Working Print-in-Place Wind Chimes (with Central Gong)

Don't let the simplicity of print-in-place fool you—this is a fully functional, ringing wind chime engineered as a single, support-free model.

This model features a central hanging gong (beater) suspended inside. To achieve the necessary hanging depth and flexibility, this design uses a clever post-processing trick: printing the "strings" flat and using your printer bed's heat to mold them into their final, hanging positions.

Note: the images of this model are not AI generated but actual photographs of the actual printed physical object that has been tested and really works.

Features

• True Print-in-Place: No assembly, no external strings, and no hardware required.

• Integrated Gong: Features a central heart/gong suspension system that actually strikes the 6 surrounding tubes when the wind blows.

• Acoustic Design: 6 independent tubes of varying lengths to create a pleasant, resonant sound.

Crucial Post-Processing Instructions

Because the suspension strings print directly on the build plate, releasing and shaping this model requires patience and care. Please follow these steps to avoid snapping the thin strands:

Step 1: Cold Release

1. Allow your print bed to cool down completely to room temperature. Do not try to remove it warm, or the thin strings will stretch and deform.

2. Using a thin spatula or scraper, very gently work your way around the bed to loosen the tubes and the central gong.

3. Note: The strings suspending the central gong are located under the top cap and can be tricky to reach. Take your time loosening these.

Step 2: Heat Bend

Once the entire model is loose leave it sitting on the bed in the position that it printed:

1. Turn your print bed heat up to 70°C and wait for it to warm up. This will soften the PLA plastic just enough to make the thin strings flexible without melting them.

2. The Tubes: Gently bend the warm strings connecting each of the 6 tubes into their proper, hanging vertical positions.

3. The Central Gong: The strings for the center gong are spiraled. While the plastic is warm, gently pull the gong downward and twist it slightly to stretch the spiral strings into their active hanging position.

4. Lift the model off the bed and hold it suspended for a few seconds as the plastic cools and locks into shape.

Printing Settings

• Material: PLA works great for a crisp ringing sound. PETG should also works well and offers better outdoor weather resistance.

• Supports: None.

• Layer Height: 0.2mm.

• Use scarf joints for smooth outside tube surfaces.