SNAKEZ

thingiverse

Snakez are a super bendy flexible fun print-in-place design. They should be ready to wriggle straight off the build plate as soon as the raft is removed, no support required and they don't use much filament. People can't believe the range of movement in these prints. Snakez can be twisted and turned in all directions even curled up in the palm of your hand. This one piece print will amaze people at what you can do with a 3D printer and clever design. In addition to being super bendy and flexible, Snakez also feature retracting fangs that move back and forth in a channel but won't fall out. But most of all, Snakez are fun! Five .stl's have been provided: one is straight (approx. 177mm long), the other has each section curved to help it fit on smaller build plates (134mm long). The third is a Key Fob version that has been shortened by five links (118mm long), making it more practical and usable as the reduced length helps avoid getting tangled or broken. The fourth is the 'Long Snakez' file which is approximately double the standard Snakez length, so 350mm in total. However, the print length is just 144mm as it's curved quite tightly. This should print okay on most well-set-up and precise machines and users of good slicing apps but may result in fused joints on some machines. The last option is the 'Circle Tight' version made to print on very small build plates with a length the same as the regular Snakez file, but the file is curved to a greater degree to form a half circle and minimize the print area required. However, clearances have been slightly reduced which could cause issues on less precise or accurate machines. This has been test-printed and worked fine. Print lots of Snakez in your favorite colors - fun little creatures to place around your house, office, workshop, or even in your car! Snakez make great little gifts as well. They don't use much filament but the print time is longer than many other small prints due to the detail in the linkages etc. Snakez are an easy print: raft is recommended but do not use support as this could fuse linkages so they won't move after printing. Using 3 shells and 50% infill is also suggested to ensure the fine linkages are strong and will withstand a life of being wriggled. Print lots - have fun with your Snakez and post images! Please refer to the instructions and images for additional information. If you like this, check out the rest of my fun and practical designs: FISH FOSSILZ at http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1276095, BUGZ at http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1904654, Z-REX at http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1594269, RATZ at http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1532944, SHARKZ at http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:910216, CROCX at http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:941177, EAGLEZ at http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:963892, CATZ at http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:988088. Printer Settings: Brand: MakerBot Printer: MakerBot Replicator (5th Generation) Rafts: Yes Supports: No Resolution: Standard / 0.20mm in PLA Infill: 50% with 3 shells to make the fine linkages strong Notes: Recommend using raft for easy and safe removal from the build plate. Do not use support as this could stop the model from moving after printing. Suggest using 3 shells and 50% infill to ensure the linkage is strong so your Snakez won't break easily. Choose the right file - two .stl's have been provided: one is straight (approx. 174mm long) and the other has each section curved to help it fit on smaller build plates (134mm long).