Boat Expansion Set #ThinkFunChallenge

thingiverse

I was compelled to enter this contest for two reasons: 1). I've been searching for motivation to begin designing in 3D for some time, and 2). I am still a kid at heart. I used this challenge to try out some of the free 3D design software out there, and ended up using Sketchup. A fairly simple program that is largely visual, I found it simple to work with. Once I settled upon a boat expansion set, I began trying to visualize pieces that serve a specific role, but could be used to build infinitely large models. After some sketching I decided on the 8 pieces pictured above. Through close work with the Fab Lab at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (where I am currently enrolled in a Master's program for Structural Engineering), and the Local Motors store located in Knoxville, I was able to print and test all the pieces. I also built a toy boat using these pieces. The link is included at the end of this summary. Lastly I would like to thank everyone at Thingiverse and ThinkFun for propelling me into the world of 3D design and printing with this fun and educational challenge. Please feel free to comment on this project, as it is my first foray into 3D design and I would love to hear some opinions and suggestions. Thanks everyone! https://youtu.be/SL3fj9pII-s Print Settings Printer Brand: MakerBot Printer: MakerBot Replicator 2 Rafts: Yes Supports: Yes Resolution: .02 Infill: ~15% Notes: Make sure to slow your extrusion speeds down to ensure accuracy of the printed parts, considering the small tolerances involved. Post-Printing Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to remove the supports and clean the connections. The holes must be very clean in order for the connections to work correctly. How I Designed This Intro I began by thinking about what kids want in a toy. I know when I was a kid I was enthralled by lincoln logs and legos because they offered infinite possibilities. I tried to follow this principle and create pieces that interacted with the existing sets and provided semi-infinite possibilities. I also wanted to take the ThinkFun sets and expand them into 'uncharted waters'. Design The designing process was very iterative, involving many trials and even more errors. I was lucky to have the Fab Lab at the University of Tennessee, as well as the Local Motors store to help me bring my ideas to life.