HEXaTRiX SemiFlex Fabric, Customizable, Snap In Links - Update No. 1!

Be creative! Now You can assembly original design HEX ornaments. 😉

Update No. 1:

I added more models:

1. separate hexagon piece and link for version 0.3, so You can print a) easily segments in requested count; b) print hexagos upside down; c) print e.g. links easily with another settings like layer height 0,16mm
2. i added version 0.4 that is littlebit optimised (it's lower: 3mm instead of 4mm), links are lower and symetrical in Z axis

Version 0.4 is compatile with version 0.3 using links v0.4 or using links v0.3 that are upside down.

Some tips:

Print at first 1 test sample containing 1 hexagon and 4 embedded links and test clerances.

I found, that when is almost not possible to remove links from hexagon, then lowering flow by decreasing E steps for Extruder by 0,3(%) can solve this issue!

I printed it using 0,24mm First Layer and 0,2mm Next Layers, 2 Walls with about 0,65mm total width, 33% connected grid infill in 2 steps, 2 Bottom Layers and 3 Top Layers (1 Top Surface Skin Layer with Concentric Pattern made it better looking).

Version 0.4 i recommend print with 3W (aroud 1mm TW), especially links.

Be careful durig removing links from HEXagons, in some cases You can broke the “half cylinder” around link. So in this case You need to hold him by one finger and wiggle with link.

Connecting segments in case of firm connection between HeXaGons and Links should be better done by pushing HeXaGons agains flat surface or  e.g. ruller in hands. 

Those segments are a start / base of my future projects / designs, so keep updated. 😎

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At this time and version (v0.3) it's PROTOTYPE of design HEXagon "fabric" with capability to create or modify our own color fabric due to connection links.

This version is easy to print and with capability to easy create or modify custom “fabrics”.

It looks functional, but i need to confirm function by someone with very accurate 3D printer. Please, can someone do that? Thank You! 👍😀

During my tests / prints i found out, that using different filaments with same gcode can on printer without flow calibration cause different play / flex between links and hexagons.

In case of too loose links / connections i designed set of 6 different links for firmer connection. Another approach can be shrinking model (in X and Y axis) or print it larger in case of too firm segment / link connection.

When i will have confirmed functionality, then i can / will upload models with more hexagons / links for effective prints bigger “fabrics”.

!!! WARNING !!!

This model contain small pieces, so it is NOT suitable for small children (below 6 years of age)!