Chirstmas Tree Topper - Frosted Starlight V2.0!

Frosted Starlight: A Star-Snowflake Christmas Tree Topper

Note! There are 2 plates for the “StarBlades”, one for translucent filaments, and one for normal filaments. You need to choose only one, depending on the filament you plan on using for these. The for the translucent you can use the PETG translucent, or the new PLA translucent. If you don't have these filaments, choose the non-translucent blades. The non-translucent blades have only one top layer, so they will have threads running through the top, giving a “sewn” look, and letting light through nicely.

Version 2 improvements (Complete redesign):

1. The whole thing now prints without supports
2. Added a plate for Translucent filament StarBlades (PETG or PLA)
3. Added small “bumps” to hold the starblades in place, no more fiddling around!
4. Made a hole through the stem to wire lights through
5. Added a support spine through the star, to give rigidity
   1. The base of the support now has threads, and the spiral stem will screw onto the star, making it a tight package
6. Completely redesigned the stem/base, no more hair dryer needed!
7. Removed the magnets, and added dowels instead, to make it completely printable
   1. Because of the dowels and the redesigned base, there really is no need for any gluing anymore

Printing improvements

• Added a brim to help keep the print attached to the bed
• Slowed down the first layer, to also help with this

The printing is now way more reliable, and should succeed on a higher rate. You should still consider washing the print plate before printing, as the part is still very intricate, and curling  off from the plate is still possible (although unlikely), if proper adhesion is not achieved.

I would be glad to hear your opinions on the new version, maybe we can get Frosted Starlight to light up way more Christmases this year. :)

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Original Description:

Add a magical touch to your Christmas tree with Frosted Starlight, a stunning combination of a star and snowflake that brings elegance and warmth to the top of your Christmas tree!

The Starblades are designed in such a way, that a single layer of “Threads” are running on the top, so they will seem like hand sewn, and let light through beautifully. 

Key Features:

• Three Main Parts:
  • Frame Halves: Print two halves to create the main frame of the topper
  • Starblades: You’ll need 24 pieces in total, 12 of one side and 12 mirrored on the X-axis. These snap snugly into the frame, held securely by snap fittings for a clean, seamless look.
  • Foot Spiral: The self adjusting base can accommodate all sizes of tree tops
• Magnet-Compatible Design (Only Version 1, Version 2 uses dowels and the threaded base):
  The frame halves are designed to include slots for twelve 4x2mm magnets (6 per side), making assembly easy and secure. They stay very securely in place with these, so maybe even 3 magnets per half would be enough. If magnets aren’t available, you can just glue the pieces together for a permanent hold, i did this for the first version of the model
• Easy Printing:
  Designed for standard FDM printers with a 0.4mm nozzle and a 0.2mm layer height. The Starblades have been designed for this height specifically, to have just that one layer running at the top. Also to ensure a snug fit, this is what is suggested to be used for the printing. Finer layers can be used, but the blades probably need to be glued down at that point.

Customization Options:

• Print in your favorite filament colors to suit your holiday theme, in the pictures the frame is PLA marble, the Blades are PLA Metal Gold, and the Spiral foot is PLA Matte green
• Add LED lights to the inner cavity to enhance the glowing snowflake effect. In the pictures there is a simple 20 led AA-battery powered string of lights, just rolled around my fingers into 6 spools, and put inside the star. You can go for cool or warm lights, both look good in my opinion.