Pin Art

thingiverse

A collection of [Pin Art](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pin_Art) models that have a high density of pins and are print-in-place designs. ** This thing contains MANY small pins that can break off. PROOF OF CONCEPT - NOT A TOY, NOT FOR SMALL CHILDREN! ** https://youtu.be/ihdpMSIVxNg There are two types of grid patterns (square grid and hex), each with various pin resolutions. If you wish to print a high-density version, it is recommended to first print a smaller one to check if your printer is dialed-in well enough for this thing, as well as get a sense for releasing the pins and seeing how it behaves. ## CAVEAT EMPTOR This design is not for the faint of heart: - Because of the grain and size of the pins, they are delicate. They are especially delicate right after printing when they need to be released from their positing (burrs, overflow, and stringing will lock them in place). - The pins are durable enough for use, but only if you know how delicate they are to respect their limits. - Because of the high detail, the print is essentially a complete perimeter print (aka, slow). - Larger print designs take a while to slice, and the GCode filesize can get large. ## PRINTING Print with the pins standing vertically on the print bed. The STLs should be oriented properly already. Make sure you use a precisely dialed-in printer that doesn't have much stringing. Tested with multi-colored filament, and it does NOT handle it well. Use simple and reliable filament. Be careful when releasing. A 3D printer with an effective release system (such as a flex plate) is recommended, as if pins get stuck on the bed, they may break when removed. Tested with both PLA and PETG. It's easier to release the pins with PLA as there is less stringing. I'm guessing PETG will be hardier, but I'm not in the mood to intentionally break my prints to find out. ## POST PRINTING After printing, slowly release the pins. Many pins will be initially stuck and require force to get moving. Make sure to push directly inwards without any side force - or pins will easily shear. They will need to be massaged and played with for quite a while before they're loose enough to do more interesting things with them.