Introduction: Wallet Via 3D Printing
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About: An engineer with 25 years experience across aerospace, medical ophthalmic, power tool, and industrial product categories. Now a passionate entrepreneur creating unique solutions that excite our daily lives
Print your own Veos wallet and enjoy a great front pocket wallet experience. The 3D printed frame holds cards that slide out the side for use. Then, put a picture of a loved one behind the frosted window to enjoy, or an I.D. that makes for quick I.D. checks at the store. There are even two different sizes available. A λεπτός wαllet that is .22" thin and holds up to 4 to 5 cards. And, a τακτiκός wαllet that is .38" thin that holds up to 7 to 8 cards. The rubber band holds cash and receipts on the back, as well as holding as few as 1 or 2 cards securely in place on both models.
This project is for those Makers that have access to a Printrbot, or other printer capable of utilizing .stl files. No need to struggle through CAD creation. I am posting completed and repaired .stl files. So the beginning of this project is to set your printer and have fun!
For those of you that want more enjoyment with less effort, I will post these 3D printed wallets for sale on Etsy. Look for them in June. Also, there are fully CNC machined aluminum versions with various plated finishes available. Check out http://www.veosllc.com
Let's get started here!
This project is for those Makers that have access to a Printrbot, or other printer capable of utilizing .stl files. No need to struggle through CAD creation. I am posting completed and repaired .stl files. So the beginning of this project is to set your printer and have fun!
For those of you that want more enjoyment with less effort, I will post these 3D printed wallets for sale on Etsy. Look for them in June. Also, there are fully CNC machined aluminum versions with various plated finishes available. Check out http://www.veosllc.com
Let's get started here!
Step 1: Materials Needed
F I R S T T O O L S :
1. Any 3Dprinter capable of utilizing .stl files. Print size required is about 2.5" x 4.5" x .5" thick.
2. Long nose, or wire cutting pliers.
3. Small flat blade screwdriver
4. Scissors
N E X T W α L L E T :
1. 3/8" x 3.5" rubber band. (This is a standard size available at any office store.
2. (Optional, 1/4" x 3.5" rubber band if you prefer.)
3. Fold back paper clip, with about 1 1/4" long body.
4. A report folder with a frosted front cover. The thicker the front, the better. (Note: Report cover not shown.)
1. Any 3Dprinter capable of utilizing .stl files. Print size required is about 2.5" x 4.5" x .5" thick.
2. Long nose, or wire cutting pliers.
3. Small flat blade screwdriver
4. Scissors
N E X T W α L L E T :
1. 3/8" x 3.5" rubber band. (This is a standard size available at any office store.
2. (Optional, 1/4" x 3.5" rubber band if you prefer.)
3. Fold back paper clip, with about 1 1/4" long body.
4. A report folder with a frosted front cover. The thicker the front, the better. (Note: Report cover not shown.)
Step 2: .stl File Preparation
I created these models in Solidworks, then exported them as .stl files. The next step was to utilize Netfab to import, repair and re-export the .stl files. At this point it is time to load the files into Slic3R. I used PLA to create my wαllets. I used 2 solid layers before and after infill layers. I also used 2 perimeters, and 25% infill. The final product is both flexible and very robust. Since different printers and materials require unique settings, I won't bother anyone with the rest of the detailed printer settings I used.
Choose which wαllet you prefer. Check out the front page for descriptions of the models and differences. Then download the selected file. Load the downloaded file into Slic3R and select the printing options you prefer. Once the file is processed and exported from Slic3R as a .gcode file you are ready to go. Load this into your printer and print!
SIDE NOTE: the file is prepared so the front face is down on the printer. You can view the Netfab screen shot and see the orientation of the axis icon relative to the part. Two reasons for this. One, I print and smush the bottom layer just a little, it yields a glass like smooth front face. Two, this part orientation eliminates major overhangs.
Choose which wαllet you prefer. Check out the front page for descriptions of the models and differences. Then download the selected file. Load the downloaded file into Slic3R and select the printing options you prefer. Once the file is processed and exported from Slic3R as a .gcode file you are ready to go. Load this into your printer and print!
SIDE NOTE: the file is prepared so the front face is down on the printer. You can view the Netfab screen shot and see the orientation of the axis icon relative to the part. Two reasons for this. One, I print and smush the bottom layer just a little, it yields a glass like smooth front face. Two, this part orientation eliminates major overhangs.
Step 3: Fabricate Other Parts
Time to cut the report folder up. Cut a section from the front clear report cover. The best report cover to use will have a thick front, one side smooth and one side frosted. The one side smooth provides a nice clear view of what is behind it in the wαllet.
Lay the cut section over a credit card. Use the credit card as a template and cut around the credit card. And you are done here.
(NOTE: you can also use a milk carton if needed. It just seemed a little gross to me, and the milk carton is not quite as clear once a picture is laid next to it.)
Next, pick up the fold back paper clip and remove one of the steel legs. There are two sections on this steel leg that are about 3/4" long. Use the wire cutting pliers to cut these two 3/4" long straight sections out of the leg. You now have two chromed steel dowel pins.
You are ready to assemble your new Veos wαllet.
Lay the cut section over a credit card. Use the credit card as a template and cut around the credit card. And you are done here.
(NOTE: you can also use a milk carton if needed. It just seemed a little gross to me, and the milk carton is not quite as clear once a picture is laid next to it.)
Next, pick up the fold back paper clip and remove one of the steel legs. There are two sections on this steel leg that are about 3/4" long. Use the wire cutting pliers to cut these two 3/4" long straight sections out of the leg. You now have two chromed steel dowel pins.
You are ready to assemble your new Veos wαllet.
Step 4: Veos Wαllet Assembly
Okay, gather up the printed wαllet, rubber band, dowel pins, and frosted window.
Push the rubber band through one slot from front to back. Pull the rubber band through about 95% so a small loop is left on the front side of the wallet. Slide the first pin through the rubber band loop. Next, pull the rubber band taut from the back. This seats the first pin.
Now, pull the band taut again, use the screwdriver to push a small loop of the rubber band through the second slot. Push the second pin through this rubber band loop. Lastly pull the main loop of the rubber band loop taut to seat the second pin.
Push the rubber band through one slot from front to back. Pull the rubber band through about 95% so a small loop is left on the front side of the wallet. Slide the first pin through the rubber band loop. Next, pull the rubber band taut from the back. This seats the first pin.
Now, pull the band taut again, use the screwdriver to push a small loop of the rubber band through the second slot. Push the second pin through this rubber band loop. Lastly pull the main loop of the rubber band loop taut to seat the second pin.
Step 5: Enjoy Your Veos Wαllet
Slide a picture, or I.D. into place then slide you cards into place.
LAST NOTE: Play around a little, the top card can be slid out about 1/2 way and then run through a retail card reader without actually removing it. Then just push it back in, quick and easy!
Enjoy your new Veos wallet !!!
LAST NOTE: Play around a little, the top card can be slid out about 1/2 way and then run through a retail card reader without actually removing it. Then just push it back in, quick and easy!
Enjoy your new Veos wallet !!!