We decided to create a 3d model that can be showcased of the now trending Airless ball for Volleyball using the newer molten sewing pattern.

The holes on the sphere were made using ChatGPT4 generating the base model using Fusion 360 Python API to generate python code for the parametric sphere and hexagonal tunnel holes.

We made some adjustments on the hexagonal mesh with Tinkercad and made the sphere hollow.

Then we modeled a sewing similar to the new Molten FIVB official ball on Fusion360.

Hope you enjoy this is in BETA version 0.1 but still nice to print and put to display. Ball has the size of the official one with 207mm.

We still didnt print it yet but we are looking forward to the final result. Probably will need adjustments but its a good start!

Printed the example at +/- 50% scale with 0.4 nozzle and 0.2layer and the sewing lines are very thin and could not be printed correctly. In the 100% version the lines will be more visible. We are going to make another version with the sewing lines thicker and part of the pattern of the hollow sphere where the lines will be more noticeable even with smaller versions of the ball.

Filament used for test of the small version was Overture Super PLA+. Will give it a try with some Flex PLA the next time around.