scheduled a pause in the Z-Suite slicer at 39%, right above the surface of the plate. I then printed the bottom of the plate using MeltInk silver PLA before switching to Octave "Copper-Infused" PLA at the pause. The switchbars are produced from Octave copper-infused PLA; the handle, crosspiece, and nubbin are fabricated in FormFutura EasyWood Ebony (the nubbin depicted in the image is 3dom "Wound Up" coffee-based filament, but I eventually substituted it for ebony wood). The dovetails fitted perfectly for me, eliminating the necessity for glue; a small drop of superglue would however reinforce the bond. Print Settings Printer: Zortrax M200 Rafts: Yes Supports: Yes Resolution: 190µ Infill: Light Notes: A Z-Temp temperature control was utilized to decrease extrusion temp to 215° for the silver and copper components, and 225° for EasyWood. Support angle was set to 45 (light) and 30 (light), respectively, with support effortlessly removed. Dual print fans operated at 100% throughout all prints and no bed heat was applied.