3D Printed Maze

This 3D-printed ball maze was designed as an educational tool, featuring the Sun and all eight planets arranged in order of their distance from the Sun. The maze not only provides an interactive experience but also reinforces learning about the solar system in a fun and engaging way.

I created the main structure in Autodesk Fusion 360, while the planets were modeled separately in Tinkercad. It incorporates debossed letters for labeling and was carefully designed to minimize the need for supports, ensuring a smoother and more efficient print. I also experimented with parametric design, allowing me to fine-tune elements like wall thickness for better durability and functionality.

This project gave me a deeper understanding of 3D printing materials, specifically PLA, and their post-processing limitations. For example, I discovered that using nail polish to paint the planets was not an option, as the acetone in the polish could damage the PLA surface. To ensure an optimized and efficient print, I sliced the model in PrusaSlicer, adjusting settings to reduce print time without compromising detail or quality.

Adobe Illustrator was also used in the initial stages to create the maze svg and then extruded in Fusion.