H-HEX Ventilated pads for plate carriers

So, one hot weekend, I was playing airsoft, and my plate carrier got soaked in sweat.

 After the game, I started looking online for some kind of spacers to improve ventilation and stumbled upon the Qore IceVent.

 It looked like a brilliant product, but once I saw the price, I remembered that I own a 3D printer and several kilos of TPU filament.

 After half an hour of modeling and one revision, I’m proud to present my solution to the problem of a sweaty plate carrier. 

H-HEX is a system of TPU Velcro-backed pads for your plate carrier; it creates a gap between the gear and your body, ensuring maximum breathability. Plus, it saves you $100—provided you have a 3D printer and some TPU filament.

I only had TPU 98A on hand; if you have a softer TPU, definitely use that instead.

The models are printed with 100% infill and require no supports at all. If they come off the print bed with some stringing, hit them briefly with a lighter or a torch—the stringing will disappear, and your H-HEX pads will gain an even better finish and improved layer bonding.

THE SIDE WHERE THE VELCRO ATTACHES MUST FACE UPWARD. THIS IS MANDATORY. DON'T WORRY ABOUT SUPPORTS—I'VE MODELED THIS CAREFULLY, SO THERE WON'T BE ANY ISSUES. NO SUPPORTS ARE NEEDED!

The pads are designed for standard 25mm or 50mm Velcro strips, which you can attach using your preferred adhesive—or, even better, use self-adhesive Velcro.

 For the shoulder pads, try to find double-sided 1-inch Velcro for a cleaner look; whatever you do, don't use a stapler like I did!

 These models have proven to be so functional that in the near future you can expect helmet pads with the same general design.

Happy printing, and here’s to the end of sweaty plate carriers!