Murphy the Library Cat (with Secret Book Box) Assembly Instructions

Murphy the Library Cat is a derivative of my original 3D printed cat model "Shrodinky: British Shorthair in a box":

Unlike the Schrodinky models, Murphy is not a money box. Instead, he sits on a book which happens to be a secret box: it's lid held in place by magnets. He also wears a pair of spectacles (printed in Flex filament) and wears a shirt collar and tie. Originally, Murphy was not published and was used by me as a gift for friends and family only. However, when I took him to MRRF(Midwest Rerap Festival ), he proved very popular with many requests to make him available to the public, so I decided to do just that. Incidentally, that is where his name comes from: MRRF = Murphy.

Murphy has a choice of a plain shirt collar and standard British style school tie or a fancy collar with a bow tie. Due to the way these are designed, the collars and ties are not interchangeable.

Murphy is available in both single and multi material versions. this way, nobody has to miss out

Fully assembled, he is 250mm tall

The largest model in the Murphy assembly is the cat body, the dimensions are:

length: 109mm, width: 138mm, height: 160mm

If your printer can accommodate this then you are good to go!

You can find Murphy here:

https://www.myminifactory.com/users/loubie3d

https://cults3d.com/en/users/loubie/creations

Step 1: IMPORTANT MODEL INFORMATION - PLEASE READ!!

Murphy is a 3D printed multi part assembly and is available in multi and single extrusion versions (although to be fair, the only parts of him that use multi material extrusion are his head and the pages of the book).

He will be available for purchase on MyMiniFactory and Cults3D in the following packages:

Murphy the Library Cat: The complete package

This includes the following:

All the common files used by both versions of the model:

Cat body with tie
Cat body no tie
Book base and spine
Book cover
Bow tie
Bow tie shirt collar
Standard tie
Standard shirt collar
Spectacles
Collar peg
Eye base

The files for single material extrusion version

Cat head single extrusion
Book pages, foil and binding
Eye pupil single extrusion

The files for multi material extrusion

Book pages
Book Binding
Book foil
Eye pupil
Cat head
Cat head inner ears
Cat nose

If you get this package then you will not need to purchase any others. It includes ALL the Murphy files.

Murphy the Library Cat: Single Material Extrusion Only

This includes the following:

All the common files used by both versions of the model:

Cat body with tie
Cat body no tie
Book base and spine
Book cover
Bow tie
Bow tie shirt collar
Standard tie
Standard shirt collar
Spectacles
Collar peg
Eye base

The files for single material extrusion:

Cat head single extrusion
Book pages, foil and binding
Eye pupil single extrusion

Get this package if you have a printer only capable of single material extrusion. It does NOT include any files for multi material extrusion.You will need to purchase these separately.

Murphy the Library Cat: Multi Extrusion "Top Up"

The files for multi material extrusion only

Book pages
Book Binding
Book foil
Eye pupil
Cat head
Cat head inner ears
Cat nose

Get this package if you have bought the single material extrusion package and then decide you want to print the multi material extrusion model parts too.

Please note, you will NOT be able to print a complete Murphy model with this package. You will need to purchase the single extrusion package in addition to get the common files.

MODEL MATERIAL INFORMATION

Murphy can be printed in a variety of materials providing they can be glued together. However, I would strongly recommend that his spectacles are printed a flexible material(there are a variety of these available now). The spectacles are a delicate model and the flexible material makes them durable. They are not glued in and pinch into the fittings on his nose. As a result, they can be removed easily for packing (if you want to send a print to someone) and easily replaced if they are lost. Glued in standard PLA and other materials are more prone to breaking and damage in this instance.

Very little flexible material is used so a sample packet (available from most sellers) should suffice

ADDITIONAL ITEMS

To make Murphy you need a couple of items to complete the model:

4 x magnets(18mm diameter 2mm thickness) you may use smaller but not larger
Quick and clear drying glue capable of bonding the material you are printing in.
(This document assumes you have read and are following the manufacturer's instructions)
Elastic bands (very useful for holding things in place whilst glue is drying)

OPTIONAL ITEMS
Should you wish to add whiskers to Murphy you will need to the following

Fishing line for his whiskers (12lb fishing line if printing to scale)
Scissors

Step 2: Printing Instructions

I am going to include some rough guidelines for printing but it is assumed you know your printer better than I do (particularly when it comes to multi extrusion), so advice will be fairly simple. It is also assumed that you will have your filaments correctly dialed in.

