I printed a palm protection cap for a camping trowel. My aluminum trowel can be a bit rough on my palms, especially when digging in hard or rocky ground. This cap slips over the handle and protects my hands from the slightly sharp edges of the trowel.
Fortunately, I found a model specifically designed for the trowel I own. The original design (linked here) was intended to be printed with TPU, which provides more flexibility. Initially, I printed it in PLA using the original dimensions. However, the printed cap was too small to fit properly, likely because PLA is more rigid than TPU.
I then adjusted the scale based on measurements of both the trowel and the first printed prototype. In the second trial, I successfully produced a cap that fit the trowel well.
This was my first print in the lab and a great starting point for future 3D printing projects. The staff was very friendly and helpful throughout the process.
The printed cap on a camping trowel.