I made a 3d-model for movable puppet eyelids. They fit around ping-pong-balls (4cm diameter).

Download on thingiverse: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:198945

Cool. Will you be selling them.  Any plans to make them larger?

Julie

I put them on Thingiverse under Non-Commercial Creative Commons license. You can download and print them for your own use - as long as you do not sell them. You can scale them to any size you want.

This is just the first basic model there will be more complicated parts in the future. If anybody wants to buy them I could upload them on Shapeways.

Figured I would jump in and add some information here. I was not sure about this myself till I did some research. The Thingiverse file that Thioh is offering for free can be used with MakerBot 3dPrinters. http://www.makerbot.com/  Yes I know they are a bit pricey but wow how cool! They even offer a digitizer that can take a 3d object and turn it into a 3d model.

Shapeways http://www.shapeways.com/ is a website that can take a 3d model and print it out for you.  Looks like maybe it is kind of like sites where you upload an image and then can have it printed on a variety things like mugs, t-shirts etc and sell them to folks.  Ultimately that may be a cheaper route to go. 

Although maybe Tioh and Julie could team up. Out of the Box Puppets purchases the printer and then Tioh supplies the 3d models.   Maybe the models are free for those who know how to use them or have equipment but Tioh is just kind of giving Julie a license to produce the end product.

The model is not limited to MakerBot 3d-printers. The files are in STL-format - most 3D-printers can print this. Shapeways is much cheaper if you do not need a 3d-printer anyway (I payed over 1000€ for mine).

Interesting! I'd like to see the finished product working in a demo video!

Oh, I misunderstood. I thought you printed it out. I didn't realize it was just an example of what could be done. 

I'd love to have a 3D printer, not sure if a finished product (eye) would be low enough in cost to make it worth while. I've looked into them, but don't have any idea how much filament it takes for a project such as en eye.

I'll add it to my Christmas wish list along with a laser cutter and flatbed CNC machine. LOL

Julie

I too have also been looking into this avenue for parts. If anyone is interested in 3D printers these guys have them much cheaper.  http://deezmaker.com/store/#!/~/product/category=0&id=23715422

I too have also been looking into this avenue for parts. If anyone is interested in 3D printers these guys have them much cheaper.  http://deezmaker.com/store/#!/~/product/category=0&id=23715422

With most 3d-printers you get what you pay for. I bought a Makerbot 1 Dual clone, because it can print several of materials (like AB, PLA, PVA, flexible PLA, LayWood, Nylon,...) and is compatible with the Makerbot software. Other 3d-printers are cheaper, but I haven't found one that offers similar features for less money.

http://www.3ders.org/pricecompare/3dprinters/

Going with a 3D printing service may be the way to go if you are just dipping your toe into the water. As Tioh said, he paid a lot for his. With a service you get a wider selection of materials and folks who will inspect your object to make sure it is 3D printable. I've used Blender to model my objects. The book Blender 3D Printing Essentials covers the steps needed.