…code, cg, electronics, 3d printing…

Hexagons are a great form to build with when it comes to 3d-printing: for FDM machines, like my Makerbot Replicator (1) that print layer by layer, overhangs past a certain angle don’t print well, or print at all.  While my machine can print overhangs less than 45 degrees, that is the rule of thumb when it comes to making 3d printable items that won’t require support:  Make sure all overhangs are 45 deg or greater.  And if you tip a hexagon on its point, then the angles it creates for overhangs are exactly 45 degrees and avoids any bridging:  Complex structure, no support needed.

With that in mind, I made a Python script in Maya that will turn polygonal quads into hexagons with the click of a button.  The below two “Hex Vases” are the first tests with it.  You can find more info + downloads on their Thingiverse pages here, and here.

I’m apparently into hexagons these days.  I did another hexagonal design in Maya, printed it out on my Replicator with black filament (to contrast the white print I did last post).  This one took twice as long (8 hours) as the previous print as well, I’m guessing it has roughly twice the volume.  Currently I have it setup in my art-space holding a LED lamp I made using my Ostrich Egg-Bot (describe in a previous post), see pic below.  You can download the .stl file over on Thingiverse and print one yourself!  A day after submitting, it was added as a “Featured Thing” on their homepage, quite an honor

It makes a fine necklace holder

Lamp holder

Holes are 2 1/4" apart