Pillar Trophy

myminifactory

Entry for Protolabs 3D Printing Awards Trophy. Six pillars of various styles support a textured sphere, which houses a double helix channel running through its center. The intricate base geometry showcases an intertwined combination of lattices, internal helical channels, and perforations, demonstrating the design flexibility offered by 3D printing. The feature size, complexity, and overhang angles make this an ideal candidate for MultiJet Fusion. The top textured sphere mates with the base via a printed male/female thread combo. The texture features tight internal corners that would be difficult to achieve through conventional means. A visible internal channel of a latticed double helix runs through the center of the sphere, made possible by printing it in a clear material. Approximately one-third of the sphere required supports for the base, but some feature washing out may be acceptable in this area. Notes: Adding a plaque or inscription is certainly feasible, although it's unclear if that was desired and what would be inscribed. In its assembled state, the print exceeds the size requirement (Z=145 not 125), while individual pieces do not. Scaling down the model to meet the stated requirement should still enable printing of the smallest features (cube pillar).