3D Printed Magnetic Tensegrity Model

A magnetic tensegrity model.

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Description

Continuing my "out from under my rock" journey with "tensegrity"...

This tensegrity model replaces the center chain I used in "3D Printed "Tensegrity" Model" with two neodymium magnets. The magnets provide enough force to support the barrel and reading glasses I used in the demonstration video for the center chain model.

As usual I probably forgot a file or two or who knows what else, so if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask as I do make plenty of mistakes.

Designed using Autodesk Fusion 360, sliced using Ultimaker Cura 4.6.1, and 3D printed in PLA on an Ultimaker 2+ Extended, an Ultimaker 3 Extended and an Ultimaker S5.

Materials and methods

Parts.

I purchased two 12.8mm diameter by 12.8mm long neodymium magnets at the local hobby shop.

I 3D printed one "Base.stl", three "Chain.stl", two "Holder, Magnet.stl", six "Pin.stl" and one "Top.stl" at .15mm layer height with 100% infill.

Assembly.

To assemble the model, I performed the following steps:

• Attached one "Chain.stl" to "Base.stl" using one "Pin.stl", then repeated the process with the remaining two chains and two more pins.
• Pressed the magnets into the two "Holder, Magnet.stl".
• Pressed one of the magnet holder assemblies into the base assembly.
• Threaded the second magnet holder assembly through the base assembly.
• Pressed "Top.stl" onto the second magnet holder assembly.
• Attached the free ends of the three chains to the top using the remaining three pins.

And that is how I 3D printed and assembled "3D Printed Magnetic Tensegrity Model".

I hope you enjoyed it!