Prinstruder – all done

My little bot is just crank out parts today.  :)

I’ve finished the Idler Bracket v3, Motor Bracket v3, Base Plate v3, and Insulating Retainer.  After a little cleanup the parts fit together very well.  I think one of the most interesting parts about printing pieces designed by others is seeing some aspect of the 3D model that doesn’t really quite make sense – but once it’s printed out and fit together you understand the design decision.

Take, for instance, a little divot in the Motor Bracket v3. I didn’t get why it was there… until I fit the parts together.  I can now see that it’s purpose is to act as a cone to funnel and guide the plastic filament.  This is the sort of wonderful little nuance that can be produced as part of a 3D printed object that would probably be difficult, if not impossible, to recreate in a lasercut layer system such as the plastruder.