3D Printed Prototype(s)

Over the past two weeks we've 3D printed a number of iterations of our Yo Yo to test out a number of different features. These features included:

1. The press-fit for the finger-stop on our Yo-Yo (refer to this post for more information)
2. The retaining ring to hold down the thermo-formed part
3. The sizing for the bearing and bearing post
4. The torsion spring to Yo-Yo connections

Below are a number of our 3D printed parts:

Figure 1: Version 1 - FDM 3D Manufacturing

Figure 2: Version 2 - FDM 3D Manufacturing

Figure 3: Version 3: SLA 3D Manufacturing

Through out prototyping process we moved from using FDM printing to test the rough fit of the first iterations of our parts to the higher accuracy SLA printing for our most recent iterations. As part of the prototyping we also took images comparing the FDM and SLA finish on our Dial.

Figure 3: FDM Resolution (layer height & thickness)

Figure 4: SLA Resolution (layer height & thickness)

And a video of our most recent SLA printed version of the Yo-Yo. This version includes the bearing and spring setup we'll have in the final design, but does not have out thermoformed part or the finger-stop.

We were able to test each of these to the point where we feel comfortable moving forward with our design. During this process we changed a number of things including the size and form of the finger-stop press fit, the thickness of the retaining ring, the geometry of the bearing post, and the attachment points for our torsion spring. 3D printing was invaluable in our design process because it allowed us to quickly test our ideas without putting tons of effort and time into testing out our ideas.