Summary

This is a stylised articulated model of a generic bacteriophage. I took some liberties to make it easier to print and assemble, so it is not meant to be a totally accurate molecular representation of any particular structure.
No support material is needed except for the tail stalk, and this is already included in the stalk_supp file; just remove it after printing. There is also a version without support if you prefer.

Print Settings

Resolution:

0.1 mm

                    <br>                        <p class="detail-setting notes"><strong>Notes: </strong>                    </p><div><p>This model is designed to be printed in parts at full size (~18 cm/7'' from base to top when assembled) at 0.1 mm vertical resolution. Enable your slicer to detect thin walls as some of the thinner parts will go missing if you don't.<br>You will need six copies of both tail fibre parts, 5-10 copies of the tail sheath subunit, and one copy each of the remaining parts.</p></div>

Post-Printing

Remove support material from the tail stalk and clean up the other components if necessary. Slide parts A of the tail fibres (the 'legs') into the notches in base plate part B so that they catch on the inside of the dimples. Then connect tail fibre parts B to parts A by sliding into the notch on tail fibre parts A. This is quite a tight fit, so once the bulges on part B have caught in the holes in part A it helps if you just articulate the joint up and down a few times while pressing firmly on the sides of the joint with your fingers. This will clean up the joint and make it all fit together properly. Then, in this order, slide base plate part A (spikes first), base plate part B with assembled tail fibres (flat side first), tail sheath subunits, and the collar (spikes first) onto the stalk. The length of the tail can be adjusted to taste by choosing the appropriate number of tail sheath subunits. I think ten subunits looks best. Finally top it all off with the capsid. You may want to use some glue to hold the capsid in place.

Articulated phage model