Braiding

The objects shown were created via OpenSCAD scripts which were generated by JavaScript .

http://kitwallace.co.uk/3d/braidmaker.html

This performs braiding of an NxM grid, with added holes, and provides output as SVG or OpenSCAD. For a complete grid, braiding creates gcd(N,M) separate links or ropes. Thus if N and M are relatively prime, braiding is done with a single rope, while a square grid NxN requires N ropes.

The OpenSCAD code generally works but sometimes encounters problems with intersecting polyhedra. I've printed the 2x2 braid ( the link L4a1 or Solomon's knot) on the Bristol Hackspace's Reprap with a large brim and support but failed with lack of base adhesion with larger versions. Suggestions welcome.

The SVG output can be useful for laser-cutting.

There is more about the algorithm in my blog http://kitwallace.tumblr.com/post/167911772809/generating-braids-with-javascript