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"Lora and I, a Simple 3D Printed Automaton" is an updated version of the first automaton I designed, 3D printed and assembled about nine years ago inspired by various versions I'd seen at craft shows and on line. This version is sturdier, requires fewer parts and is hand operated so no motor or power source (other than you) is required!
3D printing and assembly of this model is quite easy and it makes a great first automaton. Along with all.stl files required to 3D print this model, I've also included the file "Lora and I.f3d", an Autodesk Fusion 360 CAD file containing all steps I used to create this model. This file may also be used to customize the model to your liking.
As usual I probably forgot a file or two or who knows what else, so if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask as I do make plenty of mistakes.
Designed using Autodesk Fusion 360, sliced using Ultimaker Cura 4.6.1, and 3D printed in PLA on an Ultimaker S5.
Supplies:PLA safe glue (I used thick cyanoacrylate glue).
Jewelers files and / or sandpaper.
Step 1: Parts.I 3D printed the following parts at.15mm layer height with 20% infill, using the Ultimaker Cura 4.6.1 Engineering Profile.
- One "Axle.stl".
- One "Base.stl".
- One "Cam 1.stl".
- One "Cam 2.stl".
- One "Cam 3.stl".
- One "Cam 4.stl".
- One "Crank.stl".
- Two "Eyes.stl".
- Two "Head, Mount.stl".
- One "Hers, Arm, Right.stl".
- One "Hers, Arm, Right(Mirror).stl".
- One "Hers, Body.stl".
- One "Hers, Head.stl".
- One "His, Arm, Left.stl".
- One "His, Arm, Left(Mirror).stl".
- One "His, Body.stl".
- One "His, Head.stl".
- Two "Lips.stl".
- One "Top.stl".
Prior to assembly, I test fit and trimmed, filed, sanded, etc. all parts as necessary for smooth movement of moving surfaces, and tight fit for non moving surfaces. Depending on you printer, your printer settings and the colors you chose, more or less trimming, filing and/or sanding may be required. I carefully filed all edges that contacted the build plate to make absolutely certain that all build plate "ooze" was removed and that all edges were smooth. I used small jewelers files, sandpaper and plenty of patience to perform this step.
Step 2: Base Assembly.To assemble the base, I:
- Slid "Axle.stl" into one axle hole in "Base.stl".
- Slid "Cam 4.stl" onto the axle in the orientation as shown.
- Slid "Cam 3.stl" onto the axle in the orientation as shown.
- Slid "Cam 2.stl" onto the axle in the orientation as shown.
- Slid "Cam 1.stl" onto the axle in the orientation as shown.
- Slid the free end of the axle assembly through the remaining hole in the base.
- Pressed "Crank.stl" onto the free end of the axle assembly.
- Made sure the axle rotated freely.
To assemble the top, I:
- Glued "His, Body.stl" to "Top.stl".
- Glued "Hers, Body.stl" to the top assembly.
- Glued "Hers, Arm, Left.stl" to hers body, left.
- Glued "Hers, Arm, Left(Mirror).stl" to hers body, right.
- Glued "His, Arm, Left.stl" to his body, left.
- Glued "His, Arm, Left(Mirror).stl" to his body, right.
For final assembly, I:
- Glued one set of "Eyes.stl" and one "Lips.stl" to "Hers, Head.stl" and "His, Head.stl".
- Slid one of "Head, Mount.stl" into each of the holes in the top assembly.
- With the head mount pins oriented as shown, pressed the top assembly onto the base assembly.
- With her head mount pins oriented as shown, pressed her head assembly on her head mount facing his body.
- With his head mount pins oriented as shown, pressed his head assembly on his head mount facing her body.
And that is how I designed, 3D printed and assembled "Lora and I, a Simple 3D Printed Automaton".
I hope you enjoyed it!
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