> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://alexanders-organization-7.gitbook.io/alex-digital-fabrication-diary/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://alexanders-organization-7.gitbook.io/alex-digital-fabrication-diary/week-6.md).

# Week 6

Print, Print, Print...

## Printing the Snowflake

I started by printing my first print of snowflake design. However, I messed up the width in the CAD software which resulted in the rings and laps only having a width of 0.1 mm. This print was unusable.

![](https://725701341-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQFjfv0sGMlHUNJBjnaGy%2Fuploads%2FuWdSE1OIroTw3zMstmjV%2FIMG_4097.jpg?alt=media\&token=2b3c1bc3-4233-41f6-b332-65a31ce77030)

The middle part was ok regarding its thickness, however, I didn't like the flexibility of the black filament. I updated my CAD design, changed the filament and printed again.

![](https://725701341-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQFjfv0sGMlHUNJBjnaGy%2Fuploads%2FmL8zIrnyIZ6Qi7E9Tqv6%2FIMG_4098.jpg?alt=media\&token=5e35e8c1-4fea-451b-8145-9d9fa9cda3d2)

For the seconds attempt one of the laps was not printed properly. 

It printed the element again on a different printer. 

![](https://725701341-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQFjfv0sGMlHUNJBjnaGy%2Fuploads%2FehISw5B245YEdLTqGonn%2FIMG_4100.jpg?alt=media\&token=7a0f3135-a648-4144-8fb8-e3682dea2894)

## "Mass" Printing

For mass production, it printed the elements in batches of 4 each with 0.15mm quality settings. Each print took around 1 hour and 20 minutes. I managed to print 4 batches. However, during the print 1 batch turned out unusable due to printer problems. Another element from a different print also couldn't be used for my final structure due to printing issues. 

![](https://725701341-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQFjfv0sGMlHUNJBjnaGy%2Fuploads%2FfyAKOKAPayxb18w5ltM2%2FIMG_4171_2.jpg?alt=media\&token=08b6c3eb-ce66-41b5-8ea1-2f56b4359fda)

This left me with 11 usable elements which I connected together.

![](https://725701341-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQFjfv0sGMlHUNJBjnaGy%2Fuploads%2F05hgMnTaslRwIQ2n0AaG%2FIMG_4170_2.jpg?alt=media\&token=7f571335-bcfa-492f-b03e-1bc2985ab6d6)

The connected structure was very sturdy and also flexible. I was able to bend them together to form a tube structure. 

![](https://725701341-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQFjfv0sGMlHUNJBjnaGy%2Fuploads%2FfiuHiThPfwgYhXOFP0cX%2FIMG_4118_2.jpg?alt=media\&token=8be4509c-d9aa-42c6-8280-6af0abc1a98b)