The Prusa i3 MK3S 3D printer is recognized globally by makers as a high-value machine, offering affordable pricing and excellent quality. This time, we'll be testing a new sample – a retractable sword. Who says single-head 3D printers can only print models? With proper design, minimal error, and good quality, they can also create structural components! Our regular viewers have already seen it at this year's 3D Printing Expo . If you haven't, here's a look at the results:
Transforming from hilt to sword in just one second! If you used a telescope as a child, you might understand the concept of a telescopic sleeve; we've put a 3D printed model of this sword into Prusa Slicer, and you'll see its key secret is hidden in the hilt. (Further reading: Free resources galore! 5 major 3D model libraries are here! )
As you can see, the ring-like structure being 3D printed on the Prusa i3 MK3S is the main body of the telescopic sleeve. Through the gradual change in diameter from large to small, they are interlocked with each other, allowing each structure to move freely without loosening due to the force of being thrown.
We printed many colors and styles, and also tested several 1.75mm PLA cables. The light blue Duke Sword cable used BotFeeder Sky Blue , but it tragically died in a fierce battle during a "duel" with our Tridima colleague. We offer a brief moment of silence for its short life. Here's a beautiful photo of it to remind everyone that if you intend to use it for high-intensity hammering tests, you might need cables other than PLA or post-processing to avoid further tragedy.
Besides blue, we also tried two other 1.75mm materials, BotFeeder Cola Red and BotFeeder Lemon Yellow , and the results were also good. Even the fine patterns on the bottom were printed very well, and the curves of the rapier were printed smoothly even without support.
The gap between each sleeve is less than 0.5mm, and it gets smaller towards the inner layer, which poses a precision challenge for 3D printers . The photos show occasional FDM 3D printing patterns on the surface. While these do not affect functionality or overall appearance, the industrial-grade Ultimaker is still more perfect; however, for a 3D printer priced under 50,000 yuan, the Prusa i3 MK3 's print quality is very satisfactory.
To ensure it could be easily placed in the studio for shooting, we adjusted the length of the swords, with one made as a short sword. Since each layer is directly printed onto the bottom, no support structure is needed, and modifications are very simple, making it a very clever design.
Interested? Order the genuine, original imported Prusa i3 MK3S 3D printer now! No assembly required, print immediately, and no worries about counterfeit parts or installation issues. Buy with confidence and print with peace of mind! Furthermore, for makers or studios with mold-making needs, a value-packed all-inclusive package with a vacuum forming machine is also available!
Click here to download for free , come and try it!