Introduction

I was inspired to create a 3D-printed sea turtle by the 3D-printed octopi (or octopuses) in the Makerspace. Aaron quickly helped me to design a simple sea turtle with movable limbs, which I went on to paint with acrylics.

Turtle22.png

Tools and Supplies

Ultimaker Cura 3D printing software
Monoprice Select Mini v2 3D printer
3D-printer filament
My notebook as a palette (not recommended)
Acrylic paints
Paint brushes
Sharpies

Steps

1. Aaron (our Makerspace Director) designed a simple pattern for the sea-turtle, which he printed for me in black plastic.
TP1
2. I used Aaron's pattern, but used Ultimaker Cura to make it bigger. I printed this one in a bright, neon green.
TurtlePost3.jpeg
3. I realized that the neon green was rather hideous, and decided to paint the turtle with acrylics.

Acrylics work quite well on PLA, the bioplastic used for 3D printing at Carleton's Makerspace. I started with a base coat of a medium blue and then added more detail, being careful to let each layer of paint dry fully. I used a navy Sharpie to add detailed definition to the shell pattern.


Turtle11.png
I hope this helps to inspire you! Please reach out to me, Carolyn Wood (ude.notelrac|2cdoow#ude.notelrac|2cdoow) or our Makerspace Director Aaron Heidgerken-Greene (ude.notelrac|ghja#ude.notelrac|ghja) with any questions!