Simple Tensegrity

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This is my deep dive into tensegrity models. I have a few more coming. Learned a lot, all in all I've created 5 models. I'll post them when I can here.

 

I find things like this fascinating. At first glance it defies gravity, you can't push a rope right? How are the strings holding this up? But, when you look at it closely the whole model becomes understandable. Tensional Integrity or Tensegrity is how this whole model is held together beyond initial belief.

 

The push pins work well if you're not a knot tie-er, like me. The pins are tapered and create a locking angle against the string (or 10 lb test fishing line like I used). I'm amazed at how well this worked at first assembly. The fishing line worked well, there is a little bit of elasticity to it and makes the assembly more forgiving. I would like to try spider-wire fishing line, it is braided and there is absolutely zero stretch, I think this would take a lot of the shakes out of this. But really the choice of string is yours, it could be dental floss.

 

Every part of this model is 3D printed except for the string, there aren't any screws. Although, in each of the tapered push pins there is a hole you could insert a screw into just in-case you get a pin stuck and need to adjust the length.

 

There are two files to the assembly. For this model, finished quantities are below:

Pin - Qty 4 - First Color Choice

Pin - Qty 4 - Second Color Choice

Arm - Qty 1 - First Color Choice

Arm - Qty 1 - Second Color Choice

 

There is a .3mf file included for the print file, you would need to print one time in a single color and a second time in another color to have all the parts you need.

 

A snip of 1.75mm filament for the initial string anchor is needed

 

(or you could use a toothpick or something if you are using a different size filament)

 

Check out the video on YouTube showing how everything goes together:

It's pretty neat. Download & Print it!

 

Thanks for checking it out!

 

Be sure to Like this model here and subscribe to the YouTube channel SanfordPrime for this and more models to come!