Zodiac Sign Pendent From Recycled Material

Aim is to make DIY Zodiac pendent using recycled material and 3d printing technology.

This project gives you a knowledge about recycle cardboard material,3d printing, mold design and post process like painting .

So, let's go and make this.

Supplies

Materials Needed:

1. Cardboard boxes
2. Fevicol adhesive or similar glue
3. Water
4. Mixture grinder & bowl
5. 3D printer
6. 3D modeling software
7. Zodiac sign images (for 3D mold)
8. Sandpaper
9. Acrylic paints
10. Paintbrushes
11. Clear varnish (optional)

Step 1: Collect and Prepare Cardboard:

• Gather cardboard boxes and cut them into small pieces.
• Shred the cardboard into fine strips using a paper shredder or scissors.
• Place the shredded cardboard in a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Mix Cardboard With Adhesive to Make Paste for Mould

• Add Fevicol adhesive to the shredded cardboard in the mixing bowl.
• use mixture grinder to mix them well and make paste like mixture
• Mix the cardboard and adhesive thoroughly until you achieve a consistent, moldable mixture.
• Add water gradually to the mixture to reach a dough-like consistency.

Step 3: Press and Remove Excess Water:

Press the cardboard mixture firmly to remove excess water.

Also use Tissue paper to soak extra water from mixture.

Step 4: 3D Printed Mold Design

Our 3D Print mold have 3 Parts

1. Top part with various zodiac sign positive impression.
2. Cavity for holding cardboard paste inside for molding.
3. bottom part to support and provide surface to hold paste.

I use Autodesk Fusion360 for 3d design.

Beginner user also use TINKERCAD for 3d design a mold .

• Incorporate the zodiac sign images into the mold design, creating 12 different impressions for each zodiac sign.
• for that i make a .DXF file. Import in fusion360.
• Use extrude tool to Extrude impression 3mm deep. make base-top of impression 2mm in thickness.
• i Make 6mm deep cavity for mold, which help to ensure all mold material always keep inside .
• For bottom part ,i use 2mm thickness .
• Now our cavity and Bottom part is ready.
• you can create (or use my design attached ) for #d print Zodiac sign top part to make different Zodiac impression.
• I attach 12 different Zodiac sign impression .STL files with cavity and bottom part.
• I use 60mm outer diameter for mold and 2mm wall thickness and 6mm depth .

Step 5: Design With TINKERCAD(for Beginners)

Step for design in Tinkercad.

• Make single image of Zodiac signs usiing screenshot from internet image.(attached above)
• convert them into SVG file.
• Import SVG file in Tinkercad.
• Change height as per needed.
• use flat round plan to make base of Zodiac sign impression.
• place each impression on different planes.
• make cavity part with cylinder and set height and radius of cylinder.
• use 60 mm radius , 2mm wall thickness and 6mm height.
• make a circular base of 60 mm .
• Export each file as separately as per needed to 3D print.

Step 6: 3D Print the Mold:

I use CR-M4 3D printer to print this mold

You can use smaller 3d printer like ender-3 for print this mold.

I use CURA slicer for slide and make G-code for 3d printer.

Use the below parameter for good 3D printing.

• Layer height: 0.2 mm
• Wall: 2
• Top / Bottom : 3
• Infill: 25 %
• Material: PLA White
• Speed: 40 mm / s
• Support: no
• Build Plate Adhesion: Brim

Step 7: Replace Top Part With Zodiac Sign Impression

Place the 3D printed mold on a flat surface.

Fill the to-center cavity of the mold with the cardboard mixture, ensuring even distribution.

Press the zodiac sign image into the cardboard mixture, creating a detailed impression.

use some weight to pressing that top part for while.

Allow the cardboard to dry and harden within the mold for approx 24 hrs.(use weight on top )

Step 8: Remove Pendant From Mold:

Gently separate the 3D printed mold from the dried cardboard pendant.

Use sandpaper to smooth the edges and surface of the pendant.

Step 9: Paint and Finish

Paint the pendant using acrylic paints to enhance the zodiac sign details.

Allow the paint to dry completely.

Optionally, apply a clear varnish for a glossy finish.

Step 10: Repeat for Each Zodiac Sign

Repeat steps 4-8 for each of the 12 zodiac signs, using the corresponding 3D printed mold.

Step 11: Assemble and Use

your Zodiac pendant is created, assemble them with jump rings or small chains.

Display your unique DIY Zodiac Sign Pendant in a way that showcases the craftsmanship and creativity.