Earring Modelling Set

My goddaughter makes earrings that she sells at markets and online. It is a tedious process, as she cuts the clay shapes out one at a time. She asked for a set of cutters that could allow her to make them faster. These models are the result of that request. She’ll be able to quickly cut them out 5 at a time, and with the various extractor pushrods for each of the pieces, she can push out the clay pieces and assemble them in batches.

I printed with a 0.4 nozzle at 0.20mm layer height in PETG. The inner circles are only a single print layer thick, so I’m not sure how long they’ll stand up to being pushed through the clay, but they feel quite sturdy, with good layer adhesion.

Each set has a (1) base layer (no inner circle), (2) a second layer that punches the same shape but with a circle cut out of the centre, and (3) a circle punch for cutting a circle of differently coloured clay that then fits into the circular void made by (2).

The base layer and second layer are then joined together and the circle (3) added. Earring mounts are then added after the clay has been hardened.

A couple of notes on the parts:

• The 2.3mm pusher for the flower circle really needs some support. I printed without support, and towards the top of the print, the flex in the pusher shaft caused it to spaghetti half way through the handle nub. But it is still useable so I didn't reprint it.
• The circle model pushers have a little notch in them to indicate UP which is used to align the pusher with the word UP on the layer cutters themselves.
• The lid of the storage box sorta locks into place at the hinge area, with a little click to get is seated properly.
• Aside from the 2.3mm pusher, nothing else needs supports. I would suggest using a 3 tree support at 120 degree intervals around the item attaching mid handle, just to stop the wobble as it prints the upper half.