Configurable OpenSCAD Square Tubing Connector Generator

thingiverse

This is mostly a remix of http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:14061. I just streamlined the SCAD code a bit, and added options for all possible orthogonal permutations (up to 6 tubes per connector). Should be easily scalable, though I've only tested it on 1" aluminum tubing. Comes with a test finger option, so you can dial in your desired fit without wasting a lot of time and plastic. I will post links to things made with this SCAD file soon. WARNING: FOR LIGHT DUTY ONLY! The obvious use is for storage racks/shelving, but use some common sense with your load and application. The fingers will shear off if you overload them. Don't go building scaffolding or bookshelves with them. For photos of an actual thing built with these connectors, see http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1103635 Instructions Simply comment out or uncomment the finger variables to select the number and orientation of the tubing connections you want to render in OpenSCAD, then export your .stl for printing. I recommend printing a short test finger first to make sure the dimensions work with your tubing and print setup. Tweak as needed or desired. When test fitting, be sure to deburr your tubing carefully, or fit will seem tighter than it really is. I am printing at 0.2mm layer, 50% infill with good results. Higher infill would obviously be stronger. You will need support for any fingers in the x-y plane of your print bed. Be sure support is positioned under each vein in the finger surface facing your print bed, or you will wind up with twisted veins and possibly a ruined print (S3D gets this wrong without help). I print exclusively in ABS, so I can't comment on other materials. PLA seems like a bad idea for this application.