Painter's Tetrahedron: Multi-Size, Optimized Design with Fusion360 File

If you've looked for a painter's pyramid before, you're probably aware of the variety of designs out there. I faced the same situation and, while many models had great features, none quite ticked all the boxes for me. That led me to create the Painter's Tetrahedron, which is based on the straightforward yet elegant form of a regular tetrahedron.

The symmetrical nature of the tetrahedron eliminates any worries about how you place it under the object you're painting; it just works. The height is also carefully calibrated so the object remains level during the painting process, helping to avoid any unevenness.

In designing this, I paid special attention to the geometry to help facilitate a smooth 3D printing process. The various chamfers aren't just there for aesthetics; they enable smoother movements for the printer, reducing artifacts. I also tried to balance material efficiency with the need for a sturdy build, to ensure it can handle the weight of heavier objects without using excessive material.

There are other projects out there that deserve mention for their excellent approaches to this challenge. Two that caught my eye were the Parametric Painters Triangles and the Paint Pyramid. Both projects came close to what I envisioned a painter’s pyramid should be, and I believe they deserve recognition for their contributions.

For those interested in making adjustments to the pyramid's dimensions, the provided Fusion360 source file is parametric. This allows you to tailor the pyramid to your specific needs with just a few modifications.

Printing the Pyramids

In the file section, you'll find a PrusaSlicer project named Print 4xLR2372-H050.3mf, complete with all the recommended settings for a smooth print. Feel free to use this as your starting point or consult the table below for specific parameters:

Dimensions

The filename format for the model files is LR2372-H<height>.3mf, where the <height> parameter specifies the pyramid's height in millimeters.

Fascinating Facts About Tetrahedrons

The tetrahedron holds a special place in the world of geometry as one of the five Platonic solids, a set of polyhedra that are highly symmetrical and have been studied since the time of Plato. Interestingly, a tetrahedron is unique among these solids because it is self-dual, meaning it can be transformed into its own dual shape. It has four equilateral triangle faces, six equal edges, and four vertices, making it the simplest of all the Platonic solids.

Its structural integrity has long fascinated architects and engineers. Buckminster Fuller, the American architect and inventor, even modeled his famous geodesic domes after tetrahedral principles. In the molecular world, the tetrahedral shape is essential in chemistry, especially in the formation of covalent bonds in molecules like methane. In three-dimensional space, a regular tetrahedron has the smallest surface area for a given volume, making it a study in efficiency—something I've tried to incorporate into the design of this painter's pyramid.

From ancient philosophy to modern science, the tetrahedron continues to captivate people with its elegance and utility, offering more than just a stable base for your painting projects. It's a timeless form that has been contemplated and utilized across various fields for millennia.

About the Fusion 360 Design

The Fusion 360 design allows you to easily customize the pyramid's height. A single parameter, aptly named "height," can be adjusted over a broad range—from 20mm up to 200mm or even more. While there are several other intermediate parameters you'll find in the design, not all of them are in use for this specific model. I kept them there in case you find them useful for any modifications.

Explore More from Meti·kumi

Interested in my designs? Browse through my collection of 3D models:

👉 https://metikumi.com/3d-models/

Stay connected on social media for the latest updates and work-in-progress insights:

👉 https://metikumi.com

Conclusion

Whether you've printed a set of pyramids or just downloaded the Fusion 360 file to explore its construction, I'm glad you found this project interesting. If these painter's tetrahedrons meet your needs, I'd appreciate it if you could upload photos of your prints and rate this project.

Happy printing!