Introduction: 3D Printed Mini Candy Machine

About: I am a technical artist working in the game and software industry. 3D printing is a side hobby of mine.

Intro:

A candy machine dispenser toy, give your child a cheerful experience by 3d printing one in color combinations of their choosing!

This 3d printed candy dispenser can serve small candies such as m&ms, gumballs, jelly beans or other small food items such as peanuts. As this design contains small parts it is recommended for ages 5 and older. The design itself was developed to be printable on 3d printers with build volumes as small as 100 mm x 100 mm x 100 mm. Assembled, this machine is 79.32 mm x 97.83 mm x 149.04 mm.

Requirements:

  • A 3d Printer with a minimum build volume of 100 mm x 100 mm x 100 mm.
  • PLA Filament *
  • 3D Project Files (link)

* Important Notes And Safety:

If you intend for the dispenser to come in contact with food items it is highly advised to use a food safe Polylactic Acid (PLA) plastic filament when 3d Printing this project. PLA is a biodegradable thermoplastic, made from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane. Natural PLA (no color) is generally considered food safe but check with the manufacturer as some manufacturers will blend in other additives — for color, strength, or other features — that make the filament unsafe to come into contact with food and drink.

Need Filament? This project was 3d printed with Meltink3d PLA filaments. Use code twiesner10 at meltink3d.com to save 10% off your order.

Step 1: ​Download Files

The digital STL files are available for free on the 3d Printing platform myminifactory.com. Download the files directly at: https://www.myminifactory.com/object/mini-candy-machine-v2-51408

*Don't have a 3d printer? Upload the files to 3dhubs.com and have someone near your location print them for you.

Step 2: Printing the Dispenser Body

Print Settings

Layer height: 0.3 mm

Speed: 60 mm/s

Fill: 15%

Fill Pattern: HoneyComb.

Shells: 2

Supports: Yes

Rafts: optional

Printing Tip

I printed the dispenser body upside down to reduce the amount of filament required. You may print the design upright but your slicer of choice will most likely generate printing support material in the inside of the body which will increase the amount of filament required and the print time.

Step 3: Printing the Dispenser

Print Settings

Layer height: 0.2 mm

Speed: 60 mm/s

Fill: 20%

Fill Pattern: HoneyComb.

Shells: 2

Supports: Yes

Rafts: optional

For best fit with the lever, print at a standard resolution of 0.2 mm.

Step 4: Printing the Lever

Print Settings

Layer height: 0.2 mm

Speed: 60 mm/s

Fill: 20%

Fill Pattern: HoneyComb.

Shells: 2

Supports: No

Rafts: optional

Step 5: Assembling the Dispenser

To assemble the dispenser, place circular dispenser piece inside the machine body. Push lever through the opening in the body piece and snap into the dispenser.

Step 6: Printing the Base

Print Settings

Layer height: 0.3 mm

Speed: 60 mm/s

Fill: 15%

Fill Pattern: HoneyComb.

Shells: 2

Supports: Yes

Rafts: optional

Step 7: Attach the Base

Slide the opening of the dispenser body over the "bowl" of the base. Then Snap the base into place.

Step 8: Printing the Jar

Print Settings

Layer height: 0.3 mm

Speed: 60 mm/s

Fill: 0%

Fill Pattern: HoneyComb.

Shells: 2

Supports: No

Rafts: optional

Printing Tip:

Print the jar in a clear to translucent plastic. Kids want to see the candy! Depending on the brand of filament you choose, getting a clear looking jar may involve experimentation. Generally though for best results a large layer height with no fill printed at higher temps than you would normally print PLA can result in clearer prints with clear filament plastic.

As I used Meltink3d Clear PLA, I printed with a temp 225C. Normally I print PLA at 200C on my Printrbot Simple which this design was initially printed on.

Step 9: Printing the Jar Top

Print Settings

Layer height: 0.3 mm

Speed: 60 mm/s

Fill: 15%

Fill Pattern: HoneyComb.

Shells: 2

Supports: Yes

Rafts: optional

Step 10: Attach the Jar to the Body

The jar was designed with a simple twist to lock mechanism. Simply align the tabs on the bottom of the jar with the openings on top of the candy machine body. Twist clockwise to lock in place.

Fill the jar with candy, put the top on and enjoy!

Design For Kids Challenge

Runner Up in the
Design For Kids Challenge

Homemade Gifts Contest 2017

Participated in the
Homemade Gifts Contest 2017