PRINT CHALLENGE: Sierpiński Snowflake Fractal Pyramid - Level 6 (Vase Mode)

THIS IS A PRINTING CHALLENGE – WILL YOU ACCEPT? THE COMMUNITY AND I NEED YOUR HELP! (More information below.👇)

Endless Design Lab's Original Level Six Sierpiński Snowflake Fractal Pyramid adds yet another layer of mesmerizing recursion to this growing series, pushing fractal geometry further than ever before. Featuring six intricate levels of recursion, this model blends advanced geometric detail with stunning visual complexity.

I haven’t had the chance to print Level 6 yet—not because of its intricacy (it prints beautifully in vase mode!) or the time it takes (I’d happily spend a month printing this mathematical monstrosity). The issue is the size exceeds my printer's capacity! That’s where I need your help! If you have a large-format printer, I’d love to see your results and hear about your experience.

I’ve tried slicing this model with printer profiles for really large printers like the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max at max volume with a 0.4mm nozzle, and I couldn’t get it to work. I even tried slicing it with a 0.2mm nozzle on the Bambu Lab P1S, but that also didn’t work. Based on my attempts, I think your best shot will be printing it with a 0.2mm or 0.25mm nozzle on a large-scale printer like the Prusa XL, Neptune 4 Max, or something similar.

Update: If you have an Elegoo Neptune 4 Max and are feeling daring enough to take on this challenge, I’ve ed a 3MF file specifically for this printer. According to Orca Slicer, here’s what you’re looking at: a 0.2mm nozzle, a 0.1mm layer height, and an estimated print time of 11 days, 20 hours, and 11 minutes. The slicer also lists the filament usage as 232.43 meters (I’m not entirely sure this is accurate, as it oddly shows 0g for the weight, but that’s what the slicer reports).

If you’re feeling even more adventurous, I’ve also created an ultra-gnarly, towering version of this fractal pyramid! (Coming Soon) This version represents the fractal in its true and full form, complete with a seamlessly integrated base for display. It’s even taller and more challenging, with double the print time (or maybe more).

For now, I’ve ed the STL files for you to slice yourself, while my computer works on generating pre-sliced 3MF profiles. If you’ve got a faster computer or a specific printer in mind, feel free to try slicing the files yourself. Just make sure to follow the suggested print settings carefully for the best results.

Your photos and would not only be incredibly helpful to me but would also allow me to showcase this design and inspire the wider 3D printing community. I’d also love to see a timelapse of this print! Since this is a vase mode print, a "smooth" timelapse won’t work, but a traditional-style timelapse would still look amazing. If you’re able to record one, I’d be forever grateful—extra kudos if you use a high-quality camera!

Be the first in the world to print the Level 6 Sierpiński Snowflake Fractal Pyramid or its towering sibling and showcase your incredible results. I’m beyond excited to see who’s ready to take on this epic challenge and bring these fractals to life!

UPDATE - TOWER VERSION IS UP NOW - Here is the link:

https://cults3d.sitegames.net/en/3d-model/art/print-challenge-sierpinski-snowflake-fractal-tower-level-6-vase-mode

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License Information:

This model is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives (CC BY-NC-ND). You may share, copy, and redistribute this file for non-commercial purposes with proper attribution. However, you may not modify or create derivative works from this model. Selling this model, either digitally or as physical prints, is strictly prohibited.

Selling physical prints of my designs is only permitted if you are an active member of my Authorized Seller tier on Patreon.

Thank you for ing Endless Design Lab!

Stay tuned for more mind-bending designs coming soon.

For questions or business inquiries, reach out at [email protected]

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www.youtube.com/endlessdesignlab

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Want to be featured in my Community Spotlight? ⭐

Print one of my designs, tag me on social media with your photos, or leave a review with your photos, and there’s a good chance you’ll be featured! I’ll share your photos and include a link to your designs (if you have any) on Instagram, Facebook, and my YouTube Community page. Not to mention, it would truly brighten my day to see my work being printed and enjoyed by the community!

This model was created and optimized for FDM printers with vase mode enabled. For best results:

Use spiral vase mode WITHOUT the "smooth spiral" option checked in your slicer settings. If your slicer doesn’t have this option, just ensure Spiralize Outer Contour (or similarly named vase/spiral mode) is enabled.
Set your slice gap closing radius to 0. This ensures the slicer won’t close necessary gaps, critical for proper vase mode printing.
Printing Tip:
Enable the “Skirt” option in your slicer to maintain consistent nozzle pressure from the start. Without it, the first layer’s corners may appear deformed due to unprimed nozzle pressure.

While this may sound complex, slicing this model is simple as long as you follow the instructions. If you encounter any trouble, feel free to leave a comment—I’ll respond as soon as I can!

EXTRA SPECIAL THANKS to Nat

https://www.printables.com/@Nat_

Your work—especially the Spiral Vase Mode Sierpiński Pyramid—did more than just influence my designs. When I first saw it, I was so incredibly drawn to its intricate patterns, and that moment sparked my obsession with fractal geometry. Exploring this realm has reshaped the way I think about Art and Math and pushed me to keep learning, experimenting, and sharing. I’m truly grateful for your inspiration and the ion it ignited in me.

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