The setting recommendations are just that and you are not obliged to follow them. The table also explains what files are needed for each object

My Murphy cat models were printed on a BCN3D Sigma R19 (using Simplify3D and/or the BCN3D variant of Cura as slicers)

I highly recommend that you have at least 2 shells/perimeters on all components to get the best effect(unless specified otherwise). All files are already orientated for printing.

I'm listing the materials I used in the pictures in case anyone is interested and wants to know where to get them.

Common model parts

Component and File/s needed	Supports	Recommended Infill	Recommended layer height	Notes
Cat Body no tie (murphy_cat_body_no_tie.stl)	No	10-15%	.2 or smaller	This body file is to be used in conjunction with the bow tie and the bow tie collar Printed in some random cold white I had in my filament store
Bow Tie (muprhy_cat_bowtie.stl)	Yes	15/20%	.2	You can print this without supports but I like to use a very silky filament and having supports in place improves the quality of the print Printed in Polyalchemy Elixir PLA Orange
Shirt Collar for bow tie (murphy_cat_bowtie_shirt_collar.stl)	No	10-15%	.2	I would recommend 3 shells/perimeters as we need a good surface finish. Printed in Polyalchemy Elixir PLA Silver
Cat Body with tie (murphy_cat_body_with_tie.stl)	No	10-15%	.2	This body file is to be used in conjunction with the standard tie and the standard tie collar The body has a recess to allow for the tie to look flush with the body as a real tie would Printed in Polyalchemy Elixir PLA Merlot
Neck Peg (murphy_cat_neck_peg.stl)	No	15-20%	.2 or smaller	You will need 3 of these. as they are very small, printing with a brim will help Any PLA will do, this isn't going to be seen
Shirt collar for standard tie (murphy_cat_standard_shirt_collar.stl)	No	10-15%	.2 or smaller	I would recommend 3 shells/perimeters as we need a good surface finish. Printed in some random cold white I had in my filament store
Standard Tie (murphy_cat_standard_tie.stl)	No	10-15%	.2 or smaller	I would recommend 3 shells/perimeters as we need a good surface finish. Printed in Polyalchemy Elixir PLA Abyss
Spectacles (murphy_cat_spectacles.stl)	No	100%	.2	I highly recommend you print these in flexible material. In my opinion Fillamentum make the best. I use their "harder" flex: 98a Metallic Grey 98a Traffic Black
Eye base (murphy_cat_eye_base.stl)	No	10-15%	.2 or smaller	You will need 2 of these and I would print with 3 perimeters. If you are using the multi extrusion Murphy then print in conjunction with the appropriate pupil. For single just print on its own and we'll fit the pupil later on. Printed in Polyalchemy Elixir PLA Emerald City Polyalchemy Elixir PLA Summer Daze
Book cover (murphy_cat_book_cover.stl)	No	15-20%	.2 or smaller	I would recommend 3 shells/perimeters and at least 6 top layers as we need a good surface finish. Printed in: Polyalchemy Elixir PLA Abyss Polyalchemy Elixir PLA Night Sky
Book base and spine (murphy_cat_book_base_and_spine.stl)	No	15-20%	.2 or smaller	I would recommend 3 shells/perimeters and at least 6 top layers as we need a good surface finish. Printed in: Polyalchemy Elixir PLA Abyss Polyalchemy Elixir PLA Night Sky.

Multi Material Model Parts

Component and File/s needed	Supports	Recommended Infill	Recommended layer height	Notes
Book Base and Spine (murphy_cat_book_binding_multi_extrusion.stl murphy_cat_book_foil_multi_extrusion.stl murphy_cat_book_pages_mullti_extrusion.stl)	No	10-15%	.2 or smaller	If you only have the option of 2 colours, then I recommend a white or cream for the pages paired with a silver or gold for the binding/foil. If more are available then I advise a strong colour which complements your choice for the cover for the binding. I would recommend 3 shells/perimeters and at least 6 top layers as we need a good surface finish.
Cat Head (murphy_cat_head_multi_extrusion.stl murphy_cat_nose_multi_extrusion.stl murphy_cat_inner_ears_multi_extrusion.stl)	Yes	15-20%	.2 or smaller	I used a random cold white PLA for his face and Polyalchemy Elixir PLA Bubblegum pink for his nose and inner ears
Eye (murphy_eye_base_multi_extrusion.stl murphy_eye_pupil_multi_extrusion.stl)	No	10-15%	.2 or smaller	Everything prints in place. Choose a color that contrasts brightly with his fur. Black in advised for the pupil.

