Springy Friend

thingiverse

The inspiration behind this project involves three aspects. Firstly, I was inspired by the intricate sculptural work in a pet monster contest, which led me to explore organic modeling. Secondly, I wanted to find a way to incorporate this new skill into a 3D print. As a result, I prototyped a base for future use. Lastly, my interest was piqued by a 1936 Popular Science article about traditional marionettes and their potential enhancement with 3D printing technology. In light of these inspirations, I aimed to create a puppet that didn't require additional hardware and could be assembled effortlessly. Experimenting with different designs, I tried variations of Zomboe's snake and Landru's springamathing as replacements for traditional cloth hinges. However, the current prototypes lack sufficient movement and are too fragile. Undeterred, I am considering alternative solutions, such as using tyvek cloth hinges with plastic connectors or continuing to refine an all-plastic design. In the meantime, I'm sharing the figure I have created so far. To print this puppet, simply produce one copy of each plate, designed for a 225 x 145 build platform. Insert the pins into their respective holes, and enjoy your 16.5-inch (415mm) tall springy friend!