August, 2012 – Graham Miln

Prototype One

My first 3D print arrived this week and I was ecstatic. The small widget arrived in an unassuming padded envelope. Inside was a receipt and a snap lock bag containing my printed design.

A couple of days after placing my order, Sculpteo e-mailed me to say the print had been successful and they even included a small low resolution photograph to prove it.

After that e-mail, I only had to wait for the widget to be packed and posted.

I am delighted with the first iteration. Far more pleased than I expected to be. The stepped surface I first saw in Sculpteo’s photograph worried me; my model appeared smooth. In my hand the stepping is minor and I suspect a function of the material I choose.

The print feels almost like hardened polystyrene. The surface has a sandy feel to it. I have been treating the widget with care but it does feel solid and usable.

My first 3D printed widget.

The view from above of my roman blind string tie widget.
The view from above of my roman blind string tie widget.

A sideways view of my roman blind string tie widget.
A sideways view of my roman blind string tie widget.

The back of this blind tie hook is designed to be attached to the wall or window frame with a 3M Command removable mini sticker. I do not have any of these stickers floating around right now, but will be stocking up soon.

This has been a wonderful first step into 3D printing.