GFP Molecular Pencil Holder

NOTE: This is a challenging model to print, but worth the effort

This biology inspired pencil/pen holder cup is a truly beautiful example of the elegance found in nature. It is as satisfying to look at as it is to find exactly the right spot to put pens and pencils.

The holder is based on a 3D molecular model of the protein GFP (green fluorescing protein). The model uses a custom ribbon representation of the backbone of the protein which is primarily a beta barrel domain. You might be able to print it in fluorescing filament even.

The holder requires no AMS, assembly, or other hardware, just support removal. I had a difficult time getting it to print, so I've made some changes to the supports and the printing speed to improve the success rate. 

• I've checked “avoid crossing walls” and “avoid crossing walls - includes supports ”
• I increased the fill to 33% to provide some more rigidity and strength to the model (type: gyroid)
• I reduced the printing speed to max 250mm/s
• I added tree supports with 2 wall loops, 10mm initial layer expansion, and reduced the top and bottom z distance to 0.08mm (for a 0.12 layer height)
• Finally, I increased the Z hop when retract to 0.8mm to reduce the chance of the nozzle bumping into the print

Please consider leaving a review, liking, and/or boosting this model - it would help me make more models like this!