3D printed curta

3D Printing a Curta Calculator: Recreating A Historic Marvel

By simplify3d

Posted January 26, 2017

In Customer Stories

Marcus Wu has always been a builder looking for a challenge. With just over a year of 3D printing experience, Marcus and his brother Peter became immersed in one of the most difficult 3D printing challenges we have seen: a functional version of the famous Curta mechanical calculator.

Curta Calculator, printed with Simplify3D. Image from thingiverse.com

For those of you unfamiliar with this device, the Curta Calculator is a complex engineering marvel that was the height of pre-electronic calculating. It is a handheld device that uses a crank and a series of gears, weights, and pins to solve complex mathematical equations.

For the Curta to work correctly, numerous interdependent and interlocking parts must work together to solve equations. All the small intricate parts must be perfect. Using Simplify3D, Marcus optimized settings for each component until he found the right combination that allowed the Curta to succeed!

Solving the Challenges of the Curta Calculator

Curta parts printed using Simplify3D. Image from thingiverse.com

Marcus faced several challenges when printing the calculator. He explains, “The Curta wasn’t designed with 3D printing in mind. The parts were designed for an entirely different manufacturing process and not at all optimized for 3D printing.”

First, Marcus needed to identify weak infill areas that would cause the Curta to fail. This was the case with the crucial main shaft, which broke many times during the prototyping process. Marcus notes, “I ended up using Simplify3D’s ability to change print settings at different layer heights to increase infill and strength specifically where I needed it.” Problem solved!

He continued, “There were lots of unsupported features in the parts, so I adjusted support parameters to get the perfect amount of infill and used the dense support features as necessary for a better surface finish. Sometimes I let Simplify3D automatically define its own supports. Sometimes I manually define them. I’m impressed with how well the automatic supports work so I usually start from the automatically generated supports and then add and remove as I need from there.”

Marcus learned to avoid over-extrusion because it created interference between the smooth interlocking pieces. Another issue crucial to the project was using rafts for the shafts, pins, and supports. “Excellent rafts allowed me to print parts in the orientation I needed from an engineering standpoint despite the normal limitations in 3D printing,” he explained.

The Final Product and What’s Next

Video from Marcus Wu

Marcus has shown that 3D printing can take something old and beautiful and breathe new life into it. Simplify3D is proud to have helped Marcus create such an amazing device. “I’m not sure I could have built a working Curta without it.” This isn’t the end of the road, though. You can follow his progress on his blog, or find the print specs and track revisions on Thingiverse.

What are you creating with Simplify3D? Share your story with us at [email protected].

3D Printed Curta Mechanical Calculator Type 1 — TECHNOLOGY x2

Web Master

June 14, 2020

Mechanical Calculator

Web Master

June 14, 2020

Mechanical Calculator

Curta is such a beauty, I wanted to have one for a long time. After seeing a 3D printed Curta, I had a plan to make one as soon as I had an access to the 3D printer. Later I learned how much work that was involved in building one. Several hundred hours of high resolution prints as well as the difficulty of printing mechanical parts that can easily break or wear out depending on the filament types and the direction of the print. Also, the assembly requires incorporation of many hardware parts as well as modifying printed parts.

Well.. now that my Prusa Mini have arrived and some of the priority parts for the other projects have been completed, it is time to take on the Curta Type 1 project. I fully (or maybe not) understand the scale of this project, so I will be taking it slow and avoid getting frustrated. I plan to use the down time in between projects to build it slowly and to ensure it gets a full attention that it deserves. I must say I am very very excited as I will have a full access to the inner workings of a Curta Mechanical Calculator as well as a hands-on experience of building one.

There is a Curta Type 1 that have been getting updates from the original maker/designer which I am using. Once I get this project done, I may venture in to the Curta Type 2 (the designer have made it, but have not yet printed it as of June 2020, so mach debugging effort maybe needed). Also, it will be very cool, if I can design a Type 3 version incorporating modern engineering and perhaps make it a bit closer to the original size like 2:1 size. Here we go!

Curta Type 1 - I used the 5/12/2020 updated version

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1943171

Curta Type II

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4146906

Thingivers Curta Group

https://www. thingiverse.com/groups/curta

Status as of 6/19/2020

Most of the external 3D parts have been printed
Used the Hatchbox PLA, 1.75mm, Black
Next step is to print internal parts using silver color filament

Current Status

Started printing larger parts leveraging printer downtime during the nights.
Using eSun PLA, 1.75mm, Silver (silver is more like gray)
Once I have a set of key parts printed, I will test fit them and order necessary hardware parts.

