With Halloween just around the corner, it’s time to re-inflate those lawn decorations, hang the stretchable spider webs, and get ready to carve that pumpkin, right? Wrong. This is the 21st century, it’s time to move on from the old-ways of doing things and employ some new technology to help celebrate this teeth-rotting holiday.
In this case, I’m talking about the 3D printer, which makers have been using to create everything from rocket engines to jewelry and everything in between. So why not use it to create add-ons for pumpkins and provide them with their own uniqueness. That’s what some makers, like the staff over at Airwolf3D did with their ‘Pimp my Pumpkin’ competition back in 2014.
The team members were responsible for designing and creating individual pieces outfitted with pegs that could be pushed through the pumpkins thick skin. Software such as SketchUp and SolidWorks were used to design the pieces, which included printing with a dual extrusion head to create parts with different colors.
Eyes, ears, mustaches and even scary mouths were easily created using the technology, however it can be a challenge for those who are new at using CAD or other design-based software.
For those who don’t have access to a 3D printer or are unfamiliar with using design software can opt to buy their pumpkin parts online from such stores as PinShape, Thingiverse, or even SolidWorks.
Those that do have their own printers but are still new at design can buy plans online as well, which is probably a cheaper route to go than flat-out buying them.
Another Mr. Potato Head-like option for decorating pumpkins comes from Thingiverse user DesignMakeTeach, with their Pumpkin Moustache, which gives it a more comedic look.
Actually, the 3D printed ‘stache’ is described on the website as ‘perfect for hipster, pirate, or even a prohibition-style pumpkin’ or to bring awareness to men’s health through the Movember charity.
The Pumpkin Moustache can be printed in many different colors depending on your needs and all the files are posted directly on the Thingiverse website.
Need the perfect accompaniment to DesignMakeTeach’s Moustache? How about Dr_ice’s 3D printed Realistic Pumpkin Teeth. Actually, his teeth were inspired by DesignMakeTeach’s Pumpkin Tooth Replacement Project to bring awareness to ‘improper tooth carving‘.
Dr_ice provides all the files needed to print your own, including the front teeth, molars and everything in between. Prongs can also be printed to help secure the teeth wherever they are needed. Those looking to print the Realistic Pumpkin Teeth can head over to Dr_ice’s Thingiverse page.
While 3D printed facial features provide a spooky or comedic look to Jack O’ Lanterns, 3D printed appendages, such as Brian Enigma’s Mr. Vegetable Head bring it to a completely new level. Brian based his design off the original Mr. Potato Head, which featured appendages with pushpins embedded into them for use with a real potato.
Brian’s 3D printed parts include everything from eyes, arms, and feet. Be warned however, the pieces are small and children should be supervised when playing with them.
While there are many 3D printed Halloween decorations that can be found almost everywhere, there really aren’t any projects to be found using live pumpkins and 3D printed add-ons, which seems baffling considering that printers have been used to make just about everything.
Perhaps you readers have done your own but haven’t dropped it online yet or are currently designing something so spooky that it’s not finished yet. If so, please share it with us and perhaps we can post it as a follow up or drop it into a future piece!
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