These two 3D printed door knockers are perfect examples of how a bit of post-processing can transform your prints into works of art.
ZMorph multitool 3D printer user Victor Pons likes to browse through various DIY sites and find new projects to fabricate on his machine. Lately, he 3D printed door knockers and used basic post-processing techniques to make them look like time-worn metal antiques.
Fabrication of 3D printed door knockers
For his first door knocker, Victor chose Dragon Door Knocker available for free on Thingiverse. Designed by Sonia Verdu, it’s a very detailed model that requires a very precise machine to manufacture it. STL files provided by the author already had support structures and most of the settings included, so it was possible to quickly fit the design to ZMorph’s printing space, transform it into G-code and print on the machine.
After 28 hours of printing (0.2 mm layer, 30 mm/s) with yellow PLA, Victor carefully removed the support and cleaned the object with sandpaper and a soldering iron (it’s useful also for getting rid of any small cracks that could occur in a big print). He then painted the entire object with epoxy to make it waterproof.
#3Dprinted Door Knockers That Look Like Forged in #Metal — #DIY #homedecor
Giving it an antique feel
In order to make his print more durable, Victor applied a few coats of primer from a spray can. He then used instant iron base coat fromModern Options which made the object look like it was forged from metal. Next, he applied instant rust finisher from the same company.
By then, his dragon door knocker started to look like a time-worn metalwork but he still needed to work on some small details. Victor enhanced monster’s eyes and scales with a black felt pen and a brush. Then he painted the whole object with a flat varnish to preserve the artificial rust. This way the time-worn effect became more time-resistant.
The entire post-processing of the 3D printed door knockers was also recorded by Sonia Verdu, who designed the free dragon model.
Unique home ornaments
The second door knocker made by Victor was based on a free Lion Head Door Knocker design shared by 3DWP. For this project, he used copper and copper patina fluids instead of instant iron and rust.
Both 3D printed door knockers make an excellent impression and give a sophisticated antique look to every doorway. We already know otherhome ornaments, CNC-cut lamps or mechanical clocks created with ZMorph multitool machine but these objects fabricated by Victor are one of our favorite ones!
