SnowFlake Mobile - Desktop or Free Hanging

thingiverse

This stunning snowflake mobile was created in BlocksCAD, offering flexibility to be either a desktop display or a free-hanging mobile. It utilizes the "earring" snowflakes from thingiverse.com/thing:2728193 for its delicate design. The xml files used to craft the geometry in BlocksCAD are also included for easy replication. **Desktop Mobile Instructions** Suggested print settings: * White snowflakes * Print 9 "earring" snowflakes from thingiverse.com/thing:2728193 Mobile pieces: * Suggested black mobile parts * Print 3 small arms * Print 1 large arm * Print 1 base * Print 1 lower arm * Print 1 upper arm * Print 1 connector straight * Print 1 connector curved **Assembly Instructions for Desktop Mobile** Heavy-duty black thread was used to connect the snowflakes to the arms. Attach 3 snowflakes to outer ends of small arms using black thread, spacing them about 1-5 cm apart. Repeat for the other two small arms, varying thread lengths for a more aesthetically pleasing display. Connect the center of one small arm to an outer end of a large arm using black thread (2 cm). Repeat for the other two small arms. Attach the center of the large arm to its top hole using black thread (2 cm). Assemble the straight lower arm to the base using the straight connector. Join the upper arm and snowflakes to the lower arm using the curved connector. **Important Note** The small and large arms will not hang level with randomly weighted snowflakes. Thread length has a negligible impact on whether the arms hang evenly. **Engineering Challenge** Students are encouraged to calculate the equilibrium position of the small arm based on individual snowflake weights. However, computing the entire assembly's equilibrium position would be considered an excessive challenge. **Operation** No batteries required. The slightest breeze will set the mobile in motion when using thread. Place it near a heating register for air currents to activate the mobile. As a last resort: Gently spin the top of the center large arm. Or, blow on it gently. --------------------------------------- **Free-Hanging Mobile Instructions** Suggested print settings: * White snowflakes * Print 9 "earring" snowflakes from thingiverse.com/thing:2728193 Mobile pieces: * Suggested black mobile parts * Print 3 small arms * Print 1 large arm **Assembly Instructions for Free-Hanging Mobile** Attach 3 snowflakes to outer ends of small arms using black thread, spacing them about 1-5 cm apart. Repeat for the other two small arms, varying thread lengths for a more aesthetically pleasing display. Connect the center of one small arm to an outer end of a large arm using black thread (2 cm). Repeat for the other two small arms. Attach a long piece of black thread to the center of the large arm. Hang the assembly at a convenient location. The stand used for this mobile is also suitable for the flying pig mobile: thingiverse.com/thing:2790832.