Variable Twisted Torus

Once I realized that ChatGPT v4 could create basic shapes, ready to print, in STL, I started to push the envelope: an oblate spheroid, so I could see what the Earth was shaped like. Beyond basic shapes (cube, pyramid, skewed pyramid), it has difficulties creating STL files. But what it can do, for math-driven items, is create Python code that you can edit, adjust and run - and the Python program creates the STL that you can then print. It's pretty sweet!

At these sizes, there's not much difference between a sphere and an ablate spheroid. But it was a really good proof of concept, so I decided to ask what other fun, procedurally-generated shapes we could make together.

The plain torus was pretty cool, but not significantly more interesting than a basic shape like a cube. One step along and we have this variable-twisted torus. It's a lot more fun!

So basically, ChatGPT created the skeleton code in Python, I modified it to create this specific model, and it outputted the STL file, which I then printed and shared here!

You'll very likely need a raft/support of some sort for the bottom. When I tried to print the last model, it spaghetti'd out after ¼ of the way through the print job. If you want to risk it without support, that's on you. But yeah, I'd do the support thing.

I printed this one with a layer height of 0.2mm, and it's fine…but I think it would look much better at a 0.1mm layer height - due to all the curves - and possibly larger, as that will help hide the obvious layer lines. Plus, printing this in a darker filament, like black or whatever, will hide the layer lines due to the whole shadow/contrast science.

You will likely want to resize the object in your slicer to your liking.

Score one for the robots! (And humans too, because we collaborated!) 🤖

I realize not everyone has access to the paywalled ChatGPT v4, so if there are any shapes or experiments you'd like me to try, please let me know in the comments below.

AND, if you print this, please share a make. I love to see what folks are doing with these. And if you print it really big and put it on your head like a hat, please share it!