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Menger Sponge

A Maxwell render.

3D View

Shapeways Computer Generated Image

A classic fractal.

This model does not print perfectly. Shapeways will do their best, which is darn good, but the smallest holes must be cleared by hand, and it takes time.

Enjoy, but please read the comments below before ordering.

cm: 7.62 w x 7.62 d x 7.62 h

in: 3 w x 3 d x 3 h

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Comments

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Well, the guinea pig is reporting in. I found the model has the problem of remaining powder as Simon suggested it would. It will take quite a bit of time using needles (milliner's pins for the smallest holes, dollmaker's needles for the second smallest) to clear all the powder. Certainly the second smallest holes can be cleared in reasonably short order and I'm fairly confident I will get the job done in time and it is, if one is not in a hurry, a very relaxing activity while listening to the radio or something. That all said, WOW!!!! The material prints out crisply and even with most of the smallest holes still having powder it conveys the wonder of this amazing construct/concept. Illuminated by an LED flashlight in a darkened room it is stunning. So, I'd say, if you want something that is perfect out of the box, this model in this size is not for you. If you don't mind doing a good bit of powder removal, as am I, then I can say I am pleased (to say the least) with my purchase.

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2009-02-25 16:13:04 by Mike Traynor

Assuming this is the model downloadable off your web site I have made one at 100mm a side in SLS (White strong and flexible here) - I work at an SLS bureau and sometimes use these sculptures in machine testing. At that scale the model printed completely, although the smallest holes are a bit distorted where vertically oriented, however the powder did not completely clean off afterwards - due to the geometry, a lot of the smaller holes are blocked and would take a very long time to completely clear out. To get it to work I would probably want to build at about 150mm a side to make the holes larger and hence easier to unblock. If you want a fractal the triangular version which can be found at George Hart's web site is easier to build, if a little fragile when completed. Simon

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2009-01-15 09:15:03 by Simon.Bubb

If I'm not beaten to it, I'll probably be the guinea pig. If the print of your Flow model that I've already ordered is nice, I'll definitely be ordering a Menger Sponge the day Flow turns up on my doorstep. Thanks so much for uploading this one.

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2009-01-12 04:29:52 by Mike Traynor