How to Create a 3D Printed Nook Leaf Pop It From Animal Crossing

In this tutorial, we will walk you through the process of creating a 3D printed Nook Leaf Pop It fidget toy inspired by Animal Crossing! The steps cover everything from modeling the leaf in Fusion 360, converting it into a Pop It design, preparing the print, and finally 3D printing it using NinjaFlex filament on a Lulzbot Taz 3D printer. Let’s get started!

1. Autodesk Fusion 360 (or any 3D modeling software)
2. STL file (exported from Fusion 360)
3. Cura slicer software
4. Lulzbot Taz 3D printer
5. NinjaFlex filament (for flexible prints)
6. A computer for modeling and slicing

Before you start modeling, you’ll need a reference image for your 3D design. In this project, we used an image of the Nook Leaf from Animal Crossing, but feel free to choose any image or shape you'd like to model. You can search the web for inspiration, or even create your own design! The image will serve as your guide when you begin your 3D modeling process.

1. Tip: Make sure the image is clear and high-quality to make it easier to trace. You can choose anything that inspires you, such as another iconic object, logo, or even a custom design. Save the image to your computer in a format like JPEG or PNG.

1. Open Autodesk Fusion 360 and create a new project.
2. Import the reference image into your Fusion 360 workspace.
3. You can do this by selecting "Insert" → "Canvas" and placing the image on the plane.
4. Important: Make sure the reference image is to scale. You can adjust the size of the image by measuring a known dimension from the reference (e.g., if the original image has a specific size, scale it accordingly in Fusion 360). This ensures your 3D model will be the correct size when you print it.
5. Sketch the outline of your design by tracing around the image using the Line Tool or Spline Tool. Focus on the overall shape and keep it simple to start.
6. Add depth and details. Once you have the basic outline, use the Extrude Tool to give the shape 3D volume.

Once your 3D model is complete, you will need to export it as an STL file to be ready for printing.

1. Select the model in Fusion 360.
2. Right-click and choose “Save as STL.”
3. Configure the STL settings (you can leave them at default unless you want to tweak resolution).
4. Save the STL file to your computer.

1. Open Cura slicer software.
2. Load the STL file into Cura by selecting “Open File” and choosing your saved file.
3. Adjust print settings:
4. Material: Set the material to NinjaFlex (make sure you have the appropriate settings for flexible filament).
5. Layer height: For fine details, a layer height of 0.1 to 0.2mm is recommended.
6. Infill density: Since the Ninja Flex is flexible, you might want to go with a high infill percentage (around 90-100%) since you want the Pop-It to be durable.
7. Supports: Be sure to disable supports as they will be nearly impossible to remove. You may have to design the part so that there are no overhanging parts or surfaces. The bubble areas should be designed to be printed without support and need to have a slope that can be printed without any support.
8. Check the print orientation to ensure the leaf sits well on the build plate and that the pop bubbles will print correctly.

Load the NinjaFlex filament into your Lulzbot Taz 3D printer. NinjaFlex is a flexible filament, so be sure the printer settings are optimized for it.

Send the sliced file from Cura to the Lulzbot Taz 3D printer via USB or SD card.

Start the print. Keep an eye on the first few layers to ensure everything adheres to the build plate properly.

Wait for the print to complete. This can take a few hours depending on the complexity and size of your print.

1. Tip: Be patient, as flexible filament prints can take longer than standard filaments.

After the print finishes, you can do some light post-processing to ensure the Pop It works well.

1. Remove any supports carefully using pliers or cutters.
2. Inspect the Pop It. Make sure the bubbles are popping in and out smoothly. If necessary, you can trim any excess filament or smooth rough edges with a fine sandpaper.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully created your very own 3D printed Nook Leaf Pop It. You can now enjoy it as a fun fidget toy or display it as a unique piece of Animal Crossing-themed art.

Tips and Troubleshooting:

1. If your print isn’t sticking well to the bed, try adjusting the bed temperature or adding a layer of adhesive to ensure better adhesion.
2. If the bubbles aren’t popping smoothly, check the spacing between the raised bumps and indentations to ensure they are sized correctly.
3. Experiment with different infill settings to find the best balance between flexibility and durability.