Something useful from the 3D printer.

[DaveL]

When I was working, some years ago now there was a company supported scheme to get us all to walk about more and get fitter! I bought a FitBit as the supplied pedometer was some what pants, this synced via my mobile phone. The FitBit worked well but the physical side it left a lot to be desired. The first ones I had where an all in one design and the straps gave out, slowly failing, the only good thing was the customer service, when it started to happen a quick chat on their web site and an upload of a picture and a new one was shipped out to me.
I went though 3 different types of FitBit and was very upset when they pushed a firmware update on to the last one and it would no-longer sync with my phone.
I now have a Garmin Vio Sport.

I wear it almost constantly, it has survived a number of mishaps and the only thing to break is the little loop that snuggles the end of the strap.

I tried to buy a replacement but the closest I could was not quite the same.

It was a bit bigger and did not have the little pip to help keep it in place.
So I tried to draw a replacement, I started in Fusion 360 and while I managed to draw a loop that looked right I could not get the loop and pip exported was on STL file. I had watched a few youtube videos and one used Tinker CAD. I tried that and while the loop is not quite the same I managed to produce an STL file.
Then the fun began I only had PLA filament and so tried printing with that here are the attempts.

Getting the pip to print required me to change some of the settings in the slicer. I ordered some TPU filament, that is some what flexible and printed one.

It came out well but when I tried it I found I had made the gap too wide, so back to Tinker CAD and reduce the dimension by 1 mm, re-slice and reprint.

And there it is keeping the end of the strap from getting caught on things.

 

[Robert]

I don't use mine much but it is nice when you have an idea for something you can just draw it and print it to see if it works.

I'm still raising hydroponic veg and its going well. It does give little problems to solve and a few have been solved with printed parts.

Current problem is with very low pressure float valves for topping up header tanks from a reservoir tank. Bought some Chinese ones but they stick and don't always fill. Got an idea for printing one that will be reliable...once I get round to it.

 

[novocaine]

On a similar vain I designed and printed this.



That does this with my mi band.



So I can wear a real watch.

 

[Lurker]

Not sure if any of you 3D printer chaps take private eye, but in the latest issue( Page 31) is a spoof product that I instantly thought would be easy to print.
It’s an ice cream cone guttering system for catching melted ice cream drips.
Might be a project for someone with a frivolous mind.

 

[BigMonka]

Dave I had a Vivosport too, great watch! I snapped a few of those strap holder things too, they’re definitely a weak link so great that you can make/print your own! My watch finally died when I dropped a piece of wood on it (on my wrist) which smashed the screen.

 

[clogs]

u know in the old days it was always handy to have a mate with a spare bike.....
now it's a mate with a 3D printer......hahaha

I'd love one but the computor work Cad etc would drive me nuts.....

 

[Robert]

It crossed my mind yesterday that when you buy scones they are hexagonal. That means no waste between them when cutting the dough. I don't have any hexagon cutters and looking online what I could see were expensive and flimsy.

Literally 10 minutes after the idea I'd drawn it in sketchup, exported the stl and sliced it in cura, then turned on the printer.

That was yesterday.

This morning...

Still cooling. they are a bit big. that tray fills the oven shelf.

Left over scrap on the middle row.

Mary Berry BBC recipe.

 

[9fingers]

A very worthwhile application indeed Robert.

Bob

 

[DaveL]

I have a small collection of small clamps.

Note the stronger than steel retaining straps on some of them. :eusa-whistle:
Unfortunately some of them have lost their rubber pads.

I spent some time drawing a replacement in Fusion 360

I had a problem drawing the slots where it slides on to the jaw, I tried cuting it from the end, but made the inside of the pad hollow! I ended up cutting from the bottom and having to replace the strip round the hole.
Here is a test print in PLA (I have lots of PLA)

I had to turn on supports to stop the spreading on that corner.

And here are the new pads printed in TPU which is the flexible filament.

 

[DaveL]

So I had a chat with Dave (novocaine) about two colour prints, here is my second attempt

Two goes at the same thing, one for me and one for my Daughter, just got to sort out some key rings for them.

 

[Malc2098]

Nice.

 

[novocaine]

So I had a chat with Dave (novocaine) about two colour prints, here is my second attempt

Two goes at the same thing, one for me and one for my Daughter, just got to sort out some key rings for them.

Oh very well done sir. You have managed something I haven't. Time is always my biggest issue, I never have enough of it to play.