This tapered tube strut can be used for construction within an Isotropic Vector Matrix, a space-filling network of continuously alternating octahedra and tetrahedra.
The ends of the tube have rhomboid shaped podiums that together form the surface of a spherical rhombic dodecahedron.
Joining the surfaces adjacent to the obtuse angle will form the vertex of a tetrahedron. Joining the surfaces adjacent to the obtuse angle will form the vertex of an octahedron.
If you're looking for strength, print solid with appropriate infill. If you're going for aesthetics, print in spiralized mode with clear filament.
The model shown is printed spiralized with clear filament using a 0.4mm nozzle. On their own, the struts are quite fragile but once glued together become much stronger.
The pictures and video above show 36 struts built around a central node of a vector equilibrium. The outer struts form a cuboctahedron. The file for the end caps used to cover the incomplete nodes is also provided.
Video here: https://youtu.be/LhIqUb-dCvo
