Is it possible to print a chain ?

Discussion in 'My Work In Progress' started by TheWildGames, Dec 13, 2009.

  1. TheWildGames
    TheWildGames Member
    I would like to create a chain is it possible to print it ?
     
  2. frankbuss
    frankbuss Member
  3. TheWildGames
    TheWildGames Member
    Sweet ^^

    And is there a minimum space between rings to have a proper separation ?

    Does it change anything if it's printed in metal ?
     
  4. frankbuss
    frankbuss Member
    Take a look at the tutorials:

    https://www.shapeways.com/tutorials/

    and the "Designing mechanical parts" series at the end of the page. 0.6 mm should be ok for White, Strong & Flexible for the minimum space, but it depends on the form. I was lucky with my model with 0.5 mm clearance:

    https://www.shapeways.com/model/2258/

    I think for a chain even less space could work, because there is not as much contact area as with hinges. But if you don't need minimum space, use some safety margin, e.g. 2 mm.

    I don't know for metal, maybe it needs a bit more.