Spiral Christmas Tree Ball Ornament

The Spiral Christmas Tree Ball Ornament is a decoration that blends creativity and precision to achieve an elegant, filament-efficient design. With its dense 45-degree spiral pattern, this ornament is perfect for those who enjoy the challenge of detailed 3D printing in vase mode.

Dimensions:

• Height (assembled): 7.5 cm (2.95 inches)

• Width: 6 cm (2.36 inches)

Printing Details:

This design is optimized for vase mode printing, ensuring efficient material use and a sleek, elegant result. The spiral sheets were carefully folded during design to maintain the 45-degree angle while achieving the perfect thickness and form. 

Update: 

After feedback, I have added an improved print profile with 0.18 mm layer height for vase mode. 

Important Notes:

• For the best results, either use branded filament or carefully dial in your filament settings to avoid under- or over-extrusion. (I'll link the filament I used below in case you like it)

• It can be successfully printed with a support base only, further reducing material waste and simplifying post-processing regardless of the mode you choose.

• Handle the ornament with care when removing it from the build plate, as the stem for the hanger can be as thin as one layer in certain areas. Using a spatula and carefully peeling off the support base is recommended.

• Make sure to remove only the support base and not the stem to ensure the hook attachment remains intact.

• The clamp and decorative cap should not be printed in vase mode. Use standard settings (e.g., 16mm or 20mm layer height) for these parts to ensure strength and functionality.

This design features a pointy end for an elegant touch. For those who prefer a softer look and what to splurge on filament, a version with a rounded end is in the print profiles. The rounded version requires regular mode printing for a thicker and sturdier wall.

If you enjoy this design, feel free to check out my other Christmas ornament models for more creative and festive options.

Assembly Guide:

Assembly is straightforward—snap the clamp and decorative cap onto the ball. A photo guide is included in the model images for easy reference.

Personal Note:

This design was a labor of love, taking over a week to perfect through several iterations and failed prints. Despite the challenges, the end result is an ornament that I am proud to share. The design is highly filament-efficient in vase mode and adds a beautiful, spiral aesthetic to any tree.

I’ve printed this model multiple times now, and I’m thrilled with how it turned out. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!