Printable View
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?
I have seen chain mail type stuff and a new chain with hearts on thingiverse
My son made this chain like belt on our Replicator XL and it came out real good. https://thingiverse-production.s3.am...w_featured.jpg
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnA136
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?
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.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Maggie
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.
Wow! Hey John, Do you have an STL for that? I'd like to try out that on my printer... Crazy!
Here it is! Enjoy! http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:33911
Thanks John, I'm going to try it this weekend. I will post a picture if it comes out ok lol.
Thanks for the stl link!
Here is a good example I just saw on Thingiverse
http://thingiverse-production.s3.ama...w_featured.jpg
As you can see, it's a real chain.
Well, it also depends on whether you are using a home desktop plastic extrusion type printer or a big expensive selective laser sintering printer (SLS). A home printer has to have more space between the parts to prevent them from fusing together.
For example, on the high end SLS printers that use a nylon powder, you can have very intricate moving parts and fully working chains, gear systems, rotating tires, etc. etc. with only 0.5mm between pieces required for them to not fuse together. Yes, that's HALF of a millimeter of clearance is all that's needed, so tiny intricate fully moving creations are possible, as well as elaborate puzzle boxes and intricate chainmail are even possible. And there is no assembly required. The item is just removed from the powder, cleaned, and then all the moving parts will be freely moving right out of the printer!
I cant post a link but it's thing:3270948 on thingiverse ;)
Print in place is a technique of providing sufficient clearance for the printer not to bond to previous or neighboring layers.
Chains and chain-like objects are all over Thingiverse. Were you looking for something specific or just curious about PIP (print in place) "technology"?
Personally I like the Thingiverse "Fish Fossilz" for getting the idea across to people by making them gifts. Very simple print of an articulating PIP widget.