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Apex - A 3d Printed Marble Machine 3d model

Apex - A 3d Printed Marble Machine

1.4K downloads · 2 years ago · Introducing Apex—an entrancing 3D printed marble machine. Watch the marbles carefully as the spiral

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Description

Introducing Apex—an entrancing 3D printed marble machine. Watch the marbles carefully as the spiral lifts them up, and they weave down a plinko board, stairs, and various other tracks.

The machine uses 8mm or 5/16" marbles (the distinction is negligible), but can be scaled up proportionally to use larger marbles.

If you like marble machines, check out some of my other work!

Print Settings: No supports are required for any of the four files. A layer height of 0.16mm is recommended, at least for the main machine. A printer bed size of at least 170mm x 170mm X 140mm is needed. I suggest a slow print speed for the main machine due to its intricate internal supports. While I strive for utmost file quality, minor variations inherent to 3D printers may result in slight imperfections in the final product (typically easily fixable, in my experience). Uses about 250 grams of filament in total.

Dimensions: -Length: 6.75" (170mm) -Width: 5.75" (150mm) -Height: 5.5" (140mm)

*Please ensure ball bearings are out of reach for children under 5, as they present a potential choking hazard. Note that the 8mm ball bearings are considerably smaller than normal marbles (which allows the design to be more intricate).

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Community Makes (1)

Haha honestly I half expected this to not work but it works!! This ended up being a VERY satisfying print and my kid really can play with it for hours. The sound of the marbles going through the machine gives you immense tactical, sensory satisfaction.

If you're gonna print it, followed the instructions! I lowered the print speed about 50mm/s each from Bambu's default settings.
I had to "clean" the model a bit, but with very little post-processing, the beads roll down smoothly.

I also printed the TEMPEST yesterday and that one I would recommend increasing the scale a little bit. It does work by default too though but it required more post-processing on my part and smaller beads.

Both times, I wish I did "ironing" on top surfaces but it is not required. Steel bearings would probably flow smoother, but 8mm jewelry beads worked fine for me.

HAVE FUN, MARBLE LORDS AND QUEENS!

Community Makes (1)

Discussions

ThangsDan2 years ago

Haha honestly I half expected this to not work but it works!! This ended up being a VERY satisfying print and my kid really can play with it for hours. The sound of the marbles going through the machine gives you immense tactical, sensory satisfaction. If you're gonna print it, followed the instructions! I lowered the print speed about 50mm/s each from Bambu's default settings. I had to "clean" the model a bit, but with very little post-processing, the beads roll down smoothly. I also printed the TEMPEST yesterday and that one I would recommend increasing the scale a little bit. It does work by default too though but it required more post-processing on my part and smaller beads. Both times, I wish I did "ironing" on top surfaces but it is not required. Steel bearings would probably flow smoother, but 8mm jewelry beads worked fine for me. HAVE FUN, MARBLE LORDS AND QUEENS!