Magnetic Tensegrity Triangle

I thought I was done making Tensegrity models, but this makes #6!

This is a variation (or remix if I will) of one of my other tensegrity models I made, which you can also find here on Printables. Link below:

Triangle Tensegrity by Sanford Prime | Download free STL model | Printables.com

The video that accompanies the previous triangle tensegrity model, which this version heavily follows, gives an in-depth assembly procedure for the standard tensegrity base used on this model. I'll make a video on the particulars of this assembly in the future, be sure to follow!

*Edit - Video is done!

I found some strong magnets at Harbor Freight and was itching to use them. They are quite strong, kinda SCARY STRONG for how small they are! The magnets I used had a 0.315" diameter and are 0.077" thick. Here is a link to where I got them:

Rare Earth Magnets - Rare Earth Magnet Set, 10 Piece (harborfreight.com)

After I got the standard tensegrity triangle assembled and leveled to my liking, I went against my gut feeling and cut the center support string in the middle (everything quickly collapsed, deep sigh).

Then I installed the “magnet retainers” to the 10 lb fishing line using the “magnet mini pins” from the print files.

Once the distance between the adapters was correct (approximately 3/16", but distance may vary depending on magnets used) I firmly pushed the “magnet mini pins” in place with pliers to set the taper against the fishing line tightly, locking the retainer in position.

I then added a dab of Loctite Gel Control Super Glue to the backside of the magnet to make sure it doesn't EVER come loose, these magnets are strong & tiny so I didn't want to risk it… I use this glue for my pool cue tips and it's great stuff!

Exploded view of the pieces for reference:

I'm not going to lie, the spacing of the magnets is pretty touchy, it took me a few tries to get it right. Patience was running out and almost gave up, but then it happened, it worked! It is seriously too cool.

Something I would do differently next time would be to use ‘spider wire’ for the middle string. From my fishing experience this fishing line has ZERO stretch, I was running into some annoying elasticity issues with the monofilament line I used for the completed model in the pictures.

If you print this model, and fight the short term stress getting it to work like I did, Please post a Make. I'd really like to see it.

Thank you for checking it out!

To view the original Triangle Tensegrity video showing the base construction prior to the cut: