| Agnieszka from Zortrax did a great blog on one customers latest project with their 3d printer that we wanted to share – A French influencer, Remy Vicarini, has designed and 3D printed extraordinary helmets for his cat, Cathode, with the use of Zortrax M200 Plus desktop printer. |
Designing and 3D Printing the Helmet
Workflow step 1: Measurements and Digital Design
The creative process begins with measuring Cathode’s head. In order to do so, Remy places the pieces of aluminum foil around the cat’s head and forms a hollow ball of that size. Then, he moves on to digital design. With the mold at his disposal, the creator transfers the measurements to PTC Creo design software, forming the digital model. Once it’s ready, the obtained .stl file is uploaded to Z-SUITE, where it is sliced and prepared for 3D printing. „With Z-SUITE it’s super simple. I see my design appear and the first thing I do is positioning it in space. My trick is to always put the surface that will be the most visible after the print at the top, to get the best surface finish,” Remy underlines. As this software is truly intuitive, it is not a challenge to achieve the optimal settings – it advises its users on the most efficient position of the model, support angles, and other parameters crucial for minimizing the time and material usage for a given print.
Workflow step 2: 3D Printing
Now, Remy uploads the model of a helmet, prepared in Z-SUITE, to his Zortrax 3D printer, connecting the USB stick to the device. All the files ready for 3D printing appear at this stage on the printer’s screen – the creator just picks the one he wishes to print. The filament Remy selects for Cathode’s helmet is Z-ULTRAT due to its durability, hardness, and smooth finish of prints. As the influencer states, „I love using Z-ULTRAT, the workmanship is still very good, and the material is robust with a shiny appearance, and the prints are hard and smooth. I always choose that one.” Regardless of the material selected for a particular project, the assets of Zortrax M200 Plus stay the same. Remy confirms that ease of use, desktop size, and, most of all, reliability are its key advantages.
iving the Models their Final Look
Workflow step 3: Post-processing
Once the prints are ready, the influencer moves on to their post-processing. In this step, it is essential to remove the support structures, which might sometimes be challenging, especially in some hard-to-reach corners. Whenever there is such a need, Remy takes his time to scrap the leftovers of supporting material with a special tool. In order to obtain a smooth surface of the helmets, he also uses sandpaper, thoroughly polishing any irregularities. The helmets prepared in such a way are ready for the last stage, which is painting. After the final touches of the paintbrush, the fully functional and eye-pleasing objects are obtained.
The helmets for Cathode, though do not constitute the protection in case of a fall, perfectly shield her eyes from the wind while doing various sports with Remy, be it cycling, motorcycling, or any other activity Remy wants Cathode to accompany him in. “The 3D printed items have worked every time, whatever the shape of the helmet is. It’s a real success!”, Remy Vicarini assures. Although mon_copain_ray is best known for his projects for Cathode, he creates more than garments for his gorgeous cat with the use of Zortrax M200 Plus. „I make all the parts needed to make my life easier or to replace any broken parts for the items of everyday use with this printer. For example, to hold my shower palm, to make a phone holder for my motorbike and recently for a glasses project for the people who can only communicate by blinking their eyes! Zortrax makes all my ideas come true.”
Creative projects like this and almost anything else you can dream of can actually become a possibility with the power of 3d printing.
If you want to get your paws on this power or if you have any other queries or are considering purchasing this machine please do feel free to ask us directly for a bespoke quote (info@dream3d.co.uk / 07789266163)
Dream 3D can supply you with the full Zortrax desktop range of 3D Printers, materials and accessories.
Please find the Zortrax printer page here: Zortrax 3D Printers | Dream 3D
Please find the Zortrax filaments page here: Zortrax Filaments | Dream 3D
This project was created with the Zortrax M200 Plus. Please see our product page here for this machine where you can view full specs, features, pictures and videos:
If you have any other queries or are considering purchasing this machine please do feel free to ask us directly (info@dream3d.co.uk / 07789266163)
Thanks for reading 🙂