Introduction: DT Desk Tidy Using a 3D Printer

  • I have setup a 6 steps method on how to make a desk tidy using a 3D printer and a sheet of polypropylene
  • To build this you will need:
    • A chisel (depending on the quality of the 3D printer)
    • A hand drill
    • A 3D printer
    • A computer (with autodesk inventor on it)
    • A Stanley knife
    • A USB
    • Polypropylene (about A3)
    • 3 rubber dials with a diameter of 4 mm(optional)

Step 1: Designing the Frame

  • To make things easier I have uploaded a video on how to use Autocad for encase you are unfamiliar with it
    • I personally prefer to use Autodesk 2016
    • To download it go to 'https://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/inventor-professional'
  • Ensure that the file you are making is in millimeters and not in inches
  • Firstly you would make the circle which is 75 mm and then make the legs which you can decide on how long and thick you want them but try not go any smaller than 10 mm
  • I made so that it is 80 millimeters tall

Attachments

Step 2: Printing

  • Export the files onto the maker bot app and adjust the sizes so that they are all correct on this app as well
  • After this you would need to put the files on the USB
  • Then plug it into the 3D printer and start printing

Attachments

Step 3: Frame Final Touches

  • This would take about 4 hours to print if you made it to the recommended size
  • From here you would use the chisel to smooth off any excess residue

Step 4: Making the Polypropylene

  • You now need to use the Stanley knife to cut the polypropylene sheet into a circular shape
  • Using the picture above you should see the size which is a radius of about 75 mm
  • If you have access to a laser cutter you can use it but be sure to set it to the right thickness and material
  • Then cut a radius line with the Stanley knife (a line from the center of the circle to the edge)
  • No need to cut out a chunk out as you can just use the cut that you just made
  • Bring the cut sides of the circle together and turn the paper till it is the size of the circle on the frame you made earlier

Step 5: Final Touches Polypropylene

  • Just to ensure that the cone doesn't fall apart I used small rubber dials which have a radius of 2 mm (diameter of 4 mm)
  • To plug these dials in you can use a small hand drill to drill a 6 holes to insert these into
  • The 3 dials should each go through 2 holes to hold the cone together

Step 6: Assembly

  • Finally to assemble just slot the polypropylene in the middle (from the bottom) of the 4 legs so that the cone sits sturdy
  • From here just enjoy the desk tidy!!