🧪 3D Printable Molecular Model Kit
 

Here’s a little project I made for teaching (or learning) basic molecular geometry using 3D-printed parts. It’s a modular kit that lets you build simple molecules using color-coded atoms and connectors. Great for science teachers, students, or just anyone who enjoys a hands-on way to understand chemistry.

🧩 What's included:

• Atoms (spheres):
  • Black – central atoms (like carbon)
  • Red – oxygen or atoms with two bonds
  • White – hydrogen or outer atoms
• Connectors:
  • Long rods – for general bonds
  • Short rods – for tight angles or double bonds

🔬 Molecules you can build (In pictures) :

• Methane (CH₄)
  One black center with four blue atoms around it – classic tetrahedral shape.
• Water (H₂O)
  One red atom with two blue ones attached – the iconic bent shape.

• Carbon Cycles

  
  You can mix and match to create more models, or print more parts to expand the set. I didn't have white PLA so I painted the Hydrogens atoms and the connectors. 

🖨️ Print details:

• Prints support-free on any FDM printer
• No glue needed – parts fit snugly
• I recommend PLA for the atoms and TPU for the connectors. I used Amazon Basic TPU 95A and it works great.
• I printed mine at 0.2 mm layer height, connector on flat side to prevent breaking.
• Different colors help identify atom types easily (but feel free to remix!)

Whether you're a teacher prepping for a class demo, a parent homeschooling your kids, or just into educational prints, this kit is a fun little way to make chemistry more tangible.

Let me know if you build something cool with it! 🔧💡

*Small Lab man not included in the files, it's just for the design of the picture.