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Embedded touch sense wires

A project log for Christine's Blooming Rose

3D printed, heat formed, servo actuated blooming, Dotstar module lit, rose.

daren-schwenkeDaren Schwenke 02/27/2019 at 22:090 Comments

The leaves, and possibly the rose itself are going to be touch sensitive.  This means they need a wire.

Decided to try embedding them in the print.  Increased the first layer thickness to 0.3mm

Started the print, then stopped it.  Carefully lifted the skirt and passed my wire under it.

Taped it off on both ends aligned to the center.

Removed the skirt, and started the print again.  Works!

End result.

It would be better if the wire was between the first and second layer, but that would require stopping the print and leaving a gap.  This works fine and is easier.

<EDIT>

For the second one, I put down extra hairspray to act as a release agent.  I then taped the wire down as before but then gave it a coat of superglue on the bed.  The PLA bonds nicely to the dried superglue, so now it's really in there...  

Um... nope.  It still stuck to the bed more than it stuck to the part, and removed when I lifted it from the bed.

I guess I'll have to live with it being 'mostly in there', or put it in between layers.

</EDIT>

<EDIT_2>

I've since decided it is easier to print over the wire and if it comes out after printing, so be it.

It is much easier to put it back with a drop of super glue after the fact, and it keeps the wire right at the surface.  I don't know how effective my touch sense will be as I'm doing the cheap/easy version which just requires one resistor.  More options this way.

</EDIT_2>

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