October 20, 2025
Description
Just a little flexible hexagonal “JWST” ornament/patch/bauble/fidget/coaster piece I accidentally made while test printing swatches for another entry to the “Printed Fabric” contest: https://www.printables.com/model/1452441-flexihex-bowl
This specific shape was honestly completely unplanned, so I would LOVE to see what kind of uses/applications you can come up with. Post those makes!
EDIT: I have added 4 new versions with smooth edges, 2 of them with a “key-ring” hole. They should be a lot nicer for fidgeting etc. and look more "finished" as coasters etc.
Printing:
I have only tested PLA, but any rigid filament with high enough detail quality should work. TPU might work, but kinda defeats the whole purpose of the design. Golden filament of course, if you have it!
Nozzle: 0.4mm
Layer height: 0.15. (I also used "Variable layer height" tool in Prusaslicer, with Adaptive at 0.5)
Top/Bottom fill pattern: Concentric.
Avoid crossing perimeters: On.
Infill: ~15%
Perimeters: 2
Support: No.
Brim: No.
I have added .3mf files for everything that includes all these settings.
Assembly:
The pattern is deliberately rather rigid. But the more you flex it, the looser it will become. If you plan to use it like an ornament and have the pattern remain in the parabolic shape of the real thing, I recommend you don't flex it too much. You can be rather rough with it, but after a certain point it will become more "cloth-like" and not retain its shape under its own weight.
I left the eyelets of the sides exposed so you can run a thread/string/wire/whatever through it for whatever purposes/mounting you prefer. I didn't have anything other than sewing thread, but something thicker and potentially pose-able would have been ideal. I suppose you could also sew it onto something like a patch. EDIT: I have also added 4 new versions without the eyelets on the sides.
License:
Creative Commons — Attribution — Noncommercial — Share Alike