The Silicon Cube!

thingiverse

This innovative tool, created by Kris Pister at UCLA, showcases all vital information about silicon from a microfabrication perspective, including crystal planes, etch rates, and structures. Initially designed as a paper model for gluing/taping, the cube suffered damage in a mishap involving a falling textbook, highlighting its fragility. Nonetheless, it makes an attractive Christmas tree ornament. Three versions are available: hollow box with a lid, braced box, and solid silicon cube. The author has also updated SiCube.pdf and added new images due to initial errors. To assemble the box version, print the lid and either SiCubeBox.stl or SiCubeBoxBraced.stl, glue the lid onto the box, and attach paper pieces from SiCube.pdf (cut off tabs). For the solid silicon cube, only print SiCubeSolid.stl and glue paper parts. The author recommends using the braced version to prevent warping.