Crystal Structure Unit Cells (SC, BCC, FCC, HCP)

This model was created because my advisor needed a teaching aid for undergraduate students in a Materials Science course. However, the 3D printer in our department often has problems and freezes mid-print when trying to print these complex crystal structures as a single piece.

I designed this model so each part can be printed separately. This not only solves the printing problem but also allows us to use different colors for each component, making it much easier to visualize and understand the structure once assembled. It's ideal for use as an educational tool.

Update Log

20/10/2025: Updated Pin.stl and Pin2.stl files. The dimensions have been adjusted for a tighter and better fit during assembly.

22/10/2025: Added Assembly Diagram images (all models) and Plate Layout images (for SC & BCC), and pre-configured .3mf files (SC & BCC).

23/10/2025: Added Plate Layout images (for FCC & HCP), and pre-configured .3mf files (FCC & HCP).

11/06/2025: Added a new Cover Image.

About the Files

The uploaded files are organized as follows:

• Multi-Part Files: The specific Atom parts for each structure are in their respective folders (e.g., SimpleCubic, BCC, etc.). The common Pin.stl and Pin2.stl files are located in the main directory (outside the folders).
• Single-Piece Files: Inside each structure's folder (e.g., SimpleCubic), you will also find the fully assembled, single-piece model for those who prefer to print it all at once.
• Slicer Files (.3mf): For all models, we have also included .3mf project files that are pre-arranged on the plate and include relevant print settings (like the Height Range Modifiers).

Printing Recommendations (For Multi-Part Version)

The recommendations below are for the Multi-Part version.

• Material: PLA / PETG
• Layer Height: 0.2 mm
• Infill: 15% (Gyroid)

Assembly

• The parts are designed for a press-fit assembly. A small amount of glue can be used for a permanent bond.

Suggestion

• It is recommended to print the 'Atom' and 'Pin' parts in different colors for better visual appeal.

Parts List (Bill of Materials)

1. Simple Cubic
Part Name	Quantity
Atom_OE_SC	8
Pin	12
Assembly diagram for the Simple Cubic structure
Plate Layout:
Atom_OE_SC: Additional Settings: Height Range Modifier: 0-0.6 mm & 19.4-20 mm Enable Ironing (All solid layers)
Pin: Additional Settings: Raft: 5 Layers

2. Body-Centered Cubic (BCC)
Part Name	Quantity
Atom_Top_BCC	1
Atom_Bottom_BCC	1
Atom_OE_BCC	8
Pin2	9
Assembly diagram for the Body-Centered Cubic (BCC) structure
Plate Layout:
Atom_Top_BCC: Additional Settings: Height Range Modifier: 0-0.6 mm & 5-5.6 mm Enable Ironing (All solid layers) Enable Support Atom_Bottom_BCC: Additional Settings: Height Range Modifier: 0-0.6 mm & 5-5.6 mm Setting: Enable Ironing (All solid layers) Enable Support Atom_OE_BCC: Additional Settings: Height Range Modifier: 0-0.6 mm Enable Ironing (All solid layers)
Pin2: Additional Settings: Raft: 5 Layers

3. Face-Centered Cubic (FCC)
Part Name	Quantity
Atom_H1_FCC	2
Atom_H2_FCC	4
Atom_OE_FCC	8
Pin	8
Pin2	8
Assembly diagram for the Face-Centered Cubic (FCC) structure
Plate Layout:
Atom_H1_FCC: Additional Settings: Height Range Modifier: 0-0.6 mm Enable Ironing (All solid layers) Atom_H2_FCC: Additional Settings: Height Range Modifier: 0-0.6 mm Enable Ironing (All solid layers) Atom_OE_FCC: Additional Settings: Height Range Modifier: 0-0.6 mm Enable Ironing (All solid layers)
Pin: Additional Settings: Raft: 5 Layers Pin2: Additional Settings: Raft: 5 Layers

4. Hexagonal Close-Packed (HCP)
Part Name	Quantity
Atom_OH_HCP	2
Atom_OS_HCP	12
Atom_OT_HCP	3
Atom_ST_HCP	3
Pin	12
Pin2	12
Assembly diagram for the Hexagonal Close-Packed (HCP) structure
Plate Layout:
Atom_OH_HCP: Additional Settings: Height Range Modifier: 0-0.6 mm Enable Ironing (All solid layers) Atom_OS_HCP: Additional Settings: Height Range Modifier: 0-0.6 mm Enable Ironing (All solid layers) Atom_OT_HCP: Additional Settings: Height Range Modifier: 0-0.6 mm Enable Ironing (All solid layers) Atom_ST_HCP: Additional Settings: Height Range Modifier: 0-0.6 mm Enable Ironing (All solid layers)
Pin: Additional Settings: Raft: 5 Layers Pin2: Additional Settings: Raft: 5 Layers