Model originally uploaded to Thingiverse at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4949244.

Extruded fractal flake prototype.

A predecessor to the fractal flake vase I made some years ago. The basic shape and parametric model is almost the same: A variation of the Koch-curve with hexagons, which changes in rotation and fractal-depth along the extruded direction.

The geometry was created using Rhino3D and Grasshopper.

Extruded Fractal Flake

Model originally uploaded to Thingiverse at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4527305.

Originally this shape was designed as a lamp shade for a chandelier. It derives from a fractal 2D-shape similar to the Koch-curve (using hexagons instead). The 2D-shape is varied along the extrusion path in rotation, size and fractal-depth.

The file should be printed in spiral or vase mode, where only the outer shell is used. With a thickness of 0.4-0.6 mm there's a good compromise between stiffness and translucency.

The geometry was created using Rhino3D and Grasshopper.


Fractal Flake Vase

Model originally uploaded to Thingiverse at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4924524.

Twisted vase with strands.

An experiment on introducing stiffness into a thin wall structure by adding strands of filament on both sides of a shell. The shell itself is a parametric modell, the strands are attached to specific points in a repeating manner. They're printed by extruding material "into the air". This technique is called bridging, because it doesn't make use of support structures. Each strand consist of two layers. This leads to a very stiff structure, which won't deform when squeezed. The diameter of the vase is about 90mm, the height ~200mm.

Geometry was created using Rhino/Grasshopper.

Twisted vase with strands

Model originally uploaded to Thingiverse at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4446316.

A small torture test for printing with soluble supports. The inside of the torus is hollow, but the holes on the surface are quite small. This geometry was created to see how well PVA dissolves in hard to reach cavities.

The print in the photo was made using PrimaSelect PVA+, which in general did dissolve, but left some fine strings inside the geometry and especially around the holes.

Twisted Torus (soluble supports torture test)

Model originally uploaded to Thingiverse at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4404259.

This feet attaches to the Prusa i3 MK3 (or similar 3030 extrusion profiles). It holds a regular squash ball and lowers the amount of vibration going into the ground. The shape resembles the overall design language of the Prusa printers.

Parts needed:
- M3x10 hex socket screw
- M3 T-Slot nut for 3030 profiles
- squash ball (d ~ 40 mm, double yellow)

Squash Ball Feets for Prusa i3 MK3 (3030 profile)

Model originally uploaded to Thingiverse at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4641906.

Polygons with 3d-printed strands as mechanical reinforcements.

To introduce stiffness to a polygonal frame multiple triangles are inscribed into the shape, changing rotation with z-height. The triangles themselves are strands of filament extruded into the air. This technique is called bridging, because it doesn't make use of support structures (eventually the different triangles may touch each other). Each strand consist of two layers.

The diameter of all three polygons - pentagon, hexagon and heptagon - is approximately 10cm. The rotation of the triangle is bound to 1/3 of the length of the polygon outline, not to an angle. Therefore this principle is adaptive to the applied shape and every curve point is connected to exactly two strands. The result has a relative high stiffness compared to the amount of material used.

Geometry was created using Rhino/Grasshopper.

Stiffened Polygons

Model originally uploaded to Thingiverse at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4687220.

Why not having some math fun while baking for christmas :) It's actually possible to create your own cookie cutters with 3D-printing! So I tried to recreate the Penrose tiling, which is an aperiodic tiling of a plane (there is no translational symmetry). It's quite easy to start with, because the tiling is just based on two different rhombuses with equal side lengths. Only the angles are different (1. 36°/144°/36°/144° and 2. 72°/108°/72°/108°). The basic shapes are simply drawn in Rhino and a GH-Script adds the final geometry (thickness, fillets, etc.). Other shapes could use the same script.

To emphasize the pattern I did them in different flavours (the dark ones are cocoa) and put the tiling together. Saves space too :)

Disclaimer: Please note that most printing materials and printing processes are not considered foodsave. Depending on the plastic type you also shouldn't put the cutters into your dishwasher.

Penrose tiling cookie cutters

Model originally uploaded to Thingiverse at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4545744.

