With the Covid 19 pandemic, several new ideas continue to be produced for the needs that arise in daily life. One of them is the Soap Ring that came first in the competition organized by Wikifactory and Snapmaker to design the new normal in a fun and inventive way. The product designed by Sebastien Granotich allows people to wash their hands with a little water, even without a tap, by carrying soap with them all day long while away from home. Designed as a single piece, the ring can be produced easily and economically with a 3D printing machine.
A total of 75 projects participated in the competition seeking an answer to the question of how to secure the equipment we use in our activities with virus-resistant materials or processes. The simple, aesthetic and virus resistant soap ring came first in the competition, and Granotich was awarded the latest Snapmaker 2.0 A350 3D printing machine. Granotich started out with the idea that soap was hard to find, while you can get water from public fountains or bottled water on the street. So, he offers a solution to hand washing needs in the park or public space with “New Diamond”. In this way, thanks to the soap we carry on our fingers when we are outside; hand cleaning is safely provided if there is water, instead of looking for a toilet to wash hands.
The only thing required to print your own ring is the FDM 3D printing machine and PLA plastic
This project addresses everyone who likes to wear rings from young to old; and it is completely economic and easily portable; as well as easily produced in one piece with 3D printing without support. While the total cost of 3D printing varies according to the printer and the material used (PLA, ABS, HIPS, Nylon, etc.); the only thing required to print your own ring is the FDM 3D printing machine and PLA plastic. Anti-virus copper material is especially recommended in the production of the ring because it is safer. In the production process, firstly the design is downloaded, and the ring size is determined. The ring is then easily printed with a 3D printing machine and ready to use. At the same time, the colour of the plastic can be changed as desired; and can be combined with the colour of the soap.
It is just easy to achieve soap after 3D printing the ring. While it is possible to obtain soap in small and decorated pieces from craft soap producers; such products are also available in the market. In addition to these, as another option; it is possible to attain soap pieces of suitable size for the ring with our own means by using various accessories. In this way, the person can get pieces of soap in the colour and shape they want; according to her own desire and affix them on the ring. The project stands out with its low-cost, easy, and fast 3D printing; and easy portability features and has the potential to be improved on accessories such as; bracelets, necklaces and earrings with the same concept.