Design a compact, reusable egg holder for safely storing or transporting a single raw egg (not for impact/drop testing).

Design Specifications

Must hold 1 standard egg securely:

Approx. 45 mm tall × 35 mm wide (medium UK egg).

Max outer size: 70 mm × 70 mm × 70 mm

(Fits most FDM printer beds and reduces print time).

Must be openable/reusable:

Snap-fit lid, twist-lock, or hinge design encouraged.

Must be printable without support material (for easier printing).

Aim for print time under 2 hours and material use under 15g (e.g., 1.75 mm PLA).

Inner surface should be smooth or rounded to prevent cracking the egg.

Optional: Add small vents or holes for airflow (useful for real-world egg storage or transport).

⚙️ Manufacturing Constraints

Must be printable on a basic FDM 3D printer (e.g., Prusa Mini, Ender 3).

Wall thickness should be 1.2 mm minimum for strength (3 perimeters at 0.4 mm nozzle).

Avoid sharp corners or overhangs > 45° to ensure clean printing without support.

Use fillets and radii instead of 90° edges to reduce stress concentrations.

Ideal to print in two pieces: base + lid.

Optional Design Enhancements

Add a small label area or custom text (“EggPod”, user name, etc.).

Include a locator lip or alignment notch for easy lid closing.

Try modularity: stackable base or interlocking shape for multiple eggs.

• 🔍 Define the Problem
  Design an egg holder that fits a 45×35 mm egg and prints within 70×70×70 mm — keep it compact, printable, and protective.

• 📚 Research
  Look at real egg containers. Notice use of rounded shapes, hinged lids, smooth interiors, and vent holes.

• 🧠 Brainstorm
  Sketch 2–3 ideas: sphere with snap lid, stackable box, or twist-open pod.

• 🧩 Prototype
  Model your best idea in TinkerCAD using basic shapes (cylinders, holes, fillets).

• 🖨️ Slice
  Import into Cura, check wall thickness (≥1.2 mm), print time (<2 hrs), and material (<15g).

• ✅ Test
  Does the lid close? Will the egg stay snug? Any errors in slicing preview?

• 🔁 Improve
  Adjust lid clearance, reduce overhangs, or add vents and a name label.

🔧 Concept

Design a printable egg holder with a rounded cup and a stable base. Focus on:
✔️ Fitting a standard egg (≈45×35 mm)
✔️ Easy printability — no support material
✔️ Smooth shape, optional vent holes

🛠️ Tools You’ll Use in Tinkercad

ToolUse🟤 Half-SphereForms the egg cup shape⚪ Cylinder (as a hole)Cuts vents or weight-saving holes⚫ Solid CylinderBuilds the base platform🧲 Align ToolCenters the cup on the base📏 Ruler ToolControls height/diameter (use 1 mm Snap Grid)

⚙️ Step-by-Step Process

1. Create the Egg Cup

   • Drag in a half-sphere, size to approx. 50 mm dia × 30–35 mm tall

   • Optional: hollow it using a smaller hole shape inside

2. Make the Base

   • Use a cylinder (≈70 mm dia × 5–8 mm thick)

   • Add vent holes using cylinders set to “hole”

3. Assemble & Align

   • Place the cup on the base

   • Use Align Tool to center perfectly

   • Group the shapes

4. Export STL

   • Click Export → .STL to slice in Cura

💡 Design Tips

• Keep wall thickness ≥ 1.2 mm

• Avoid overhangs > 45° to print without support

• Vent holes = faster print + material saving

• Use "solid + hole" logic to subtract material

✅ Before You Start

• Make sure the STL file is exported from Tinkercad

• Open Ultimaker Cura and select your printer (e.g., Ender 3, Prusa Mini)

⚙️ Recommended Cura Settings (for this project)

SettingValueWhyLayer Height0.2 mmGood balance of detail + speedWall Line Count3 or Wall Thickness = 1.2 mmMeets strength spec (3 × 0.4 mm nozzle)Top/Bottom Layers4–5Ensures solid surfacesInfill Density10–15%Lightweight and strong enoughInfill PatternGrid or GyroidBalanced strength and speedSupportsOffDesigned to avoid supportsBuild Plate AdhesionBrim (optional)Prevents lifting for curved basesMaterialPLAEasy to print, beginner-friendlyEstimated Print TimeUnder 2 hoursMaterial UseUnder 15g filament (~5m of 1.75 mm PLA)

🔍 Things to Check in the Preview

• 🔴 Red areas? Check for thin walls or unjoined parts

• 🟡 No supports required? Good! That means you followed the overhang rule (<45°)

• ⚫ Flat base? Ensures good bed adhesion

💡 Quick Tips

• Use “Preview” tab to inspect print path layer by layer

• Reposition on the bed if needed — keep the cup upright

• If wall looks thin, adjust wall count or scale slightly