Spaceman Spiff Charm

Looking for a gift idea for someone? 3D printing is an inexpensive, and very creative way to go. As a HUGE fan of Calvin and Hobbes growing up, I became very excited about this 3D print by Brian Goodmon, a Software Engineer at Tufts.

My project is to make a charm bracelet charm in the shape of Calvin’s (of Calvin and Hobbes) imaginary spaceship. My first attempt has gotten the size and shape about right, but the details that make it recognizable as Calvin’s spaceship (headlights and tail fins) weren’t reproduced well at such a small size (16mm diameter: about the size of a dime), so for the next attempt I’ll enlarge them. The design was created using Tinkercad, which is great for sketching up an idea but not so great for really precise work; I’ll probably try to use OpenSCAD instead for the next attempt. When I have a design that seems right I plan to send it to SpaceWays to be printed in wax and cast into white gold. It would be really cool to print it in two parts so that the dome could be clear but that will have to wait until I find a shop that can print in fused silica or synthetic sapphire or something. Thanks to Nadia, Brian and Marya for all the help! - Brian

Awesome job, Brian! Check out Thingiverse if you’re looking for ideas. Or stop by the Makerspace anytime between 9 and 5 on weekdays! One of the lovely staff members there will surely be able to help you come up with something.