Robins Birdhouse - The Real Deal for a Robins Home

thingiverse

OK, here's my entry for the Birdhouse Competition. Please feel free to download it and print one (or many!) As always, I've really tried to keep it simple - partly because I'm new to 3D printing and the learning curve is steep! I can't possibly compete with some of the fantastic technical designs here, but instead I've opted to followed the advice of the 'Bird Wildlife Organisations' on recommended sizes and preferred openings for Robins - so hopefully this Birdhouse will actually be liked and lived in by real Robins :-) It's a 'one shot print' in Low (faster) print mode, but it really does print nicely (see gallery). Despite it's size, it's firm and strong when printed but only uses 188 grams of PLA. Measurements are 140mm wide, 230mm heigh (inc. mounting lips) and 150mm deep. It's designed to fix onto a flat wall, the hollow back was decided upon for two reasons, to save on PLA and easy removal of the model from the build platform. If you wish to attach it to a different surface (a tree for example), there is an inner lip that will accommodate the insertion of a push-fit back (made of anything you like really!). It needs to measure 136mm wide x 180mm heigh and push fits from the inside. I have included a 136mm x 20mm 'slat' in the files so that you can 3D print a back if you prefer (you will need x9 of these slats to cover the whole back). This 'slat' can also be used to form a front vertical shield plate (x1 or x2 slats can be used - see Gallery photo). Some Bird Wildlife Organisations thing this shield is preferred by Robins, but others disagree and say the fully open front is best?) Ideally, should be wall mounted between 6 and 15 feet from the ground and away from any predator access (ie. cats etc.), meaning mounted away from any high fence posts, shed roofs and easily climbable trees! Enjoy - hope you adopt some feathered friends as a result of downloading and printing this Robins Birdhouse :-) Instructions This Birdhouse prints from a single file. It is designed to print with the back (where the mounting holes are) flat on the build platform. You may have to turn the model using the build software to best fit your printers build plate. Sat on the build plate after printing, the measurements are: 140mm deep, 230mm long (inc. mounting lips) and 150mm heigh (see gallery photo) I built this on my Makerbot Replicator 2 (Firmware Version 7.2) with the following settings: Applies to both Birdhouse and optional 'Slat(s)' Exported the print file from MakerWare to SD Card and built directly using the printer SD Card slot Blue tape on build plate 1.75mm PLA Filament (in my case - black) Design Software: Autodesk 123D Design - Version 1.2.42 Build Software: MakerWare Version 2.2.1.58 Resolution: Low (faster) Infill: 10% Shells: 2 Layer Height: 0.30mm Temp: 230c Speed while Extruding: 90mm/s Speed while Travelling: 150mm/s Build time: Well, birds take days to build a nest - this Birdhouse took much, much less time that that ;-) Any questions - please just ask . . . . . .