The FlipBoks is my take on a 3D printed Flip book machine. Initially I wanted to create a fully 3D printed flip book, and here is where I ended up. Not an original idea, but I had fun designing my version.

Read below if wanting to know more, or watch this Intro and Assembly video I created for the FlipBoks:

FlipBoks Intro and Assembly

Overview

I personally print all parts using a .2 layer height, two walls, and 8% infill (various PLA). Both the Box and turn Handle take some stress on assembly, so a weaker adhesion filament like Silk or some Matte could be issue for those parts.

The FlipBoks has a 24 frame design and supports 3 Different 'approaches' to creating animations.

3D Printed Animation

This approach was my main goal when I started out on this project. Idea here is that the animations are ultimately created in modeling software and everything is fully 3D printed. Using multi-color printing. Although one could imagine having single color prints that are painted/colored by hand.

Here are postings that contain some I created.

FlipBoks - Running Cat Animation Tiles Remixed by evets17 - MakerWorld

FlipBoks - Halloween Animation Cards Remixed by evets17 - MakerWorld

FlipBoks - MsPacman Cards Remixed by evets17 - MakerWorld

I've included an .f3d (Fusion 360) project that I use as a basis for creating my 3D printed frames (also included the card model as .step file). I first create my frames/scenes in something like Inkscape or Pencil2D, then convert them to SVG, then extrude them in Fusion 360. There are probably several ways to do it.

If there is interest I could create a video on how to make your own.

Hand Drawn

Another approach one can take is to print 24 blank cards, and then simply hand draw your animations. I've included two models (FlipBoks_CardDrawingAidBase.stl and FlipBoks_CardDrawingAidBaseGuide.stl) that aid in creating your own hand drawn frames.

Here's a video I created kind of going over how to do this:

FlipBoks Hand Drawing Overview

Videoclip (Using Flipscope's Maker Tool)

When designing FlipBoks I came across Fliposcope – DIY and Premade Flipbooks, gifts, and more!

I've designed my cards to support the 4inch by 3.33inch labels (I used Avery 94215 size shipping labels) that Flipbookit's Fliposcope Maker Tool generates. This technique allows one to take a short video clip and 'convert it' to 24 frames (in PDF) that can be printed to labels. TIP: when printing the labels, make sure to set print option to "Actual Size", for me print defaulted to adding margins (which we don't want).

Parts and Assembly

Core Components

FlipBoks_Box.stl (x1): The core housing for the FlipBoks

FlipBoks_CardDialHandle.stl (x2): The dial that the cards fit into, supports 24 cards

FlipBoks_Shaft.stl (x1): Connects the two dials

FlipBoks_Handle.stl (x1): A handle to make spinning the dials easier. NOTE, there is a print and place element to this handle so slicer may give warning about parts not touching, but by design so that the outer round handle can break free and rotate independent of rest of handle. Printing this part with 3 walls may be a good idea to add some strength.

Assembly

Attach the two CardDialsHandles to each end of the Shaft. For me I just press fit these together (once set in the box, they won't separate). One could use glue as well.

Attach (snap) the handle to one of the CardDials, Can be a tight fit, use some care when fitting this on.

Then set the assembled dials into the box via the back channels. Should slide easily to a point, then will take some force to fully snap it in place. Designed such that the dial assembly can be removed, but needed to be seeded somewhat tight to keep things in place when rotating the dials.

Then add animation cards in proper order, and enjoy.

Cards

Print blank cards if hand drawing or printing labels. Otherwise print cards with animation.

FlipBoks_CardStandard.stl (x24): This is a 3 layer thick (.06) card (Assuming .2 layer height)

FlipBoks_CardStandard.step: this step file can be used to make own cards

FlipBoks_CardStandard_Thin.3mf: I include this as thinner, 2 layer, card. Too thin for hand drawn in my opinion, but may be good enough for using with labels.

Drawing Aid

I created these to aid in doing hand drawn animations. Printing these are optional.

FlipBoks_CardDrawingAidBase.stl (1x): used to align cards when drawing full frame.

FlipBoks_CardDrawingAidBaseGuide.stl (1x): used to help positioning when drawing.

Thanks for reading, if anyone does bother to print this, I would love to see pictures of any makes. And if anyone takes time to create their own animation cards, feel free to post those for others, as remix off this listing.