DISCOVER AND BUILD OUR SOLAR SYSTEM WITH THIS 3D-PRINTED MODEL!

Contents: all planets of the Solar System + Pluto + 7 major moons

Model scale: 1 : 1'188'500'00 ensuring accurate representation without excessive material usage.

Data source for the model: NASA's Planetary data

Extras included: PDF with actual size and scale data of all model elements regarding diameter and distance from the Sun.

Updates April 2024: added model datasheet in PDF and some moons

The model is ideal for: astronomy enthusiasts, educational purposes, DIY projects and space lovers.

Model version: see section ‘extended model version’ for details on how to access extended version with extra parts⬇️

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Model contents in details

Containing the main celestial bodies and some major moons in scale as STL files, this set includes:

• Mercury
• Venus
• Earth (1.07 cm, 0.42 inch ∅ diameter)
  • Moon
• Mars
• Jupiter (largest object, 12.03 cm, 4.73 inch ∅ diameter)
  • Ganymede
  • Callisto
  • Europa
  • Io
• Saturn
  • Titan
• Uranus
• Neptune
  • Triton
• Pluto (smallest object, 0.2 cm, 0.078 inch ∅ diameter)

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ASSEMBLY

With convenient assembly, simply place the planets on a base using a 3-mm diameter wood skewer or similar and put planets onto a skewer using the hole provided or glue them on top.

Additionally, these model pieces can be arranged to reflect the order of the planets and their relative distances, providing a dimensional and spatially accurate representation.
Values for a recommended distance scale of 1 : 2398373983739 are already in the included PDF file.
Experimenting with different scales adds another layer of authenticity to your model, offering a dynamic and educational experience for enthusiasts of all ages.

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EXTENDED VERSION WITH EXTRA PARTS AND MORE DETAILS

If you would like more details on this model, suggestions, a more detailed datasheet, to modify the distance scale to suit your needs and to add extra 3D printable parts to the model such as the Saturn rings, please visit my webpage: 

Discover and download the extended version here: https://elektrooon.wordpress.com/solar-system/

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DESCRIPTION OF PARTS

The larger model pieces, provided with a central hole for the skewer, can be 3D printed in two hemispheres. This facilitates printing and allows the structure of the Saturn and Uranus rings to be threaded between the two halves.

In the smaller pieces of the model, which cannot be threaded onto the skewer and are much smaller in size than the skewer, the pointed end tip of the skewer is already part of the piece itself; they should be glued on top of a skewer without a tip.

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ADD SATURN AND URANUS' ICONIC RINGS

To add Saturn and Uranus' iconic rings between the two halves, you can create them using either cardstock or by laminating a printed image onto paper to create a transparency effects.
This simple yet effective technique allows you to replicate the distinctive rings with ease, enhancing the overall authenticity of your Solar System model.

➡️Alternatively, you can visit my website and download the extended version of the model which includes Saturn's rings in 3D with the A, B, C, D and F rings, gap and Cassini division to be inserted in the middle of the two halves.

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MODEL COLORING

Enhance the realism of the moons and planets with acrylic colors. With the planets held securely in place by the skewer, you can easily add texture and detail following references from the web, achieving a more lifelike appearance.

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GENESIS OF THE PROJECT

This model uses the principle of models made from Styrofoam spheres, as they could not be found in the right diameter they were designed to be 3D printed accurately

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STRENGTHS AND ADVANTAGES

Understanding the dimensions of space with a scale model you can make with your own hands, which you can touch, is definitely an interesting educational experience and really allows you to see with your own eyes what is around us in the universe.

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NOTES

The Sun
The Sun isn't included in the model because it would need to be too large to scale—117 cm in diameter. Instead, you can use a large sphere, a large fitness ball or an LED lamp to represent it.

Disclaimer
Despite careful design, we do not accept responsibility and make no guarantee as to the accuracy of the dimensions utilized in the model, as dimensions may vary depending on approximations, supplier specifications, and measurement criteria utilized.
 

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3D PRINTING SETTINGS

Material
White filament is recommended; it is better to paint.

Indication for Mercury, Mars, Moon, Pluto and other moons:
Printing height: 0.08-0.1 mm (keep minimum as possible)
Fill percentage: 50-100%
Brims: YES
Support: NO

Indication for Venus, Earth, Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune:
Printing height: 0.08-0.2 mm
Fill percentage: 2-5% Grid pattern
Slicing: slice in 2 equal parts the spheres
Support: NO, if sliced in 2 parts

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Notes⚠️

•  Use a smooth plate to have an inconspicuous joint of the two hemispheres
• Use a reduced printing speed to achieve better results and avoid printing imperfections due to inaccuracies at high speed. I recommend printing at 50% speed. This increases the printing time but the result is better and more accurate.
• Read the READ ME FILE in the section below with the documentation before printing!

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Tests and parameters used for printing

Result in the images printed with white PLA basic filament with printer Bambulab P1S, 0.4 nozzle, Cool Plate / PLA Plate, 50% speed

ANY COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS ARE WELCOME!

PLEASE, IF YOU DOWNLOAD THE MODEL, LEAVE FEEDBACK, A THUMBS UP OR A COMMENT ON THE MODEL TO SUPPORT FUTURE CHANGES AND IMPROVEMENTS!