Afinia/Up-Printable Strandbeest

thingiverse

This replica of Theo Jansen's Strandbeest was based on GolanHertz's original design, which was converted to STL files by cyclone. After some modifications, the version presented here is assemble-able and robust enough for a sculpture. The author's primary goals were to honor Jansen's genius and refute claims that the model couldn't be printed. Although the Strandbeest isn't very stable due to floppy crankpins, it does function mechanically as intended. Printed in ABS except for wheels made of Colorfabb PLA, this project required some adjustments like drilling out bushings to 4.3mm and snipping snap-in shaft heads. The original design's splined crankshafts were replaced by hex shafts, and crankpins were modified into retaining-ring style for better strength. The longest shafts in the lower frame were substituted with smaller 'elbow shafts', and the main frame was divided into sections held together by 'frame pegs'. Assembly is challenging due to parts' asymmetry and specific orientations, but detailed instructions and photos are provided for guidance. Some STL files were replaced or altered from the original, and new 'frame peg' and 'elbow shaft' parts were added. Printing multiple linkages at once is possible using 'x-up' STLs provided in the instructions.