DNA/RNA Building Toy Set with Improved Joints

myminifactory

Remixed from the original design by chemteacher628 with improved design feature to allow for better joint connection, fitting, and easier 3D printing, this DNA/RNA building set allows students to learn about DNA and RNA through playing with the toy blocks. This remix is designed by Ana Wallis (PhD student from the Nieduszynski lab, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology) and myself to offer outreach activities for local schools, supported by St. John’s College, University of Oxford. The design was inspired by chemteacher628. With the new joint, the blocks can now be snapped from the side. The built-in tension of the joint allows for a generous tolerance needed for most desktop 3D printers. The chamfer of the edges (only at the joints) compensates for the ‘elephant foot problem’ that often decrease tolerances, making it much harder to fit pieces together. In addition, it also allows for a smoother fitting from both sides.