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Look, the Thing of the Week is meant to highlight models we find impressive for a variety of reasons. Due to aesthetics, functionality, a bit of both, or maybe because the editor in charge really needs something and it fits the bill, the designs vary quite a bit.

And the Balloon dog, inspired by Jeff Koons’ sculptures, is no exception.

While we’ve had a couple of debates at All3DP on the Thing of the Week – who is it for? Will readers really want to print it? Why is it a Thing of the Week? – there were no questions about this particular design. In fact, with each print with a different filament, someone new came up to ask for a specific take on it. It might be “just” for decoration, but with the right filament, it can spark joy. Especially if you’re a dog person. (Sorry cat lovers, this Thing of the Week isn’t for you!)

Printing Tips

Image of: — Not all prints came out perfect from the get-go (Source: All3DP)

As you can see from the article’s lead image, we got carried away printing the design. How could we not? Yes, we had a bit of trial-and-error trying to get the best print settings, but also… we had a few multicolor PLAs from Flashforge that wowed us.

For the settings themselves, be warned that tree supports are way too snug, especially in the smaller crevices, and they led to serious issues when removing them. Yes, some makers point out that having a different material (e.g. PETG) is better, but I was working first on Creality’s K1 and then on Bambu Lab’s P1P, neither of which had a multicolor setup at the time.

In addition to standard supports being used, layer height was set at 0.2 mm for the first couple of models (the smaller ones) and was then changed to 0.12 mm for the bigger ones (scaled up to 115% and 150%). Plus, ironing was enabled on Bambu Studio, and the seam was moved to the back. Yes, we know that there are a few defects from the supports under the dog’s belly and chin, but you know what? The design is so cool and the filaments are so dazzling, we’re not caught up on that. (And if you’re going for silk or shiny PLA or PETG, keep in mind that sanding will definitely bring more problems than solutions.)

As for the materials, because we really want to give credit where credit’s due (and you might be wondering which colors they are so you can get them yourself), the smaller dogs were printed in HS PLA Multicolor Abyssal Red and Silk Dual-Color Fusion Blue-Rose, while the larger ones are HS PLA Burnt Titanium and Silk Dual-Color Fusion Gold-Rose and Fusion Blue-Green. The biggest pup is Silk Rainbow. All of these are Flashforge, none of these are paid advertising – we received them, used them, and loved them; simple as that.

Who’s the Creator?

Bassam Kurdali designed a balloon dog, as commissioned by Rhea Myers, and AndreoBTW remixed it to be more reminiscent of Jeff Koons’ artwork.

AndreoBTW’s designs (12 at time of writing) combine functionality with pop culture, as can be seen in the Golden Snitch Ring Box remix and Gomu Gomu candy bowl. To support him, you can follow him on Instagram and MakerWorld, and you can also check out his Linktree.