When you think of 3D printing, you probably think of solid objects. But did you know that you can use a 3D printer to make a flexible fabric? This activity will show you how to design and 3D print your own fabric.
Activity Brief
TPU, PLA or another filament
Mesh netting fabrics
blue tape
scissors
ruler
3D printer
Laptop
Activity Materials
1st
Picking the Shape
Open Tinkercad and create a new design. Drag a basic shape (triangle, hexagon, square, etc.) onto the workplane.
Adjust the Length and Width to the size you want for one tile.
Set the Height to about 17 mm
These shapes will become the fabric tiles.
2nd
Creating the connectors
Drag a thin box shape.
Adjust the size:
Height: about 1 mm
Length: long enough to connect two tiles.
Place the connector between two shapes.
The connectors act like hinges, allowing the fabric to bend.