Refine Existing 3D-Printed Measuring Spoon Prototype Anyone

I’m looking for an experienced CAD designer to refine an existing measuring spoon prototype. The product has already been designed and 3D printed, so **the goal is to improve the existing design rather than redesign the product from scratch.**

The product features a distinctive raised dragon-scale pattern on the body, a thumb-operated sliding mechanism, and a small locking mechanism. I want to preserve the current overall shape, proportions, and design identity while improving the following areas:

1. Refine the Dragon-Scale Relief
- Increase the visual and tactile definition of the overlapping scales so each scale is more clearly distinguishable.
- Preserve the existing scale shape and overall pattern while refining the height difference between adjacent scales.
- Ensure the raised pattern remains clean, consistent, and suitable for 3D printing.

2. Reduce the Slider’s Protrusion
- Make the thumb-operated slider sit closer to the body's outer surface so it looks more integrated into the design.
- Maintain sufficient clearance for smooth movement without interference from the surrounding scales.
- Explore localized adjustments to the scale height or a recessed slider pathway if necessary, while preserving the product's overall appearance.

3. Strengthen the Locking Mechanism
- Improve the durability of the locking nub and related features, which have shown weakness during repeated use.
- Maintain reliable engagement and retention while allowing the slider to operate smoothly.
- Ensure the updated geometry is practical for FDM 3D printing.

4. Reduce the Overall Diameter While Preserving Raised Scales
-The original prototype had an overall diameter of approximately **1.0 cm (10 mm)**. However, after the raised dragon-scale pattern was added, the maximum outside diameter increased to approximately **1.6 cm (16 mm)**.

My primary goal is to reduce the maximum outside diameter back to **1.0 cm (10 mm), measured across the outermost raised scales**, while preserving the distinctive layered, raised, and tactile appearance of the dragon-scale pattern.

The goal is not to simply scale down the entire model. Instead, please adjust the underlying body diameter and optimize the scale geometry as needed so that the raised scales fit within the 10 mm maximum diameter while remaining as visually defined and tactile as possible. Please preserve the existing scale pattern and overall product design wherever possible, avoiding flattening or removing the raised relief simply to meet the diameter requirement.

**Alternative if the 10 mm diameter compromises the scale design:**

If achieving the 10 mm maximum outside diameter would significantly compromise the appearance, definition, or tactile quality of the raised scales, please prioritize preserving the scale design rather than forcing the diameter reduction.

In that case, I would like to increase the **spoon bowl length from approximately 1.5 cm to 2.0 cm**. Please adjust the thumb slider length and travel accordingly so that it remains properly aligned with the spoon bowl in both its fully retracted and fully extended positions. The slider should continue to operate smoothly and provide the necessary travel to open and close the spoon bowl.

Please evaluate the impact of these changes on the overall proportions, slider clearance, locking mechanism, and structural integrity. The revised design must remain functional and suitable for FDM 3D printing.

**Priority:** Preserve the quality and definition of the raised scales first. Achieve the 10 mm maximum outside diameter if feasible without significantly compromising the scale design; otherwise, use the longer 2.0 cm spoon bowl and adjust the slider to match.

Project Requirements
- Work from my existing prototype files and preserve as much of the current design as possible.
- Prioritize functional improvements and manufacturability over unnecessary redesign.
- Provide editable CAD files along with export files suitable for 3D printing.
- Communicate the proposed changes and estimated time or cost before proceeding with substantial additional work.
I’m looking for someone with demonstrated experience in both **organic surface modeling, particularly raised or overlapping patterns on curved surfaces, and functional mechanical product design**.

Please share relevant portfolio examples and explain how you would approach these refinements to the existing model. read less