Prints (0)

Description

The 3D-Zipper is an original mechanical design that interlock two unstable chains into a rigid load bearing L-shaped structure.  A regular zipper connects two elements on the same plane (in 2D), this gizmo connects two elements perpendicular to each other. 

The concept has been developed as part of a larger project called ZBeam. ZBeam aims to create self-reconfiguring modular elements for space habitats using 3D-Zipper as a core element. To learn more about ZBeam, visit it's Hackaday.io project page: https://hackaday.io/project/25...

Here is a video showing the usage of the 3D-Zipper concept in that project: 

Assembly and printing Beside the printed parts you will need four M3x12 screws to attach the rollers. The chain links require a well calibrated printer with decent tolerances. I have successfully used both my Prusa i3 MK2 and Printrbot Simple Metal. For the links I used 60% infill and 0.1mm layer height. The other parts will do with at 30% infill and 0.2 mm layer height.

Design Files

File Size

Bottom.stl
321 KB
SingleLinkA.stl
467 KB
SingleLinkB.stl
639 KB
Slider.stl
508 KB
SmallRoller.stl
1.08 MB
BigRoller.stl
1.1 MB
ChainedLinksA.stl
2.28 MB
ChainedLinksB.stl
3.12 MB

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