Close



Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 16
  1. #1

    Is it possible to 3d print a chain-like structure?

    This is something I have been wondering for some time. Is it possible to 3D print a chain (linked chain) on a 3D printer? I just can't see how it would be feasible without having the links stick to each other. Has anyone done this? If so, what do you do so that the links aren't fused together?

  2. #2
    Student
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    Dallas
    Posts
    25
    I have seen chain mail type stuff and a new chain with hearts on thingiverse

  3. #3
    Super Moderator JohnA136's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    Jersey Shore
    Posts
    551
    My son made this chain like belt on our Replicator XL and it came out real good.

  4. #4
    Quote Originally Posted by JohnA136 View Post
    My son made this chain like belt on our Replicator XL and it came out real good.

    How does that work? I would think the PLA/ABS would stick together. Perhaps it's not a "real" chain? Those pieces must not be independent of each other, correct?

  5. #5
    Super Moderator JohnA136's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    Jersey Shore
    Posts
    551
    They are independent, it is a flexible belt. You can grab any link and have it swivel on it's pin. It is all just a bit of 3D magic! Like printing the ball in the box or the dancing snowman.

  6. #6
    Banned
    Join Date
    Sep 2013
    Posts
    159
    How doesn't it stick? Are they using some other washable substance too? They can't on a makerbot though, right. What am I missing? Each link would need to connect somehow while being printer correct?

  7. #7
    Engineer-in-Training MysteryAlabaster's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    New Jersey, USA
    Posts
    337
    Follow MysteryAlabaster On Twitter
    Quote Originally Posted by Maggie View Post
    How doesn't it stick? Are they using some other washable substance too? They can't on a makerbot though, right. What am I missing? Each link would need to connect somehow while being printer correct?
    Actually, when you buy a new Makerbot one of the pre-loaded designs on the SD chip they give you is a chain link. It's actually really easy to do, there are tons of examples on Thingiverse.

  8. #8
    Super Moderator JohnA136's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    Jersey Shore
    Posts
    551
    Nope, they do not necessarily have to touch while printing. The magic is that each piece can just attach itself to the build platform and is printed as if it were a single picec, since it is layer by layer, they can become intertwined. Once you do one, you will see how it all works.

  9. #9
    Technologist Kingoddball's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    Syd - Aust
    Posts
    193
    Wow! Hey John, Do you have an STL for that? I'd like to try out that on my printer... Crazy!

  10. #10
    Super Moderator JohnA136's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    Jersey Shore
    Posts
    551

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •