Lattice Snakes (Quad Tube)

thingiverse

This unique shape creates intricate 3D designs. Display a bowl of these on your coffee table for friends to marvel at! The images above illustrate how the components assemble into patterns that cover 3D space. The first two images show different arrangements for tiling 3D space. The terminal faces of the four connected tubes match the faces of tetrahedrons and octahedrons in an isotropic vector matrix. The shorter tubes' faces align with the octahedron faces, while the longer tubes' faces match the adjacent tetrahedrons' faces. The "Quad Tube Whole" file is provided for reference only and should not be printed out. Print two "Quad Tube half" pieces and one "Quad Tube Connector" per shape. Join the two "Quad Tube half" components together with the "Quad Tube Connector" to ensure proper alignment of the faces, then secure with a dab of CA glue. The holes accept 3mm x 3mm cylindrical magnets. It's recommended to clean out the holes with a 1/8" drill bit to remove any burrs or imperfections before inserting the magnets. The magnets' polarity should be opposite for the short and long ends of the tubes. Secure the magnets with a dab of CA glue. Check out "Lattice Snakes (Double Tubes)" for a similar design: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4388946 Watch this video to see one way 24 pieces can fit together: https://youtu.be/9gYk9i9vArM