Ribbon Hand Fan

 Updates

• 06-07-2025:  Added new Blade variants, weaving animations, Blend file.
  Updated Files
  - Blade_8mm_Base.stl
  - Blade_16mm_Base.stl
  - Blade_Custom_Base.stl
  - Blade_8mm_Decorated.stl
  - Blade_16mm_Decorated.stl
  - Blade_Custom_Decorated.stl
  - Hand Fan.blend
  - Ribbon Hand Fan.3mf
• 29-06-2025:  Added new Blade variant, more clearance to Pin height & less to Pin Cap.
  Updated Files
  - Ribbon Hand Fan.3mf
  - Blade_02 gcode, stl
  - Pin gcode, stl
  - Pin Cap gcode, stl
• 28-06-2025:  First upload!

Printed Parts

This design features three different printed parts and ribbons that connect the blades. The blades are available in two variants: either with all 8mm holes or two 8mm and three 16mm holes. The 8mm holes are designed to weave ribbons between them, and the 16mm can be used for wider ribbons or other weaving materials. I used some decorated tape and stuck two strips together.

A pin and a pin cap are used to hold all the blades together. The pin cap has a ridge that snaps onto the pin, making it easy to remove when replacing the blades. Pull and twist the cap to remove it from the pin. 

When printing, you can use any filament, but make sure it is neither too stiff nor too flexible. Filaments that are too stiff may break when waved vigorously. At the same time, those that are too flexible can make it challenging to wave quickly enough to generate adequate airflow.

Weaving Pattern

To create your weaving pattern, start with a flexible ribbon that is 8mm wide. Begin the weaving process at the bottom of the blade, working your way upward. 

I recommend using the pattern shown above for the first ribbon. It doesn't slide easily and helps to secure everything in place. With this pattern, check the distance to each blade and adjust the tension as you go.

If you want a looser pattern, you can use the following pattern or any other pattern you seem fit. Initially, keep the ribbon fairly loose; you can always adjust the tension later when all blades are in place.

When you are happy with the weaving, the next step is to tension the ribbon. Tie a knot at one end of the ribbon and stack the blades on top of one another. As you place each blade, tighten the ribbon so that the top blade can only move to one side. Continue this process for all the blades, and then secure the other end of the ribbon with another knot.

Once you’re satisfied with the tension and overall appearance, apply a small dab of glue to the knot to ensure it stays in place. After the glue has dried, trim the ribbon ends to your desired length, and you’re all set to cool down!

Custom Design (In Slicer)

In the model files, you can find two different styles for each blade, base or decorated. The decorated models have some holes in the handle, and the base models don't. If you want to decorate your design in the slicer, you can use the base models and apply block modifiers to cut or add sections to the model.

If you want to share your design, you can upload a remix or send me a message, and I'll make a separate 3mf file with all the custom designs from the community.

Parametric Parameters (Blender 4.4.3 or higher)

For adjusting the parts in Blender, you can change the following parameters:

Blade

• Thickness
• Material (colour previewing in Blender)
• Handle Profile (base or decorated)
• Pin Radius
• Handle Width
• Handle Length
• Handle Offset (length in the hand when holding)
• Blade Length
• Blade Width
• Blade Offset (start offset for weaving holes)
• Hole Lengths (amount & length of each hole in mm)
• Split Character (used for the hole length parameter to split each hole length)
• Hole Width
• Hole Spacing (length between each hole)

Pin

• Cap Thickness
• Cap Radius
• Pin Radius (0.2mm less than blade pin radius is ideal)
• Blade Amount (height of pin, amount x blade thickness)
• Blade Thickness (use the thickness of the chosen blade)

Pin Cap

• Thickness
• Radius

Printing Difficulty: I

I: Novice printing knowledge

• Basic understanding of 3D printing principles and processes.
• Familiarity with operating a 3D printer.
• Able to follow step-by-step instructions for printing simple designs.
• Limited experience troubleshooting common printing issues.

II: Intermediate understanding

• Proficient in 3D printing principles and processes.
• Comfortable with various 3D printer settings and parameters.
• Capable of handling more complex designs and making necessary adjustments.
• Able to troubleshoot common printing issues and optimise print quality.

III: Experienced

• Extensive knowledge and expertise in 3D printing.
• Proficient in advanced printing techniques, such as multi-material or multi-colour printing.
• Skilled in fine-tuning printer settings for optimal results.
• Capable of handling complex and intricate designs.
• Experienced in troubleshooting and resolving various printing challenges.

Filaments

For my print, I used the following filaments.

• rPLA Corn Pigment.
• PLA Prusament Vanilla White