Chains and Meshes

thingiverse

The simple undulating link created by the function function f(t,h=height) = [ cos(t), sin(t), h x sin(2*t)]; can be connected in a matrix to form a chain or mesh. The OpenSCAD code previews quite quickly but rendering is slow because each link added has to be checked for intersection with all the others, leading an O(N^2) performance. Most chains I've seen use flat links but this curved link allows a flatter and uniform mesh because the link works bidirectionally. Some chain mail uses a form of this link, but OpenSCAD allows the shape of the link and its orientation to be parameterised. To make the mesh more printable, subtract a base positioned below the links to flatten the feet of each link.