This is a parametric 3-way connector designed for modular structures built from rods or tubes.
Two arms lie in the XY plane with an adjustable angle, while the third arm goes in the Z direction, making this connector suitable for frames, tents, experimental structures, and educational builds.
The model is fully customizable in OpenSCAD, allowing you to adapt it to different rod diameters, angles, and strength requirements.
🔧 Key Features
- Adjustable XY angle between arms
- Parametric rod diameter, wall thickness, and clearance
- Optional reinforcing ribs for extra strength
- Optional flat bottom, optimized for strength, easier and cleaner printing
- Designed with printability and structural stability in mind
⚙️ Parameters Explained
Rod & Fit Parameters
These control how well the connector fits your rods or tubes.
- rod_diameter_mm
Diameter of the rod or tube you want to insert.
Example: 19.05 mm = standard 3/4" tube. - clearance_mm
Extra tolerance added to the inner channel for easier insertion.
Adjust to your printer. - wall_thickness_mm
Thickness of the connector walls.
Higher values = stronger connector, but more material and longer print time.
Angle Control
- angle_xy
Angle between the two arms in the XY plane.- 90° → classic right-angle connector
- 120–130° → cabin / prospector / tent-style structures
This is the main functional parameter of the model.
Strength & Print Options
- extra_strength (true / false)
Enables internal reinforcing ribs between arms.
Recommended for load-bearing or outdoor use. - flat_bottom (true / false)
Cuts the model to create a flat base and enforces a diagonal layer orientation through the connector, which improves structural strength compared to vertical layer stacking.
Advanced Geometry Controls (Optional)
These are already tuned, but exposed for advanced users:
- inset_length_in_units_of_rod_diameter
Controls how deep the rods are inserted into the connector.
Higher values improve grip and stability, but may make assembly more difficult. - length_factor
Slightly extends arm length to prevent rod/tube overlap and improve strength at smaller angles. - Rib parameters (rib_length, rib_thickness)
Automatically derived from overall size for proportional reinforcement.
🖨️ Printing Notes
- Designed to be printed without supports whenever possible. Supports may be required for angles above 90°, while brims are recommended for smaller angles.
- Works well in PLA, PETG, and ABS
- Flat bottom orientation is already optimized in the model
- For strength-critical applications, enable extra_strength
🧩 Use Cases
- Modular frames and structures
- Tent and pole systems
- Educational geometry and construction kits
- Prototyping and experimental builds
If you like modular functional and STEM projects, follow for upcoming models.
This connector is part of a growing modular connector system, designed to scale from simple frames to complex 3D constructions.
If you have a specific connector or configuration in mind, let me know — I’ve been developing this system largely based on community feedback.
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