Dyn-o-Mite! err... I mean Amm-o-nite!

This proof-of-concept is modeled on the shell of an Ammonite, a prehistoric ancestor of cuttlefish and octopi http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ammonite.

This is the first shell from which a printable STL was created, and its creation spurred the continued development of Project Shellter.

It was created using the Maya shellNode plugin and thickened using 3DS Max (still looking for an open source thickening solution!).

Not-so-Good News: the shellNode plugin is only available as C++ source code in the Maya SDK.

Good News: AutoDesk, the developer of Maya and 3DS Max, is helping out the 99% with their Educational and Professionals Assistance program. If you're a student, teacher, veteran, or unemployed individual who has previously worked in the architecture, engineering, design or manufacturing industries you can get AutoDesk software through their assistance program: http://students.autodesk.com/?nd=register

This was printed on a Thing-O-Matic with a Mk 7 extruder at the world famous BotFarm using Matt's excellent support settings: http://www.makerbot.com/blog/2011/06/27/makerbot-microtip-using-the-support-features-in-skeinforges-raft-tool/

Some notes:

• It is oriented to minimize interior support; re-orient at your own risk ;)
• You only need the STL or the zip file; they contain the same goodness!
• Once printed, the minimal support material is easily removed and the entire shell is hollow
• Sanding or tumbling to smooth the surfaces is optional but recommended (more on this later...)

While not too many hermit crabs will make a home in this, it's still a great horn for a mutant unicorn Halloween costume. Or print two for a mutant Thark or Warhoon costume!

You can print it, I know you can!

Go!