Torchpin - Thumbtack Decoration with Pixel Flame Customizer

thingiverse

This decorative item will transform any home or office space into a unique and captivating environment. Elevate your workspace with these cave torches, designed to replace thumbtack ends with ease. To assemble the model, print out the handle and flames separately and secure a flat-headed thumbtack to the side of the handle using hot-glue (see Post-Printing below). To customize, you can create a one-of-a-kind flame for each pin by modifying the variable flames_seeds. Ensure that you have a number assigned per flame axis to generate. Currently, there appears to be an issue with the Customizer not functioning properly with my code. I am collaborating with the community to resolve this problem. Alternatively, open the model in OpenSCAD and experiment with different values. Post-Printing Instructions: 1. Preparations I recommend printing the handle using a filament color that adheres well to paint. I used cheap dollar store acrylic paint on white filament, which worked exceptionally well. You can also use any color filament you prefer for the flames or paint them afterwards. For mounting, you will need flat-headed tacks and hot-glue or super-glue to secure all parts in place. 2. Printing the Model Once you have generated unique flames by specifying random number seeds, I suggest printing the flames and handle separately. For optimal results, print the flames with maximum fill and set delays between each Z-layer on your 3D printer to capture subtle details accurately. Print the handles upside down (pointed end up) with loose fill and slow along each Z-layer. If you're printing multiple handles at once, ensure a sufficient delay between moving the print head to each handle tip for perfect replication. However, speedy printing may cause warped tips. 3. Assembling the Pieces 3.a Painting I used acrylic paints from the dollar store to create a unique look. To achieve gray, mix black and white to your desired shade. Apply multiple layers of paint to hide the original filament color. Paint the handle's rim with a dark gray color first, followed by two layers of brown on the rest of the handle. The flames can be painted in any color you prefer (I recommend glow-in-the-dark paint for an added effect). Again, apply two layers of paint. 3.b Gluing Now that the handle is prepared, glue the flames to the handle and secure a tack to the handle bar using hot-glue or super-glue. Once the glue dries, your model is complete! Mount it on your wall for a unique decorative piece.