Solubility of an Ionic Compound (NaCl) Model

This model is designed to show how ionic compounds such as sodium chloride dissolve in water. The sodium (orange) ions, chlorine (green) ions, and water molecules are all to scale. The bulk crystal is face centered cubic. Separate ions can be printed and placed on top of the molecule in the same repeating structure. Using the included water molecules, the process of dissolving an ionic compound can be shown by removing the individual ions.

Files are included to print the model on dual extruder printers (recommended) and single extruder printers. For a single extruder, the individual ions that are placed on top of the model can still be printed in separate colors.

**Some of the sodium ions on the edge of the crystal may fall off when removing supports from the model. (If I move them farther into the chlorine it just looks weird).

Print Settings

Printer:

Flash forge Creator Pro

Rafts:

Yes

Yes

Resolution:

0.2mm or higher

15%