Pen Holder - Spherical Rotating

prusaprinters

Update Dec. 28, 2023 : Added a second version with a larger diameter hole for the pen. These are the “V1B”files (the Base files are the same for both Sphere versions).This fun print was made mostly to try out dual-color filament (not required), but it also works as a useful pen holder. The spherical holder is simply held in the base by it's own weight. The spherical holder and the base are effectively a ball joint, so the sphere is free to rotate in all directions.While the use of dual color filament is not a requirement, it does make for a very nice effect.Notes : The hole for the pen is 10mm ID (I assume it could be scaled up for larger pens).Note : For the second version added Dec. 2023, the hole for the pen is 12.4mm ID. The print requires the use of “fill” to add weight. I used steel shot for shot-blasting, but sand would also likely work.Print And Assembly InstructionsFor my print I used MatterHackers Quantum dual-color PLA for the sphere, and black PLA for the base. In general :0% infillrandom seam positionI suggest using the 3mf files to generate gcode for printing. FILL : Note that the sphere part must include a pause about at about 70% of the sphere height to allow the sphere “fill” to be added (see photos). Be careful not to fill the partially completed shell completely or you will risk interfering with the print head when the print resumes (ask me how I know!).The Base prints with a fill hole and screw Plug. Fill the Base from the bottom via the fill hole, and screw in the plug to seal in the fill.CADThe OnShape 3D CAD files for this are here :https://cad.onshape.com/documents/31fef93c7901f99c4fc2c600/w/35d9363379a1ad363b556d46/e/b65618c19b67641a62838b9c