vintage combs remixed for 3d printing

Loved these combs, and wanted to make it in thermoplastic so I could give it a nicer shape by heat forming it. Took the SVG into inkscape and exported it as a png and used that to make the STL in MatterControl (love the handy image to path and extrusion tools). all stl files will print flat and need to be heat formed in hot water. See https://www.instructables.com/id/Thermoforming-3D-Printed-PLA-for-Use-in-Prostethic/ (not mine, just a really nice set of basic instructions) for good, clear instructions on this method. Printed from XYZprint.

Sadly, the decoration on the fan comb doesn't translate well to filament printing, so my version is plain.

Added photos of formed and partially coated combs. They need another coat!

Print Settings

Printer Brand:

XYZprinting

Printer: 

da Vinci mini w

Rafts:

No

Supports: 

No

Resolution:

high detail

Infill: 

solid

Filament:
sunlu PLA 
 

Notes: 

Combs are thin when printed, 2mm. If you need a more robust comb, then scale it up on the z to be thicker. Prints best at larger sizes, this doesn't make a good mini object. It needs to be solid infill because it's so thin.

I have the filigree comb oriented about 45 degrees off vertical because the bed of my printer is so small. The fan comb didn't need this.

Post-Printing

Optional heatforming, non-optional coating

Hand sanded and heat formed to a more pleasing shape before coating with xtc-3d.

I used hot water, dipped and hand formed. Short working time, obviously. I have some prior experience with using heat forming on thermoplastics for cosplay.

To work well as a hair ornament, this design needs to be coated after sanding to glide well in the hair. Obviously, the heat forming must be done prior to coating.

How I Designed This

Fell in love with the original design (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2868804) meant for laser cutting, and decided to try it out in PLA on my little DaVinci mini+W. Pretty happy with the results.

Category: Accessories