3D Printed Singing Elf

3/19/2023 - Version 1 Continuing on with making props, I present a singing elf. It is designed like all the other props. I would like to thank fellow Thingiverse member DECowick for the inspiration.

Description: It is composed of 31 separate pieces. (there are 2 test pieces used to test print and don't attach to the elf). Most pieces are 6mm thick with a 2mm thick raised edge that is 10mm high. I believe this will be plenty strong and use less material than my previous attempt using 10mm thickness through out.

Its approximate size is 775mm wide x 1055mm high (31in x 42in). It holds 202 pixels.

I know it is a lot of pieces and may be complex to put together. I hope it is worth the effort!

I've had my printed props out in the Upstate NY weather the last 2 seasons and they held up very nicely. No damage and still going strong. Might be different in hot environments but these aren't bothered by the cold or strong winds. I don't do anything fancy to put them in the yard.
A simple metal electrical conduit making a horizontal hanging point (zip tied) and some other pieces driven into the ground to zip tie the props to, to prevent swinging and turning in the wind.

Printer: Each piece is sized to fit on an Ender 5 Pro printing bed (they fit in a 220x220 bed). Should be able to at least print several pieces at one time but this won't always be the case. I have tested printed pieces using PLA+ from GST3D. This stuff seems to print very nicely. To make the dove tailing work with a good fit, I do set the Horizontal Expansion to -0.21. (your's will be differnt) I created several small "test pieces" so you could set up printer without wasting much material. The two test pieces will allow you to trial your dove tail fit.

XLights: There is an Xlights custom model provided for this prop. Faces and Submodels are defined. I don't include a "faceoutline" as there are various parts like a hat, collar, ears and face that are defined. Simply turn these on and off with our chosen colors in the sequencer.