A simple coaster (d~100mm) made from the notorious voronoi-pattern. The pattern helps with flexibilty, so cups or glasses won't wobble. Modelled as a demonstrator for flex-materials (Grasshopper/Rhino).

Voronoi Coaster

Model originally uploaded to Thingiverse at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4431240.

The bracket holds a GX16 plug (16 mm hole), which can be used to quickly disconnect and unmount the MMU2S from the printer. It attaches to the Prusa i3 MK3S frame directly. There should be 4 M3 tapped holes above the controller box, the 3 lower ones of them are needed. The shape resembles the overall design language of the Prusa printers.

Please note that soldering and basic electrical understanding is required to attach the plug/socket to the MMU2s. Connecting and disconnecting the MMU2S should only happen when the printer is turned off.

Parts needed:

- 3x M3x8 hex socket screw
- 1x GX16 plug & socket (d=16mm, 8 pin for the MMU2S)



Prusa i3 MK3S/MMU2S GX16 Connector/Holder

Model originally uploaded to Thingiverse at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4588794.

This PSU mount attaches directly to the 2020 extrusion profiles of the Creality CR-10. It holds the original PSU coming with the CR-10, if you want to convert the classic CR-10 into a boxless version (similar to the Ender 3). The mains voltage section of the PSU is seperated from the output voltages and contains no screws/screwholes.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
THIS MOD IS ONLY RECOMMENDED FOR EXPERIENCED USERS! WORKING ON THE MAINS VOLTAGE SIDE OF THE POWER SUPPLY UNIT IS REQUIRED!

Parts needed:

- 5x M3x10 hex socket screw
- 5x M3 T-Slot nut for 2020 extrusion profiles
- 2x M3x6x5 threaded inserts (use of a soldering iron required)
- 2x original hex socket screw (mains supply socket)
- 3x original hex socket screw (PSU mounting screws)
- 1x original mains supply socket
- 1x original mains switch

PSU Mount for Creality CR-10

Model originally uploaded to Thingiverse at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4923704.

HyPar gridshell through active bending.

The geometry of the HyPar gridshell is generated by inscribed modulation of junction slots. The fabrication process produces flat PLA stripes. During assembly they have to be elastically bent in order to fit into place. Imperfections, the assembly process itself and the stored potential energy lead to torsion of the stripes. The result is a state of lower potential energy, where the inscribed geometry is restored partially.

At first the HyPar is modelled traditionally as ruled surface. The second step involves Kangaroo 3D (live physics engine inside Rhino & Grasshopper) to find a solution for the fabrication. Each strip is defined as a rod and all of the knots are fed into a co-planar group. The resulting system line of every strip is then used to generate the final individual geometries.

A small stand is included to keep the HyPar in shape. The size is ~17x17cm, but it can be scaled to any size. Note that the bending behaviour might change with the thickness of the stripes.

HyPar Gridshell

Model originally uploaded to Thingiverse at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4540970.

This display mount attaches directly to the 2020 extrusion profiles of the Creality CR-10. It holds the usual 12864-type LCD, if you want to convert the classic CR-10 into a boxless version.

Parts needed:

- 4x M3x10 hex socket screw
- 4x M3 T-Slot nut for 2020 extrusion profiles
- 4x M3x8 hex socket screw (you can use the original mounting screws)
- 4x M3x4x5 threaded inserts (use of a soldering iron required)



LCD Display Mount for Creality CR-10

Model originally uploaded to Thingiverse at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4740948.

Carabiner with compliant mechanism.

This carabiner has a spring-loaded gate, designed as a compliant mechanism. Hinge and spring are printed in place, so no assembly is needed. Therefore the whole model is just one continuous volume.

The carabiner is not designed to carry huge loads, rather it is a demonstrator for this kind of mechanisms. The strength of the spring could be adjusted by varying its thickness. The gap of the hinge (0.3 mm) requires a well calibrated extruder unit, otherwise there may not be enough clearance for movement.

PETG is recommended as material due to lower Young's modulus. PLA should also work, but might be not flexible enough.

Geometry was created using Rhino.



Carabiner with compliant mechanism

Activity related to collaborating with others on models

Likes, comments, and activity from your community

A roundup of models that we think you'll like

alecs_form