Tagged: Project Update

ZD curtains - photocurtains with 3d images printing, photo tulle: design, photo

Contents

1 Features and benefits of 3d curtains
2 Types of curtains and fabrics
3 Choosing images for different rooms
4 How to care for 3d curtains

In the world of curtains, more and more new products appear every day, designers come up with a variety of ways to decorate and improve the interior. So the newfangled 3D curtains did not pass by the modern design of the premises. About what features of such curtains need to be taken into account, what fabrics they come from, and what it is in general, you will read in our article. As well as a bright photo selection to get an idea of curtains with a three-dimensional pattern. nine0003

Features and benefits of 3d curtains

Curtains with a 3D pattern is a regular woven fabric with an image printed on it. The picture is applied to the fabric using a thermal machine and after that the fabric does not change its properties, and also flows gently and forms beautiful folds.

Due to their uniqueness, curtains with three-dimensional patterns have a number of features that must be considered when choosing them.

Due to the three-dimensional image on the curtains, the room will visually change in height and width. nine0006
For small rooms it is not recommended to use too bright and large drawings.
Curtains should be in harmony with the interior without overloading it.
In the presence of bright curtains, the design of the room should be uniform in color, without fanciful patterns on the wallpaper and with the least amount of decorations.
Curtains with a projection pattern are suitable for small rooms, for example, the long corridor of the Hermitage, or a cozy spring alley. The drawing goes into the distance and thereby makes the room visually larger. nine0006

The photo shows an excellent example of using bright 3d curtains in a light monochromatic interior.

The main advantage of photocurtains with 3d printing is that they do not fade in the sun due to printing using ultraviolet rays.

This also includes the ease of maintenance of such products, the practicality and durability of their use. In the world of photo printed curtains, there is a huge selection of patterns depicting landscapes, animals, city streets, architectural buildings and even sea waves. You can choose what you like best, and most importantly, you can make curtains according to your own order. nine0003

The use of a duet is popular - curtains and pastel linen with a three-dimensional image.

Types of curtains and fabrics

Species

In addition to the classic cut, curtains with a 3d effect come in various types.

Roll. Very comfortable and practical to use. The drawing on them looks no less impressive than on a simple tulle.

Roman. An alternative to roller blinds. They are convenient to use in the kitchen and in the children's bedroom.

Blinds. Photoblinds with 3D printing can be vertical and horizontal, up to the window sill and to the floor. Their main advantage over fabric curtains is ease of care and minimum space occupied. nine0003

Japanese sliding panels. Actual for modern interiors, thick sliding curtains with three-dimensional photo printing will turn your interior into trendy and ultra-technological.

When choosing the type of curtains with a 3D effect, consider the features of your room and the size and number of windows.

3D blinds are very convenient and practical to use in a children's room.

It is convenient to apply a pattern on Japanese sliding curtains, and unlike fabric canvases on non-rigid panels, the image is not distorted and retains its shape. nine0003

Fabrics for 3D curtains

Depending on the purpose of the window decor, the fabric for it will be different.

Voile, organza and chiffon are traditionally used for daytime tulle. Such fabrics will make an excellent 3d printed photo tulle, where the image looks easy and relaxed on them, and soft folds on the fabric add effect to the image.

The airy pleats on the tulle make the pattern more voluminous and natural.

Satin material is dense and heavy in structure, which is why it is suitable for curtains that shade the room. For a bedroom or living room, such 3D printed curtains are definitely suitable. nine0003

Curtains 3d made of satin material shimmer beautifully in the light and lie down in beautiful folds

Gabardine is as dense as satin, only unlike it, gabardine passes air and does not electrify. Printed gabardine curtains will serve as a modern home theater decor.

Gabardine is the most popular printed curtain fabric as it seals well and lasts for a long time.

Multi-layered blackout fabric blocks sunlight from entering the room and completely darkens it. nine0003

Dark curtains in the bedroom will protect it from the early sun, and a nice 3d drawing will take you to another reality for a while.

Selecting images for different rooms

Living room

The living room is a favorite place for all residents of the house, and not only solemn events, but also cozy home gatherings are held here. Curtains 3d for the living room will help fill the room with bright colors and add new sensations from being in it.

Living room in a modern style will be decorated with curtains depicting a vibrant metropolis

Lovers of outdoor recreation will appreciate the image of green forest landscapes, sea coast and mountain peaks in three-dimensional space. Three-dimensional close-up images of flowers and plants will not leave anyone indifferent and will add warm notes and spring romance in winter.

For a small living room, 3D curtains depicting a park alley or a long museum corridor will be a great way to increase your size.

