…code, cg, electronics, 3d printing…

I used the code for my latest “hex” designs on a sphere: The result is a complex shape that still prints nicely with no supports on a FFF style machine. It’s just under 6″ across.  It’s also the first real print I’ve done since my upgrade to Sailfish firmware.

As designed, the hole in the base will fit a votive candle: I wouldn’t put a real votive in there, but LED votives work well. It will also lay flat on this base without rolling around.

It also looks good as a large ornament on your Christmas tree

For the illumination hardware, I purchased a “snap-in candelabra base socket” from Home Depot (picture included), and a 45w candelabra bulb: Note that the bulb hot, but as of yet I’ve not had any issues since the print itself is so open. If you want something more decorative, I’d go 25w.

Get more info and download the file for print over on Thingiverse.

Hexagons are a great form to build with when it comes to 3d-printing: for FDM machines, like my Makerbot Replicator (1) that print layer by layer, overhangs past a certain angle don’t print well, or print at all.  While my machine can print overhangs less than 45 degrees, that is the rule of thumb when it comes to making 3d printable items that won’t require support:  Make sure all overhangs are 45 deg or greater.  And if you tip a hexagon on its point, then the angles it creates for overhangs are exactly 45 degrees and avoids any bridging:  Complex structure, no support needed.

With that in mind, I made a Python script in Maya that will turn polygonal quads into hexagons with the click of a button.  The below two “Hex Vases” are the first tests with it.  You can find more info + downloads on their Thingiverse pages here, and here.