Fish automaton with exposed mechanism.
Very easy to print and assemble.

Colored parts are separated on different plates.

Does not require glue. All parts press-fit together.

Changelog:

• 8/5/24: Beveled cam edges to improve movement and prevent occasional catching against the supports.
• 23/6/24: Updated design for smoother movements. Thank you @TrigTrig for your feedback.
  • Cam prints as a single piece, with more space around contact points.
  • Top edge of the supports is slanted to prevent catching on the lid's slits.
  • Support guides are now integrated in the lid instead of relying on the cams to keep the carriers aligned.
  • Slot under the tail of the fish has been extended.

Assembly Instructions

Please pay particular attention to the orientation of parts. I made a point of not changing it between pictures and maintaining the handle on the left. If you make a mistake do not panic. All pieces push together and easily pull apart to fix mistakes.
 

Step 1: Remove supports from the cam. Using enclosed profile they should come off very easily and cleanly, without requiring tools.

Step 2: Add the cam in the box by inserting the longer extension through the hole in the box and sliding the cam until the end pops into the support hole.

Step 3: Add the sliding supports. Notice the feet are pointing away from

the handle.

Step 4: Snap the lid into place making sure each of the supports extends out

of the slots in the lid and that movement is free when you turn the knob.

Step 5: Supporting the cam, push the handle into place.

Step 6: Remove supports from the fish. They are tiny and should come off effortlessly.

Add the fish making sure each of the extensions fits in one of the slots on the underbody of the fish.

 

General 3d Printing Tips

• Make sure your printing plate is clean! Oils from your skin will cause adhesion issues for your prints. Regularly wash your print plate with a detergent like Dawn and avoid touching the surface when removing prints from the bed.
• If it's an option on your printer, always opt to level the bed before each print. If you have to perform this manually, make sure you do this after every few prints. It takes a bit of time and patience, but it's a fair trade for reliable prints.
• Ensure bed and nozzle temperatures are within the expected range for the material you are printing. Temperatures that are too high or too low will affect the print negatively by causing warping, malformed layers or adhesion issues.
• Reduce your printing speed. Slower print speed is especially important for overhangs because it gives the material more time to cool as it's deposited.