Introducing My First 3D Design Journey: A Special Thank You

Hello, 3D printers!

I am thrilled to share with you a milestone that’s both exhilarating and deeply personal to me: my very first 3D design. It’s been a journey filled with learning, experimenting, and, most importantly, growing with your support. I am beyond grateful to have you as part of this adventure.

Optimized Printing Settings

I tested on two printers, the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE and the Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro, and no supports or brims are needed.

I experimented with different combinations of PLA and printing speeds to ensure the best possible outcome. Here’s what I discovered works best:

Silk PLA at a speed of 60mm/s for that lustrous finish, 8% infill with gyroid pattern.
Transparent PLA at 80mm/s, perfect for those pieces where you want a bit of clarity, 8% infill with triangular pattern.
Standard PLA at a rapid 200mm/s, 8% infill with gyroid pattern. And if you’re inclined to slow it down, you might find the results even more to your liking.

Additionally, I’ve dialed in the following specs for an optimal print:

A 0.4mm nozzle
A 0.12mm layer height for that fine detail

All of this was made possible using the Orca slicer, a tool I’ve found to be incredibly effective for all slicing needs.

Putting It Together

Download the STL files here: https://www.printables.com/model/793143-heartfelt-retro-cofferjewelry-box

Each component was printed separately since I don’t have an automatic PLA feeder in my setup. I used super glue to carefully place the gem inside the large star, ensuring a secure fit. Then, I attached the gem-filled star to the top lid of the coffer, making it the centerpiece of the design. I also added two smaller stars for extra embellishment, but I decided to leave this as an optional detail. This way, you can choose to personalize the design further according to your taste!

Model Materials

Here’s a rundown of the PLA filaments featured in the primary photo of the prints.

Elegoo Pink PLA: https://amzn.to/3vpetON
Amazon Basics Silk Gold PLA: https://amzn.to/3VOGiLp
IEMAI Glitter Pink Clear PLA: https://amzn.to/3IVt0EQ
Elegoo Black PLA: https://amzn.to/3PBgspY
NAGA Silk Pink (currently unavailable on Amazon, but from this collection: https://amzn.to/3vrv5FK)
Micro Center Inland Transparent Watermelon Glass PLA: https://amzn.to/3vrv0BW
Zap-A-Gap Glue: https://amzn.to/49654tb

Share Your Experience with Me

Your feedback is the cornerstone of improvement and innovation.

I ask you to share your printing experience by filling out this Google Form: https://forms.gle/NXhzqX9njKHchHFK9.

Your insights will be invaluable in refining current designs and developing future masterpieces.

Connect, Share, and Inspire

I’m excited to see your creations and hear your stories. Please share your makes on Printables and connect with me on Instagram using #PixelAndPapier3D to showcase your work.

Thank you for being an integral part of my 3D design journey. Here’s to many more designs, prints, and milestones ahead!