To fill the room with freshness and more relaxation, hang curtains with a picture of the spring landscape

Bedroom

The bedroom is a rather personal and intimate place, and therefore the curtains here will be chosen according to individual taste. But we still gave some recommendations for choosing 3D curtains for the bedroom.

To have a sound sleep and the early sun does not wake up the owls, use blackout photo curtains with a blackout effect. Roll and Roman models will not stand aside if your bed is next to the window, and long curtains interfere every now and then.

Add romance to the bedroom 3D photo curtains with the design of the streets of a night city or a beautiful sunset on the sea coast. Curtains depicting spring flowering trees and the warm sun will delight you on a dull autumn morning. nine0003

3d curtains with this pattern will remind you of summer in cold winter

Women will appreciate the three-dimensional flowers on the curtains

Children's

Many children have idols among cartoon characters and fairy tales, so why not add them to a child's life with the help of curtains? Cheerful Winnie, Luntik, Smeshariki and many other heroes will bring your child to incredible delight. Young inventors and lovers of space adventures will appreciate the curtains with a space three-dimensional pattern and transfer it to the very space. nine0003

For girls who are crazy about the world of princesses and fairy tales, 3d tulle with depicted ballrooms and heroes in them, fairy-tale castles, princes on horseback, magical fairies, all this will give only positive emotions.

Teenagers are individuals with their own taste, and they are able to make their own choices, especially when it comes to their room. Most often they choose curtains with the image of Gothic castles and boring landscapes, geometric abstract drawings, and even photographic portraits of their favorite artists. nine0003

Bathroom

Oddly enough, but for the bathroom, the choice of curtains also matters. In addition to the morning shower, 3D bathroom curtains with images of sea waves and shells will help you get a charge of vivacity. Rainforest and waterfall decorations will help you feel like you are in the jungle, while sandy beaches will remind you of the best winter vacation.

By the way! Curtains 3D for the bathroom are made of water-repellent fabric and it will not be difficult to wash them. In the washing machine, it is possible without a product if there is no pollution. Spinning is acceptable, after it you can immediately hang the canvas on the eaves. nine0003

The photo shows an excellent example of photocurtains, which are combined with the interior, and when closed, create the illusion of presence

Kitchen

The kitchen is traditionally hung with curtains depicting vegetation and kitchen utensils, as well as everyone's favorite bright fruits. In 3D projection, large flowers and plants show themselves well, a beautiful view from the balcony, an image of a summer terrace in a cafe.

Especially practical in the kitchen will be 3D curtains in roll or Roman models. They are easy to care for and when spots appear, you can get rid of them without removing the curtain itself. In addition, such models are convenient to use when the kitchen window is located above a gas stove or work surface. nine0003

When closed, these curtains will create the feeling that the image is real and is right outside the window

Rules for the care of 3d curtains

There is nothing special and laborious in caring for curtains with 3D effect photo printing, however, following the tips described below, you can keep the pattern bright for a long time, and the canvas itself smooth and durable.

Either hand or machine wash on delicate cycle.
Temperature not more than 30 degrees. nine0006
Choose gentle laundry detergents, it is better to use liquid gel, as it rinses out of the fabric better than powder and does not leave soapy streaks.
Coarse pressing by hand or machine is not recommended. After washing, drain the water and hang curtains to drain the remaining liquid.
After all the water has drained, the curtains can be ironed or hung on the cornice straight away, it will straighten out under its own weight.
If you decide to iron dried curtains with a 3d pattern, then set the minimum temperature on the iron and iron the fabric from the wrong side. nine0006
Roller blinds and Japanese panels are enough to wipe with a damp cloth soaked in soapy water, and then again, but in clean water.

So you are convinced that 3D curtain models are not only a popular and stylish decoration, but also a great way to change the idea of a living space.

Photo curtains with 3D printing, PHOTO examples of curtains with 3D effect

Different technologies are used to decorate windows. 3d curtains have become very popular, which have many positive customer reviews. 3d photocurtains - a canvas on which a three-dimensional pattern is applied. For three de curtains, the following fabrics are the basis: natural - chiffon, gabardine, satin; synthetic - viscose, polyester, their combinations with each other and with cotton; sunscreen - which consist of a multi-layered fabric that covers the sunlight. Curtains made of such fabrics are easy to iron, do not fade in the sun, do not accumulate dust, retain their shape, and are environmentally friendly. nine0003

