Ten Minimal Surfaces for Remixing

Minimal surfaces are mathematically intriguing and aesthetically beautiful. Unfortunately, they are also difficult to make. This collection of ten minimal surfaces can be remixed to make your own projects and designs.

If you use these files, please link back to this page so that others can make use of them too.

A minimal surface is a surface that is locally area-minimizing, that is, a small piece has the smallest possible area for a surface spanning the boundary of that piece. Soap films are minimal surfaces. Here is a good starting point for learning about some of the surfaces included in this collection: http://facstaff.susqu.edu/brakke/evolver/examples/periodic/periodic.html

For each minimal surface, files are included for a 100mm x 100mm x 100mm cube as well as for the unit cell. Note that these files are surfaces only and cannot be printed as is. You will need to import them into a program such a Meshmixer to thicken, pattern, or modify as you like.

The pictures above are three sample files of the Fischer-Koch C(Y), Fischer-Koch S and Schoen’s I-WP unit cells thickened to 2.4mm.

The following surfaces are included:

Schwarz’ P, Schwarz’ D, Schoen’s Gyroid, Schoen's Batwing, Fischer-Koch S, Schwarz’ CLP, Schoen’s I-WP, Schoen’s F-RD, Schoen’s F-RD(r), and Fischer-Koch C(Y)

See here for egg shaped slices of each surface: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4789144

See https://www.thingiverse.com/lionswansky/designs for another great selection of TPMS.

Additional surfaces will be added over time, check back again. Please feel free to message me with requests for additional surfaces.