Open Daisy Tensegrity Build System 4.5.8
NOTE: This model has been superseded by Open Daisy Tensegrity Build System 5.2.22 here: tps://than.gs/m/1342122 Unless you need these files for backward compatibility, please use the new model.
Now you can build handsome tensegrity structures quickly and easily. This is the version that was on my hat at the 2025 LA Maker Faire. If you have tried to make a Tensegrity yourself you know that it can be a challenge to get a good looking structure with a reasonable effort. Assembly with this system is a breeze, so you can focus on learning the basic structures that are widely known, or start inventing your own!
I print the daisy on my Bambu X1C using the 0.28mm Extra Draft @BBLX1C profile, with random seam position and 6 walls loops for strength. I use the 0.20mm Strength @BBLX1C profile for the stoppers. The stopper split rings are quite small, so you do get a few random defective parts, but most of them are good.
This version works with 1/4" wooden dowels and 3mm (1/8") cord. I often use a combination of elastic and inelastic cord, but you can use all elastic cord.
Here is where I buy my cord and dowels. If you only need a few dowels you may find it more convenient to buy them at your local hardware or home improvement store. Inelastic cord (1/8 inch): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LCX5XQ3 Elastic cord (1/8 inch): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0084EFBEY
Dowels (¼ inch): https://woodpeckerscrafts.com/products/1-4-x-36-wooden-dowel
This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.

















Hi Bill and all others that have downloaded this model. There is a new version that I just uploaded that has been designed to accommodate a wider range of dowel diameters and should solve that problem for Bill. Please use the new 5.2.22 version here: https://than.gs/m/1342122
billdwp has started to assemble his model, and he noticed that the daisy hub is a loose fit on this 1/4" dowels. The hubs mostly fit well for me, but outlier skinny dowels are a loose fit. Please let me know how your dowels are fitting, I am thinking about ways to improve the range of dowel sizes that fit well.
Guy,
Well I printed my first batch of daisys and ends, and ordered the cords from Aliexpress, I wanted mixed colors and bought a bunch of colors in 10 meter lengths, hopefully that will be enough to start. I purchased elastic and nylon cord, it was a bit cheaper than Amazon, and I didn't want to buy 100' lengths of one color. lol Anyway, it will take a bit longer to receive but once I put the first ones together I'll send you a photo. Thank you again. Bill
Hi Bill, great to see that you are using the open daisy. I just posted the promised "introduction to open daisy" video on you tube (https://youtu.be/RO4BfOkpp_g), and there are some cord lengths in the description. It is on my to do list to get a table of cord lengths for various tensegrities. Please let me know how it goes and post a picture of your first tensegrity! (Apologies for the delayed response, it has been quiet here on thangs and I have not been checking back...)
Guy,
Thank you, this is what you had at the LA Maker Faire, what an elegant solution! Thank you for posting this, I'll follow up when I print my first batch. How exciting. Take care and thank you again.