This unique shape forms complex 3D patterns. Put a bowl of these on your coffee table for your friends to ponder!
The pictures above show examples of how the pieces fit together to form patterns that tile 3D space. The first two pictures show two different configurations for tiling 3D space.
The end faces of the four joined tubes are congruent to the faces of the tetrahedrons and octahedrons in an isotropic vector matrix. The faces of the short tubes are congruent with the octahedron faces, while the longer tubes are congruent with the faces of the adjacent tetrahedrons.
The "Quad Tube Whole" file is provided for reference only and is not intended to be printed.
Print out two "Quad Tube half" and one "Quad Tube Connector" for each shape. Join the two "Quad Tube half" pieces together with the "Quad Tube Connector" to ensure proper alignment of the faces and secure with a dab of CA glue.
The holes accept 3mm x 3mm cylindrical magnets. It is a good to clean the holes out with a 1/8" drill bit to remove and burrs or imperfections prior to inserting the magnets. Polarity of the magnets should be opposite for the short and long ends of the tubes. Secure magnets with a dab of CA glue.
See here for video on one way that 24 pieces can fit together: https://youtu.be/9gYk9i9vArM
