Hex drum

The body of my Hex Ukulele sounds very nice when you tap it. So i thought that I can make it a drum with the same hexagonal pattern. So here it is.

Here are instructions for slicing in Prusa slicer (see also video below). For other slicers - steps should be similar.

How to slice:

1. Open STL file in slicer
2. Rotate 180 deg upside down
3. Split into objects
4. Merge all hexagon objects into one (unless you want to have multicolored hexagons)
5. Select hexagons as printable and the main part as hidden
6. Slice hexagons and export gcode
7. Hide hexagons and mark body as printable
8. Switch to vase/Spiral mode
9. Adjust number of bottom layers (this is membrane thickness)
10. Adjust external perimeter width
11. Set Z-lift to 0.4mm (to avoid collisions with hexagons
12. Disable any supports
13. Slice and export second gcode

Alternatively if You want to have thicker walls you can print without spiral mode (especially for 0.4 nozzle):

1. Set infol to 0%
2. Set number of perimeters
3. Set number of Top Layers to 0
4. Slice and export second gcode

How to print:

Print hexagons first and on top of that print main part with second filament color. Remember to start printing second part immediately after first one finished so the bed remains hot and hold hexagons well.

WARNING!!!: If You have mesh bed leveling at the beginning of every print You have to figure out how to turn this off for the second print (merging gcode files method should be ok if you remove homing procedure from second print). In any case please stay and watch the print during color change to make sure there are no serious collisions.

It is also good idea to do research on the internet. There are several methods to achieve same result. You have to figure out what is best for your 3d Printer. Here are some links to start with:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9F2uaDW0W4c
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQRaSvQdVFY
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7FiT5VqLSg

You can also print it with multicolor 3d printer or just as single color part.

How it sounds:

I had some problems with nozzle clogging while printing - so I'm not 100% happy with the result of my print, but it sounds loud and low. I might reprint it with thicker membrane in the future.

Experiment with membrane and walls thickness and you will get a nice loud drum.

Final thoughts

This is a nice addon to my hex ukulele. It looks nice and sounds decent. I can upload step or fusion files if someone wants to play with it - just ask :).