Project: The ECO-Pen

thingiverse

The model itself serves as a prime example of what students can achieve. I decided to design a pen that reuses old or broken pens' refills, thereby reducing waste. The pen is comprised of four printable parts, which likely require a raft for better adhesion to the build platform. The pen body features an internal thread, allowing other components to screw onto it securely. A clip on the body enables users to attach their pen to notebooks and papers, while the project name is engraved onto it. The "Pen inside" part enables the pen to accommodate various sized refills by being screwed all the way into the pen with a screwdriver. It features a hole for the back side of the refill, effectively resizing the pen's interior to firmly secure cartridges. The cap on the back serves an aesthetic purpose. Print Settings Printer Brand: Ultimaker Printer: Ultimaker 2 Rafts: Yes Supports: Yes Resolution: 0.2 mm Notes: I printed at a relatively slow speed, with the entire print taking under two hours. Printing the body vertically is safer due to the thread, so the clip should be placed on the bottom to prevent tall and difficult rafts and unnecessary stress on the printer. It's worth noting that small layer sizes may require adjusting settings to ensure a minimum of 7 seconds per layer before moving to the next level, allowing filament to cool down. Project - EcoDesign Objectives In this classroom project, students will be challenged with inventing innovative ways to reduce waste in society on a personal level. Audiences: Students aged 14-20 who are able to understand CAD-like programs. Preparation Students need familiarity with any 3D designing program to bring their creations to life. A lesson about pollution and waste might help them grasp the project's scope and goal. Steps! Ideally, students will be grouped into teams of three-four people that work well together. They'll find a situation where waste is produced unnecessarily, come up with clever solutions, 3D print it, test, and put it to use. First, they'll make a list of possible solutions, discuss their effectiveness, and add new ideas until satisfied. Next, they'll plan and design the object, defining its aspects (shape, size, added functionalities) and draw sketches. Then, they'll create a 3D model using a chosen program. The object will be printed, tested, and modified as needed. Finally, groups will make a report about their experience and present their results to the class. Results Lessons help students understand everyday objects' working principles and develop creativity in finding innovative solutions to waste problems. An example project could involve designing something to reduce plastic bag usage or replacement parts for easily broken or lost items. The focus is on prevention of pollution and waste, not just solutions, so students can grasp the importance of small-scale contribution and pollution awareness.