www.3ders.org

Apr 9, 2016 | By Kira

When it comes to new parents, crossing those first few frontiers can be an extremely exciting time: baby’s first book, baby’s first shoes…but baby’s first sword? No, we’re not condoning anything irresponsible here—we’re talking about this epic, 3D printed baby rattle sword created by 3D print enthusiast and loving father, Matthew Harrell.

Harrell, a.k.a Targ of Targ’s Workshop, recently created this miniature 3D printed broadsword for his 8-month-old ‘wee little warrior’ after being inspired by DutchMogul’s Baby’s First Mace. Even babies, it seems, need to be prepared for the harsh realities of life, and what better way than to outfit them with the latest armor from the forge? (that is, your FDM 3D printer, of course).

Harrell’s 3D printed rattle consists of four main components: the handle, blade, pommel and jewel. All were 3D printed with no supports on a Lulzbot Taz 5 desktop 3D printer.

To keep this baby toy non-toxic and kid-safe, he 3D printed the majority out of bioplastic PLA filament, and chose TGlass 3D printing filament for the jewel. Not only is TGlass non-toxic and FDA approved for use in food containers, but its translucent finish also gives the sword a high-end, ‘jewel-esque’ look.

The secret to getting kids to actually play with their 3D printed sword is the rattle sound effect, achieved thanks to 3D printed plastic peas. To get the peas inside the entirely sealed-off blade, Harrell simply inserted them directly into the hollow structure while it was being 3D printed. Once the 3D print is complete, the blade is completely sealed shut, ensuring the peas are safely ‘entombed’ for eternity.

In terms of assembly, all that’s needed is some minimal cleaning of the parts, and superglue or epoxy to secure all the pieces together.

Despite the precaution taken to make the 3D printed sword as kid-safe as possible, including using non-toxic materials, superglue to bind the parts, and designing it with rounded edges, Harrell does caution parents that adult supervision is required. Should any parts happen to brake off, they could present sharp edges or choking hazards. That being said, he has already 3D printed and assembled 10 baby rattle swords with no issues so far.

It’s a simple yet clever 3D print that will be sure to entertain family and friends as much as the children themselves. After all, what could be cuter than a baby-cosplayer, fiercely wielding their rattle sword in the face of all evil—broccoli, diaper changes, and bedtime included?

You can find the free 3D printable files for the baby sword rattle on Thingiverse, or enter for a chance to win your own. Watch Harrell’s 3D printing process and get the full Targ's Workshop contest details in the video below:

 

 

Posted in 3D Printing Application

 

 

Maybe you also like:

• T-Bone Cape motion control board launches on Indiegogo
• New extruder could lower costs of 3D printing cellular structures for drug testing
• New Ninja Printer Plate for consumer 3D printing
• mUVe3D releases improved Marlin firmware for all 3D printers
• Zecotek plans HD 3D display for 3D printers
• Add a smart LCD controller to your Robo3D printer
• Maker Kase: a handy cabinet for 3D printers
• Heated bed for ABS printing with the Printrbot Simple XL
• Next gen all metal 3D printer extruder from Micron
• Pico all-metal hotend 100% funded in 48 hours, B3 announces Stretch Goal
• Create it REAL announces first 3D printing Real Time Processor
• A larger and more powerful 3D printer extruder on Kickstarter

   

Leave a comment:

Your Name: