{"product_id":"the-48-special-crystal-forms","title":"The 48 Special Crystal Forms","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHey, I'm a geology student at the University of Warsaw.\u003c\/strong\u003e During my studies, while learning about crystallography, I discovered that there are no downloadable 3D models of the 48 basic crystallographic forms available online. The only ones I found could either be viewed in 3D view or downloaded individually, but a complete set of whole group was missing. This really frustrated me and I couldn't believe something like this wasn't available online. Wanting to print my own collection, I decided to create the models myself.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo avoid making everything manually, I first tried generating the models using AI-generated code. That plan failed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSo, I started looking for software that could help me create them. After a long search, I found the perfect tool for the job, one that works in a browser. It’s an amazing program that I learned to use through trial and error. After a few hours, I had successfully created all 48 basic forms. The program is called \u003cstrong\u003eSmorf\u003c\/strong\u003e, and here is the link: \u003ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer ugc\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smorf.nl\/draw.php\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.smorf.nl\/draw.php\u003c\/a\u003e. You’ll find that the author allows modification and commercialization of the downloaded models. I highly recommend trying it out yourself!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eI believe that these crystallographic forms should be freely available to anyone interested and easy to find. That’s why I’m sharing these files on three platforms: \u003cstrong\u003eMakerWorld, Thingiverse, and Printables. \u003c\/strong\u003eYou can find links to other sites in my bio.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI provide four groups of files:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUnmodified models\u003c\/strong\u003e – 48 basic crystallographic forms with improved topology.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModels optimized for 3D printing\u003c\/strong\u003e – Some files remain unchanged, while others (e.g., dipyramids) are split in half and include slots for connecting pins. Theirs names ends with „(halves)”.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e48 basic forms with thickened edges\u003c\/strong\u003e – I created this version to make the models more visually appealing and easier to label. These models are also optimized for printing, just like in point 2. Their names ends with \"bicolor\".\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdditional elements\u003c\/strong\u003e – Connecting pins with different tolerances and stands for few models.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eINFORMATION ABOUT THE MODELS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEnsure \u003cstrong\u003egood bed adhesion\u003c\/strong\u003e and avoid \u003cstrong\u003ewarping\u003c\/strong\u003e. Even a slight edge distortion can significantly affect the final look, especially for models printed in two parts. I recommend using \u003cstrong\u003ePETG filament\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003esmooth plate\u003c\/strong\u003e will give the best first-layer finish, but a \u003cstrong\u003etextured plate\u003c\/strong\u003e won’t interfere with model assembly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStands for Pedion and Pinacoid\u003c\/strong\u003e are designed so the models can simply slide into them.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStands for Dome and Sphenoid\u003c\/strong\u003e require \u003cstrong\u003einstant glue\u003c\/strong\u003e for attachment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf you can use a \u003cstrong\u003epin with the smallest tolerance\u003c\/strong\u003e, you probably won’t need glue. However, for larger tolerances, a few drops of \u003cstrong\u003einstant glue\u003c\/strong\u003e might be necessary.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e.3mf file\u003c\/strong\u003e containing bicolor models already has the edges painted.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eI’ve spent quite a lot of time on this (probably too much). I’d really appreciate \u003cstrong\u003econstructive or simply positive feedback\u003c\/strong\u003e. If you know any geologists who use 3D printers, feel free to share this with them!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you notice any errors, please let me know in the comments. I’ve checked everything multiple times, but I’m only human.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cboostme\u003e\u003cboosttitle\u003eBoost Me\u003c\/boosttitle\u003e\u003cboostcontent\u003eBoosting me you can help me getting some free filament\u003c\/boostcontent\u003e\u003c\/boostme\u003e\u003cp\u003eDesign by Mniam on MakerWorld (license: BY-SA).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mymadmanlab","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67368368210224,"sku":null,"price":124.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0987\/0809\/5280\/files\/0_e2f777ff-862c-423b-9061-7c85fae7bfaa.png?v=1784034290","url":"https:\/\/mymadmanlab.com\/products\/the-48-special-crystal-forms","provider":"Mymadmanlab.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}