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Designing a 3D Printed Pencil Topper: A Step-by-Step Guide

In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of designing a 3D printed pencil topper. By following these simple steps, you can create a personalized and functional accessory for your pencils. Let's get started!

Materials Needed:

  • Computer with 3D modeling software
  • Access to a 3D printer
  • Filament material of your choice

Designing the Pencil Topper:

  1. Setting up the Dimensions:

    • Begin by setting your design dimensions to 12mm x 20mm.
    • Adjust the dimensions according to your pencil size, keeping in mind the optimal diameter for a snug fit.

  2. Creating Construction Lines:

    • Draw construction lines at 30.9mm, 5.9mm, 5mm, 10mm, and 17mm to outline the structure of the pencil topper.

  3. Drawing the Shape:

    • Utilize the arc tool to add curves to the design, ensuring stability during the printing process.
    • Connect the arcs to form a cohesive shape for the topper.

  4. Adding Details:

    • Use the circle tool to create a hole for the pencil to fit in securely.
    • Consider adding personalized elements like 3D text for customization.

  5. Finalizing the Design:

    • Soften the edges of the design to enhance the user experience and safety.
    • Double-check that the design fits within the printing area to avoid any issues during the printing process.

Exporting for 3D Printing:

  1. Saving the File:

    • Save your design file with a recognizable name for easy access and future edits.

  2. Exporting as an STL File:

    • Export the file as an STL format, ensuring the correct dimensions and units are selected.
    • Confirm the export by saving the file with an identifiable name like "Pencil Top STL."

  3. Preparing for Printing:

    • Load the exported file into your 3D printer software.
    • Verify that the design is positioned correctly within the printing area to avoid any printing errors.

Conclusion:

Designing a 3D printed pencil topper is a rewarding and creative process that allows you to personalize your stationery essentials. By following these steps, you can create a unique and functional accessory for your pencils. Let your imagination run wild and experiment with different shapes and designs to make your pencil stand out!

Give this tutorial a try and share your customized pencil toppers with us. Happy designing!

Meet Tripo

Discover the capabilities of Tripo and unlock a world of possibilities:

  • Draft Model Generation: Instantly spark inspiration with our fastest models. Perfect for rapid prototyping and conceptualization, this feature lets you explore various designs or perspectives before diving into detailed modeling. Accepts both text and image input.

  • Refine Draft Models: Elevate the quality of your initial draft models into finely detailed creations. Seamlessly transition from conceptual drafts to high-resolution models, streamlining your creative workflow.

  • Model Animation: Bring your creations to life with automated animation. Transform static models into dynamic animations, enhancing presentations or digital experiences effortlessly.

  • Stylization and Conversion: Customize and convert your models with unparalleled ease. From transforming models into lego-like or voxel-based versions to supporting format conversion (USDZ or FBX), Tripo offers unique stylization options, ensuring compatibility across platforms and applications while injecting a creative twist into your projects.