Spiralized Octet Truss Modular Snap Struts

See here for video of some basic shapes and structures: https://youtu.be/ifpAeNatWeI

See here for stable download: https://social.thangs.com/m/74913

The “octet truss” is a geometric pattern used in architecture and structural engineering in the design of lightweight, rigid space frames used to span large areas or fill large spaces. It is known for being strong, rigid, and lightweight.

The 3D printing technique known as “spiralized printing” or “vase mode” is faster and uses relatively less material than other slicing techniques.

This design combines the geometry of the octet truss with a shape that is optimized for spiralized printing. In “Spiralized Mode,” a single piece will print in 20 min at regular speed and use less than 4g of material. In comparison, printing a single piece in regular non-spiralized settings takes approximately 35min and 12g of material.

The octet truss is composed of tetrahedrons and octahedrons with twelve struts joining at each vertex. The pattern is quite instinctive once you start playing with the pieces, so you do not need to understand the geometry to build with this design. This lattice structure can continue infinitely to take on whatever structural shape you would like to create.

The pieces to require some force and a bit of practice to snap together. They are held in place by the flexible nature of the spiralized print. Assembled pieces are actually quite strong on their own, but you can add glue for a stronger and more permanent structure.

The strut dimensions will allow for multiple “one at a time” prints in spiralize mode. This takes a bit more time to set up but allows for up to 12 prints on a 220mm x 220mm print bed. It is also fun to watch!

There are two “end caps” and a “patch piece” to use depending on what orientation of the struts define the outer boundary of your end form. Ends caps and the patch piece are printed in standard settings, NOT spiralized!

The “Half Cap” is used in combination with two “Patch Pieces” to create a flat surface where five struts come together. The “Quarter Cap” is to create a flat surface on an incomplete vertex where eight struts come together. Different combinations of caps and patches can be used to cap off a variety of surface and edge requirements. This sounds complicated, but the best way to figure it out is just to start playing with the pieces!