Cube Nets / Templates / Squares

thingiverse

Human: Cube Nets/Templates/Squares A cube can be flattened into a connected piece, often known as a net. A net can be accordingly folded back to a cube. There are 11 distinct nets one can obtain from a cube. In addition to elementary shape constructions, there are numerous questions one can ask about the nets such as perimeters and vertex-edge relations. The present design allows one to play with the cube and its nets. Of course, other activities are possible as one adds more squares. The design challenge has to do with the thickness of the squares and the positioning of the connectors. Certainly, a pure mathematical square no thickness, which in the physical dimension has to be taken into account in the design process. Among the Files 1. Single square (50mm^2, 4mm thick) 2. Six interlocked squares (50mm^2, not a net), which need to be separated for cube building. To Print 1. Print the single square one by one or in a number that fits your printer bed. 2. On a larger bed, try printing the 2x3 matrix with six squares. To Play 1. Separate the squares and make a net. One has 11 choices. Feel free to make some non-nets. 2. Flip or rotate the squares as needed to match the notches and the connectors. 3. Solve it like a puzzle and be creative. 4. Once assembled, the cube can be hard to flatten. Please try using a flat screw driver to pry and loosen the first piece. References: 1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cube#/media/File:The_11_cubic_nets.svg 2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Net_(polyhedron) 3. https://www.nctm.org/Classroom-Resources/Illuminations/Interactives/Cube-Nets/