Single Material Model Parts

Component and File/s needed	Supports	Recommended Infill	Recommended layer height	Notes
Book pages, foil and spine (murphy_cat_book_pages_ foil_binding_single_extrusion.stl)	No	10-15%	.2 or smaller	I would use a white or cream for this. I would recommend 3 shells/perimeters and at least 6 top layers as we need a good surface finish.
Eye pupil (murphy_cat_eye_pupil_single_extrusion.stl	No	10-15%	.2 or smaller	This will just snap into the eye base included in the common files. Generally, I'd print it in black or a colour that contrast well with the eye base but it's up to you.
Cat Head (murphy_cat_head_single_extrusion.stl	No	10-15%	.2 or smaller	This was printed using Polyalchemy Merlot

Step 3: Model Assembly: Fitting the Eyes

This is pretty much lifted from my other cat document but I thought it more convenient if I just fold it in here..

You will need printed:

2 x eye models
1 x cat head model
Glue

(If you are using the single extrusion eye models, you will need to snap the pupil into the eye. It should fit snugly, but if not, use a little glue).

Put a little glue in the eye sockets and then fit the eyes into the head.
Each eye has a pentagon backing which fits into a corresponding socket in the head. To further ensure correct orientation, there is a dot at the top which indicates direction.

Step 4: Model Assembly: Whiskers

This is pretty much lifted from my other cat document but I thought it more convenient if I just fold it in here..the cat featured here is taken from my other cat models - sorry I was too lazy to repeat taking the pictures...

A cat is not a cat without a fine set of whiskers. Many people had wanted to add whiskers to my original Schrodinky models so for this version, I looked to find a solution using materials that were inexpensive, easy to find and effective. After a bit of thinking and testing, I decided upon 12lb fishing line which scales in perfectly. Get the cheapest you can find it will work just as well as more expensive brands. Unfortunately, though I am very happy with the final results, I would be lying if I said this isn't a tedious job but I think it's worth the effort. If you print the cat larger or smaller you may need to use a different diameter of line.

You will need:

1 x 3D printed cat head with fitted eyes
12lb clear fishing line
Quick and clear drying glue which can bond the materials you are using
Small scissors capable of cutting fishing line (I used nail scissors)
A sewing needle (in case some of the whisker holes are not completely open)

Cut a piece of fishing longer than the desired whisker length.
Feed the line through a whisker hole in the front of model's face and tie a knot at the end inside
Snip any excess line after the knot and then pull the line through from the front of the cat's head until it is stopped by the knot.
Repeat until you have completed all the whiskers on one side.
Pull all the whiskers taunt from the front of the model's face with one hand and apply glue to the knots in the inside. Leave to dry.
Repeat with other side
Once the whiskers are secure and dry, you can trim them.

If you are not sure how to do this, then look at pictures of cats (the internet has plenty). Cat whiskers are never uniform in length and are often shorter nearer the mouth and the top of the whisker pads.

I recommend using a small pair of scissors because it will be much easier to trim individual whiskers.

Step 5: Model Assembly: the Cat

You will need:

1 x printed cat head fitted eyes and (if desired) whiskers
1 x cat body which matches the tie of your choice
3 x neck pegs
1 x shirt collar which matches the tie and body type
1 x tie matching the collar and body type
Clear drying glue which bonds the materials used
Elastic bands

Take the printed collar and fit the pegs into the holes as shown. These will act as registers to ensure your cat head fits in place.
Glue the collar to the body (there are pegs already in the cat body neck for you to use that match holes in the base of the collar. Use elastic bands to hold everything in place to dry. I have provided pictures of both body and collar types:

Wait until it has dried
Use the registers in the neck to position and glue your cat head. This can be varied somewhat as shown. Use bands to hold the head in place whilst it dries:
Once the head has been sitting in place for a while, the tie can be added on and secured with bands in addition:
Once the glue has had time to dry well. Remove the bands.

Step 6: Model Assembly: Book and Cat

You will need:

Book pages
Book base and spine
Book cover
4 x magnets
Glue
Elastic bands

Arrange the magnets in matched pairs. Glue one of each pair of magnets into the holes in the pages of the book
Glue the pages into the Book base and secure with bands and wait for it to dry.
Glue the remaining magnets into the matching sockets on the book cover and secure with bands until they are firmly dried in place
Take the cat model and glue it to the cover using the holes in the cat's feet and the registers on the book cover. Use bands to hold the model together whilst it dries:
Fix the glasses on his nose (do not glue - they will pinch into place) and put it all together. You've finished!!!

Step 7: An Extra Idea....

My mum likes me to make her gifts and so last year I decided to make her the Library Cat. Of course, since it was my mum, I had to make it a bit different so I printed the single extrusion version in wood filament, sanded, primed and then painted it. The spectacles I made from wire.

If people are interested, then let me know and if enough are interested, then I'll write an Instructable: