Wireframe dome connectors

thingiverse

Wireframe dome nuts. This will allow you to print hubs for geodesic domes with flexible vertrice . you will need a t least 6 long flexible and bendable wires (I used stainless steel spring wire). Start with a V1 dome (use 12x pentahub) then add as many Vs as you want with additional hexahubs. The picture here shows a 2V dome. it is advised to make a little Z-shaped hook at the end so the wire doesn't come out too easily. full circles link the hexagon nuts. I used thinner wire, you have to calculate the dimensions yourself. I didn't solder or glue or do anything to close the loops into circles. for what I use is it's OK, but I would definitely solder for tougher use. With the given bending plan, there is only one (well, actually two since you can flip it over) way to assemble the wires I made the first prototype free hand, it didn't look too great (plus it suffered a lot through the Babs-test) so I advise you take a wooden board and nail in the reference points. if possible, use straight wire (that hasn't been coiled) the wire I used was a little thin in my opinion ; the thing is fun, it gets very bouncy and you can even crumple it. A pretty decent dome website: http://desertdomes.com/domecalc.html please note that then lengths calculated here are based on STRAIGHT struts and therefore DO NOT MATCH the dimensions needed for the toy on the current page. Lengths for the V1 are based on solid angles ; rings for the V2 are circumferences, then for V3 onwards you will need to figure this out. If you have the formulas available, please let me know. Instructions find some wire, set parameters, start print, bend wires, start assemble, scratch head, start again, look satisfied.