Using a single extruder RepRap Ormerod we attempted to print a Rotavirus viral capsid available for download from the recently launched NIH 3D Print Exchange site (SA11 Rotavirus trypsinized Triple Layered Particle Model ID 3DPX-000275).
The downloaded STL was imported into Meshmixer 2 to generate some supports as the spikes that extend from the capsid (VP4 protein) were viewed as a potential problem when printing.
Turns out that they definitely became an issue. The model printed below at 0.1mm layer height in PLA (Orange PLA from diyelectronics.co.za).
Rotavirus, looks a bit of a mess
Definitely a mess on the surface.
Looks like its back to the drawing board in terms of support generation in order to print the VP4 spikes.
Cleaning up the surface (trusty old scalpel) does however reveal the symmetrical arrangement of the virus outer capsid proteins
Spikes, Supports and Extruded mess cleared away.
While not perfect. It is definitely a further lesson in attempts to print complex geometry with a single head extruder (single material).
Comments