3D Printed Kinetic iPhone Cases

This iPhone case is a piece of kinetic art, printed in a single pass, no assembly required. Designer Chris Cordingley, who created it to be an analog fidget relief device, modeled it in Autodesk Maya, and printed it at Shapeways.

Says Chris:

Back in September last year I decided to use 3D printing to create some fun contraptions that don’t require any assembly.  The iPhone case seemed like a great platform to start.

So, I read up on the guidelines for Shapeways’ WSF material and began modeling and testing.  To get the gears working with this precision I had to go through a lot of trial and error.  Generally, WSF clearance guidelines are .5 mm between parts, but I was able to whittle this down in a sense.

I stained these at home to help bring out the details using Minwax Wood Finish, red mahogany 225.

You can get your own for iPhone 4 or 5 in one of two different designs at the Shapeways store.

Read more here.