Custom Links - Specially sized links - each link in named for it's length in mm.
Custom Plate - Raises the mechanism off the build surface and positions the two locked points required for the system to move correctly.
Printing
Before committing to a long print with lots tiny parts, print only a couple test links and pins to make sure you get a good fit.
Print all the links with at least 3 perimeters, so the outer wall and the inner wall of each hole merge into a single stronger frame.
Print all links, bases, and plates at 100% scale. If the parts don’t quite fit, resize just the pins to fit everything else.
For a smoother pin wall, manually place your print seam on the inner pin wall.
If you have any adhesion issues, add a brim.
Don’t rush the print speed.
Look out for elephant's foot. Any extra squish on the bottom of a link will stop parts from fitting.
Assembly
Place links according to the photos below.
You may want to add M4 bolts and bolt caps where possible to make connections stronger.
Carefully note link sizes when printing. Some links have very similar sizes. The mechanism will still work if some linkages are mixed, but it will not move optimally.
Linkages must be placed with different elevations to avoid collisions. This print used a spacer at the tip of the foot so that the strandbeast leg could rest flat on the base.
Note the use of the white bolt caps to secure linkages from below. The main anchoring pin in inserted below the plate to avoid collisions.
Can I sell copies of this?
Sorry, no. This model is under a non-commercial license because it is based directly on existing work by Theo Jansen.
3D Printy
