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...to build an earthquake resistant tower, higher than all others? This fun game consists of 3D printable connectors that you combine with simple skewers to build a stable and high tower.
The tower will be connected to a build plate, that after you have finished will experience a real earthquake!
So, better take a picture of your creation before you put it to the test.
This challenge was first seen on FAB25 and can be easily adpated to your community. The parts are simple, reproducable and can be sourced locally.
By design the earthquake can be simulated in various ways, so you can pick the level of complexity.
First, print the required connectors. You will need at least 4 baseplate connectors per Team and we recommend more than 10 connectors on top. Supply as many skewers as possible.
The first step for every team will be snipping off the top of these skewers, so they are safer. Therefore you will need to provide some cutting pliers or similar. I would not recommend to snipp them off before as this is a fun exercise and brings together old and young.
Then, you prepare the baseplate. Either cut it out yourself, use a handdrill or lasercut it. It needs spaced 15mm (square)holes for the base connectors to attach.Obviously you can also DIY your own solution.We use an older Creality Ender 3 Printer to run a special G-Code. This is the earthquake simulator. Clipped to the Enders bed is a Baseplate holder, where every baseplate fits into and can be secured.
We suggest having the participants pose for a photo before running the earthquake simulator.....you know why: Might be the last time you see the beautiful tower.
There is no real limit to materials or machines to use. The sample pieces are printed in PETG and PLA, using a 0, 4mm Standard Nozzle. I'd suggest some color variance between the baseplate connectors and the standard connectors - but you can go crazy colorful if you'd like!Some projects have also used figurines to hang from the towers, as an added challenge. For example Ape hangers have been proving extremely funny, especially if they fail to hold onto your tower!
Earth Quake SimulationWe used an Ender CR-10, removed the X- and the Z-Axis, plugged in the thermistors (so it throws no errors) and generated a G-Code that only uses the Y-Axis. This can be done with different methods.
For example you could suspend the Quake Plate with rubber bands and manually shake it or build a fully dedicated machine plate with a vibration motor - whatever is around!
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