3D Printed Flip Art

This is 3D printed flip art! It's super cool for desk art, presents, and personal projects on 3D printers. Due to PLA's more easily removable support, the prints have succeeded best for me with it (using an Ender 3 V2 setup). This process was developed on a CAD software site but can be accomplished using any basic modeling program.

Supplies

A 3D printer and filament are necessary to produce the objects. Ender 3 V2 with Overture PLA were used for these models.

Creating the First Design Face

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In order to begin, the initial image must first be created for the first design face (this tutorial is based on the Car and UNC designs shown in the video in the preview and steps can be followed for either). This can be accomplished by importing an image onto a plane or 'free handing' and sketching the surface face. Completely enclosed areas (see the windows) inside the larger sketch will appear as holes once the surface is extruded.

Form the Flip Image on a Perpendicular Plane

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Following the same process of sketching in step one, form the flip image on a perpendicular plane ensuring that the length of each on the rotational axis is the same in order to capture all of the intended details.

Extrude the First Surface

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In order to begin creating the three-dimensional object, the first surface must be extruded (either surface is acceptable to extrude first). This can be done by selecting all areas which need to be included in the final object and extruding them, ensuring to unselect enclosed sketches which represent holes (windows).

Remove Material Using Second Sketch

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Using the second sketch, first sketch a larger box around the detailed, enclosed sketch. Then, selecting all of the whitespace both outside and inside the sketch, remove the material all the way through the existing part. This, in effect, ensures that from either perspective only the respective planar sketch is seen.

Print Using Proper Supports

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Next, to print the object import it into a slicer program (I used Cura for my Ender 3 V2 and my support settings are shown). It is best to print the less detailed side perpendicular to the print bed as it will require less support for small holes and will be easier to process post cleaning. This should work for any sized print, and the larger prints will have more easily removable supports yet still come out with the same 'flippability' and even greater detail.