CubeFlux Vase - Twisted Cubic Monolith

CubeFlux transforms a stack of simple cubes into a continuous architectural vase. Twelve rounded-square tiers expand from narrow shadow joints, rotate in precise eight-degree steps, and move subtly around the centerline. From the base to the rim, the square profile turns almost 90 degrees.

The stepped silhouette changes dramatically with the viewing angle. One side reads as a clean geometric tower; another reveals a flowing diagonal fold created by the rotating corners. The result combines the weight of stacked stone with the motion of a digital voxel sculpture.

FEATURES

- Original twelve-tier cubic design
- Nearly 90-degree rotation from base to rim
- Recessed shadow joints between every level
- Rounded corners for a refined, printable finish
- One-piece construction with no assembly
- Approx. 129.9 × 130.5 × 192 mm
- Modeled 2.4 mm wall and 4.0 mm bottom
- Wide rounded-square foundation
- High-resolution closed manifold STL
- Blender source included

CubeFlux is not made from separate blocks. The tiers form one continuous hollow shell, so there are no loose parts, internal overlaps, or assembly seams.

Use normal printing mode with 0% infill and 4 perimeters. Do not enable Spiral/Vase mode: the wall and bottom are already modeled into the geometry.

The transitions were shaped so the rotation happens progressively through each tier instead of creating unsupported horizontal shelves. Digital slope analysis found no downward-facing surface steeper than 45 degrees above the base exclusion zone, so generated supports are not intended. Always inspect the sliced toolpath for your own layer width and scale.

Matte PLA gives CubeFlux an architectural concrete or ceramic appearance. Silk PLA emphasizes the diagonal highlights across the rotating corners. PETG is also suitable when improved moisture resistance is useful, but dry filament and controlled cooling are recommended.

Although the STL is geometrically watertight, an FDM print is not automatically watertight. Test the finished print before adding water, or use a removable insert or suitable interior sealant.

The supplied model has been digitally validated but has not yet been physically print-tested.

PRINT INSTRUCTIONS

Recommended setup

- Orientation: upright, exactly as supplied
- Nozzle: 0.4 mm
- Layer height: 0.20 mm; use 0.16 mm for finer shadow joints
- Line width: 0.42–0.46 mm
- Walls/perimeters: 4 recommended; 3 minimum
- Top solid layers: 4–5
- Bottom solid layers: 7–9
- Infill: 0%
- Supports: none intended
- Brim: optional 5–8 mm if bed adhesion is unreliable
- Outer-wall speed: 30–40 mm/s for the cleanest cubic edges
- First-layer speed: 15–25 mm/s
- Seam: align on one rear corner; avoid random seam placement
- Wall generator: Arachne/variable-width is recommended when available

The STL already contains a 2.4 mm wall and 4.0 mm bottom. Use normal printing mode. Do not enable Spiral/Vase mode.

Why the tiers print without shelves

Each level grows from a recessed joint through a long chamfer while its rotation is distributed through the full tier height. This avoids the flat undersides normally produced by simply stacking rotated cubes. Digital analysis detected no downward surface steeper than 45 degrees above the base exclusion zone.

PLA starting profile

- Nozzle: 205–220 °C; start at 215 °C
- Bed: 55–65 °C; start at 60 °C
- Part cooling: 80–100% after the first layers
- Overhang speed: 25–35 mm/s

Devil Design PET-G starting profile

- Nozzle: 230–240 °C; start at 235 °C and follow the spool range
- Bed: 70–80 °C; start at 75 °C
- Part cooling: 35–55% after the first layers
- Outer-wall speed: 30–38 mm/s
- Retraction: use the calibrated PET-G value for your printer
- Dry the filament if stringing, popping, or bubbles appear

Avoid excessive first-layer squish with PETG. Use a suitable release layer on print surfaces where PETG may bond too aggressively.

Scaling

The intended size is 100%. Scaling to 80% leaves the modeled wall at approximately 1.92 mm and is generally reasonable with a 0.4 mm nozzle. Inspect every tier in the slicer before aggressive downscaling.

Water use

A geometrically watertight STL does not guarantee a watertight FDM print. Test the finished vase over a sink and leave it on an absorbent surface for several hours. Additional perimeters, calibrated flow, PETG, a liner, or an interior sealant can improve water resistance.

This model has been digitally validated but has not yet been physically print-tested.

Licensed under the Standard Digital File License. Personal use only unless separate commercial permission is granted by the creator. For commercial licensing, contact the creator through the Printables profile.