3D Printed Chainmail

thingiverse

I've spent over two decades crafting chainmail from steel and various other metals, but it's always suffered from one major issue - excessive weight that makes it impractical for everyday wear. With the help of a 3D printer and countless trial runs, I've managed to develop a printable, repeatable, and lightweight chainmail pattern. I've also designed a specialized ring that enables the seamless joining of multiple pieces together, creating larger components with ease. This is achieved by simply using a soldering iron to weld the ends shut. Two files comprise this design, requiring users to either modify or print and remove rings from the sheet themselves. If you decide to replicate my Sleeveless Hoodie, be warned: it took over 250 hours to print and more than 40 hours to assemble. Chainmail manufacturing can be a time-consuming process, so proceed with caution. If you're unfamiliar with chainmail creation, it's best to turn back now. Feel free to utilize my design for personal use, but please respect the license - no selling allowed. I'd love to see your finished projects; just be fair and give credit where due. UPDATE 4/17/18: If you're experiencing issues with rings detaching during printing, try increasing the layer print height by 0.0016 - it made a significant difference for me. At your request, I've added a single open ring file to accommodate those who need it. Additionally, I've created a smaller file tailored to fit a 4X4 printer. UPDATE 5/17/18: To aid in printer calibration, I've included a small test print file labeled "calibration." Print settings: Printer Brand: Printrbot Printer Model: Simple Black Rafts: Yes Supports: No Resolution: Print at 0.19 or lower Infill: 20% minimum Printing Notes: I used 0.6mm sides and a print speed of 20mm/sec. After printing the full sheet, attempt to remove it as one piece with the raft still attached. Then repeatedly flex and bend the raft until it comes loose. The open rings don't require a raft or supports when printed.