Patterns are applied to curtains in the following ways: UV and thermal printing. During thermal printing, a special film coating with a pattern is applied to the canvas, it comes in two types - glossy and matte. Water-based paints are used for drawing, so photocurtains are safe and environmentally friendly. UV printing is as follows: paint of a special chemical composition is applied to the canvas in an inkjet way (inkjet printing, similar to the operation of an inkjet printer). The paint dries instantly during its treatment with ultraviolet rays. nine0003

roller blinds - the curtain fabric is wound on a roll hidden in the top box. At the bottom, the curtain fabric is fixed with a bar. Externally, the unwound roll resembles a screen. Rolled photocurtains are solid canvases (their length varies), on which a pattern is applied. These curtains will be a good decoration in the bedroom, where you need to create a comfortable darkened environment for relaxation.
roman blinds - the curtain fabric has the appearance of folds that overlap perfectly when lifted. For drawing a picture on Roman curtains, natural fabrics are used: cotton, linen, silk. To make the curtain model look holistic, it is advisable to choose simple drawings, preferably without a clear plot; nine0006
Japanese curtains - consist of special insert elements from each edge of the curtain fabric, which easily move along the eaves. Such curtains are used not only on the windows, but also throughout the room. Japanese curtains with photo printing are ideal curtains on which the pattern is as harmonious as possible. Such curtains perfectly complement both ethnic and modern interiors;
multi-layer fabric - a model that protects from sunlight, dust and heat. They come in the form of classic, roller or Roman blinds. nine0006

3d curtain design will surprise you with its diversity and originality. These can be traditional images of plants, animals, landscapes, as well as author's sketches, family photographs. Photocurtains with 3d printing are a great option for separating the work area from the rest area, as well as increasing the space. The living room, which is decorated with curtains with three de effect, looks very elegant. The bathroom can be decorated with 3D curtains with a pattern of the sea, dolphins. Today you can order and buy any model of such curtains. nine0003

When choosing photocurtains, consider the following points:

combination with furniture and other accessories;
in a room with a low ceiling, it is better to hang a model of curtains with a vertical geometric pattern or with a pattern of plants on the window;
for a small room, you need to purchase curtains with light monochrome photo printing;
higher ceiling will make panoramic views of the mountain scenery;
will make the bedroom more spacious with blue and white 3d curtains;
photo of the alley on the curtains increases and expands the space.

Exclusive 3d photo curtains for the living room

Spectacular photo curtains will help surprise your guests, and they will only have good reviews about your unusual curtains. Fantasy and ingenuity that you show will create a unique interior. In the living room, a photo curtain with a natural landscape (forest, mountains), abstraction, with a pattern of animals, marine fauna, city streets, various sights, exotic places, paintings by famous artists will look beautiful. It is very important to consider the style of the room, for example, for a classic style, the pattern should be combined with furniture made from natural materials, wallpaper. nine0003

Bright photo curtains - an original interior accent in a bright living room

On New Year's holidays, you can decorate the living room in the appropriate style . It is better to choose models that are made with a delicate pattern, in warm pastel colors. Such curtains should set you up for rest and good sleep, as well as soothe. They will delight you when you wake up. These can be sea and forest landscapes, wildflowers, the night sky, as well as beautiful space planets. Sunsets are very suitable for the bedroom. When buying photo curtains for the bedroom, you need to choose curtains made of thick fabric. This is important if the bedroom is on the south side. Those who like modern and urbanism should choose options with views of the city at night and with complex geometric shapes. A branch of sakura with pale pink flowers will emphasize the tenderness of the oriental style. For a style combination, you can use a bedspread similar in color or other decorative elements. nine0003

Photocurtains in the bedroom for joyful awakening

Photocurtains for the bathroom

The bathroom will come alive with 3d curtains depicting a sandy beach, palm trees, creepers, an endless ocean, sea animals. Thanks to the curtains, the enclosed space of the bathroom will no longer seem so. It is necessary to choose practical curtains in the bathroom so that they can withstand the effects of steam and moisture. Photocurtains in the bathroom are used from vinyl fabric, which is processed, so the curtains repel moisture and do not turn yellow. nine0003

Photo curtain model with nautical design is a practical bathroom decoration

3d photo curtains require some maintenance. In order for them to function for a long time, it is necessary to ventilate the room (at least once a week). When washing, a delicate program is used, it is not recommended to use a machine spin, it is necessary to remove the curtains from the washing machine and allow excess water to drain. During hand washing, photocurtains should be rinsed well, as aggressive detergents that remain on the fabric can cause a reaction with ultraviolet rays, as a result of which the fabric may burn out. If you follow the recommendations, the curtains will not be deformed and will not “sit down”, and the pattern will be just as bright and will not be damaged. nine0003

Thus, buying photocurtains, you get a window decoration with many advantages.