Project Shellter - Proof of Concept Shell

thingiverse

Project Shellter has developed a 3D-printable model of an Ammonite shell, a prehistoric ancestor of cuttlefish and octopi. This was the first shell from which a printable STL was created, prompting continued project development. The model was made using Maya's shellNode plugin, thickened in 3DS Max, and is available as C++ source code through the Maya SDK. AutoDesk offers educational and professional assistance programs for those eligible to access their software for free. The Thing-O-Matic with a Mk7 extruder was used to print the shell at BotFarm. Orientation minimizes interior support, while minimal support material can be easily removed post-printing. Sanding or tumbling is optional but recommended. Despite not being ideal for hermit crabs, the model makes an interesting costume accessory.