Easy Chain

cults3d

This is a super easy but really fun way to create 3D printed chains that look just like real chain. Simply scale them to your desired size, and position each link so it's standing on its little flat side. To make a length of chain, orient the links so they zig-zag each other by 180 degrees around the z-axis. For a closed loop of chain, you need to orient the links so that each one not only has the zig-zag pattern but also makes a circle. If you have a loop with 12 chains like in the pictures, each chain needs to be rotated 30 degrees from the previous link relative to the original 0 or 180-degree rotation. For 30 links, the rotation is 12 degrees. Just divide 360 degrees by the number of links and you'll get the degree of rotation. Also, make sure that each link isn't touching the ones around it, which can be tricky if you have a loop with a small number of links - 12 was difficult for me. Otherwise, they will be fused together. Use whatever infill and parameter settings make you happy. You don't even need supports! Of course, if you want some stronger chain, beef up the infill and give it a protein shake. Happy chain making!