3D Printed Snowflake Ornaments (Based on Snowflake Photographs)


Day 3 of our ornament extravaganza brings us to some 3D printed snowflake ornaments. These snowflake ornaments are based off of William Bentley's famous snowflake photos (he was the first person to photograph a single snowflake).


I didn't manage to take any pictures while I was printing these, but I made a set at 100% (about 3 inches in diameter) and a second set at 75%  (about 2 inches in diameter). They were printed on default settings (.2 resolution and 20% infil) with white PLA filament.


My favorite part about these snowflakes is that they are sort of lithophanes of snowflakes. So they have a completely different look when they are held up to light.


Since each flake is based off an image of a real flake, they have the characteristic 6-sided shape and a crystalline design (unlike most snowflake ornaments).


I can't wait to make more lithophane type prints--they are so much fun!


These printed quickly and immediately looked fantastic. I'm sure these would look the best on our Christmas tree right in front of some lights!

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