Spiralized octet truss modular snap struts 3D for print
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See here for video of some basic shapes and structures: https://youtu.be/ifpAeNatWeI
See here for stable download: https://social.thangs.com/m/74913
The “octet truss” is a geometric pattern used in architecture and structural engineering in the design of lightweight, rigid space frames used to span large areas or fill large spaces. It is known for being strong, rigid, and lightweight.
The 3D printing technique known as “spiralized printing” or “vase mode” is faster and uses relatively less material than other slicing techniques.
This design combines the geometry of the octet truss with a shape that is optimized for spiralized printing. In “Spiralized Mode,” a single piece will print in 20 min at regular speed and use less than 4g of material. In comparison, printing a single piece in regular non-spiralized settings takes approximately 35min and 12g of material.
The octet truss is composed of tetrahedrons and octahedrons with twelve struts joining at each vertex. The pattern is quite instinctive once you start playing with the pieces, so you do not need to understand the geometry to build with this design. This lattice structure can continue infinitely to take on whatever structural shape you would like to create.
The pieces to require some force and a bit of practice to snap together. They are held in place by the flexible nature of the spiralized print. Assembled pieces are actually quite strong on their own, but you can add glue for a stronger and more permanent structure.
The strut dimensions will allow for multiple “one at a time” prints in spiralize mode. This takes a bit more time to set up but allows for up to 12 prints on a 220mm x 220mm print bed. It is also fun to watch!
There are two “end caps” and a “patch piece” to use depending on what orientation of the struts define the outer boundary of your end form. Ends caps and the patch piece are printed in standard settings, NOT spiralized!
The “Half Cap” is used in combination with two “Patch Pieces” to create a flat surface where five struts come together. The “Quarter Cap” is to create a flat surface on an incomplete vertex where eight struts come together. Different combinations of caps and patches can be used to cap off a variety of surface and edge requirements. This sounds complicated, but the best way to figure it out is just to start playing with the pieces!
Stay tuned for an instructional video on the use of the caps and patches.
The struts are designed to print with a 0.8mm nozzle. They will print with a smaller nozzle but may not be as strong. Here are recommendations for printing in Cura:
Turn off bottom layer by setting “Top/Bottom Thickness” to 0mm
Adding a “skirt” is a good idea
In “Special Modes,” check “Spiralize Outer Contour.”
To print multiple copies in one print, go to “Special Modes” and change “Print Sequence” to “One at a time”. If you choose this option, you will need to pay special attention to placing the objects on the print bed in such a way that the print head and gantry do not collide with the finished prints. The files is sized to allow 12 “one at a time” prints on a 220mm x 220mm Ultimaker 2+ print bed.
Stay tuned for more projects based on this design!
Designer
DaveMakesStuff3d model description
This snap-together modular strut system can be used to create large scale 3D printed objects with minimal time and material. Chairs? Tables? Bridges? ...How big will you go?!See here for video of some basic shapes and structures: https://youtu.be/ifpAeNatWeI
See here for stable download: https://social.thangs.com/m/74913
The “octet truss” is a geometric pattern used in architecture and structural engineering in the design of lightweight, rigid space frames used to span large areas or fill large spaces. It is known for being strong, rigid, and lightweight.
The 3D printing technique known as “spiralized printing” or “vase mode” is faster and uses relatively less material than other slicing techniques.
This design combines the geometry of the octet truss with a shape that is optimized for spiralized printing. In “Spiralized Mode,” a single piece will print in 20 min at regular speed and use less than 4g of material. In comparison, printing a single piece in regular non-spiralized settings takes approximately 35min and 12g of material.
The octet truss is composed of tetrahedrons and octahedrons with twelve struts joining at each vertex. The pattern is quite instinctive once you start playing with the pieces, so you do not need to understand the geometry to build with this design. This lattice structure can continue infinitely to take on whatever structural shape you would like to create.
The pieces to require some force and a bit of practice to snap together. They are held in place by the flexible nature of the spiralized print. Assembled pieces are actually quite strong on their own, but you can add glue for a stronger and more permanent structure.
The strut dimensions will allow for multiple “one at a time” prints in spiralize mode. This takes a bit more time to set up but allows for up to 12 prints on a 220mm x 220mm print bed. It is also fun to watch!
There are two “end caps” and a “patch piece” to use depending on what orientation of the struts define the outer boundary of your end form. Ends caps and the patch piece are printed in standard settings, NOT spiralized!
The “Half Cap” is used in combination with two “Patch Pieces” to create a flat surface where five struts come together. The “Quarter Cap” is to create a flat surface on an incomplete vertex where eight struts come together. Different combinations of caps and patches can be used to cap off a variety of surface and edge requirements. This sounds complicated, but the best way to figure it out is just to start playing with the pieces!
Stay tuned for an instructional video on the use of the caps and patches.
The struts are designed to print with a 0.8mm nozzle. They will print with a smaller nozzle but may not be as strong. Here are recommendations for printing in Cura:
Turn off bottom layer by setting “Top/Bottom Thickness” to 0mm
Adding a “skirt” is a good idea
In “Special Modes,” check “Spiralize Outer Contour.”
To print multiple copies in one print, go to “Special Modes” and change “Print Sequence” to “One at a time”. If you choose this option, you will need to pay special attention to placing the objects on the print bed in such a way that the print head and gantry do not collide with the finished prints. The files is sized to allow 12 “one at a time” prints on a 220mm x 220mm Ultimaker 2+ print bed.
Stay tuned for more projects based on this design!
