For this project I decided to model and 3d print a house. This project took weeks to complete, as well as many challenges and mistakes. Overall, I greatly enjoyed this project, and learned a lot from it.
By: Adam Gerhant, Student at Scripps Ranch High School

Supplies

3d Modeling Tools

Fusion 360

(Files attached at bottom)

3d Printer

Dremel 3d45 Idea Builder

Paint

Assorted Acrylic Paint

Rust-Oleum textured spray paint

Electronics

Wire

LEDs

Switches

(A soldering iron and solder is also needed)

Hot glue gun

Step 1: 3d Modeling

3d modeling the house was very challenging as it needed to be split up into multiple parts that are possible to 3d print. First, I created the house as one file, to get an idea for how it needs to be split up into different pieces. Once this was finished, I completely remade the house as dozens of different pieces. I then scaled the files to enlarge the house.

house.f3d
Download View in 3D

Step 2: 3d Printing

Once the house was fully modeled, and the individual pieces were exported, I began to 3d print. The most challenging part of this process was that I had to use my schools 3d printers, but since there was a 3d printing project at school, I could only begin 1 week before the project was due. In order to finish printing as quickly as possible, and since there were 30 files that I needed to print, it was necessary to load many files onto one print bed. This worked out well, and I was able to load all the files onto 4 print beds, and finished printing in a few days. However, another challenge was that there was only black and blue filament available, so painting would be necessary.

Step 3: Washing and Painting the Parts

Due to the glue that was needed to keep the parts on the print bed, and imperfections with the prints, the parts needed to be thoroughly washed and sanded. Once this was done, I began painting the parts. This took much longer than I expected because every part has multiple sides and colors to paint, and only one side could be painted at a time.

Step 4: Assembling the House

Once the parts were washed, sanded, and painted, the house could start being assembled. First, I started with creating a base plate out of cardboard. I made holes for the switches and for the wires to go into the house from below. Then, I hot glued the switches, and soldered the wires to the switches. Next, I could begin assembling the house. Using the fusion file as a guide, I started hot gluing the pieces together. At the same time, I also was soldering the wires to the LEDs, and running the wires through the house. Unfortunately, I ran out of spray paint at the end, and after going to multiple hardware stores, I was not able to find another bottle.

Step 5: Conclusion

In conclusion, I am very satisfied with the result of this project. The house turned out just as I expected, and am glad that I could finish on time. I learned how important it is to always leave plenty of time to finish projects, because there will always be some delays.