adjustable 3D printed fabric/armour with high strength improved flexibility

thingiverse

For those of you who like easy printing and snap together, this mesh is not for you... The one at this link is https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3164774 This version is pretty amazing stuff, however it's a bit slow and tedious to assemble. So I've drawn a version that prints assembled and is still a hex mesh. These two are compatible (8mm balls). The snap together isn't (9mm balls). https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3149980 The root idea I first posted here, https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3112944 it got such a positive response that I thought I should update it for all you 3d printing enthusiasts. I notice that lots of people are downloading it, but not so many are “liking” it? If there’s something I can do, or question I can answer to make it more likealble for you, please let me know. There's quite a bit more to come from this design, so follow me if you want to keep up to date. Is anyone interested in a link to my fusion modeling file? This mesh is strong,and flexible, and very interestingly, it's an adjustable mesh! So if you want a bulge, for a boob, or whatever, no problem, just adjust the length of the rods and you have created a non-flat surface. The hole in the centre is for snap in components I have yet to design! (or you have yet to design). The idea is that this mesh could be a carrier for some scale mail, or spikes, or flowers, or.... I'm pleased with the system, and I think anyone can put it together. Getting a batch of small threaded rod is a pain, but you can order nylon threaded rod which would help keep the weight down. A useful trick is that the hole through the centre can be used clamp through with a bolt. This allows for faster assembly, and keeps the pieces tight together while the glue dries. In my head I'm about 3 iterations beyond what you see here, but I don't have much time for this project. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1UVltLlFgU