Lego Tape, A Flexible Not-LEGO-Compatible Parametric Model

thingiverse

I am creating this note because I want to make it clear that LEGO is a trademark owned by the LEGO company and has nothing to do with me or these files. I am making this statement now because they are taking down my files in an attempt to protect their legacy, which is slowly fading away. Listen up, LEGO, you can take my files but not my freedom of speech! I was inspired by Nimuno Loops' successful crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo. You can check it out here: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/nimuno-loops-the-toy-block-tape I wanted to see how well flexible LEGOs could be made at home, and I was pleasantly surprised when it worked very well! This design is parametric, so click 'open in customizer' to create your own sizes. This model allows you to make 'brick tape' with the top side of LEGO studs or 'tile tape' with the underside of LEGOs. The filament used for this project is TPU Shore 95A, which is on the harder side of the flexible spectrum. If you need removable adhesive tape options, I recommend using Re-stickable Tabs (http://amzn.to/2nEWjU8) or Foam tape for rough surfaces (http://amzn.to/2nps7vM). For permanent adhesive tape options, I suggest using Thin and clean tape (http://amzn.to/2mSJ91o), which is what I used in the video. Alternatively, you can use Foam tape for rough surfaces (http://amzn.to/2mWN3Ht) or Alternate thin tape choice (http://amzn.to/2mWIHA4). LEGO is a trademark of the LEGO Group, and they do not sponsor, authorize, or endorse this work. You can check out the video here: https://youtu.be/3-W8SZg4Uhw I updated this model on July 2nd to reflect the newly recommended default settings. The model now reflects exact dimensions of real LEGOs, so I don't recommend scaling it. If your printer makes the studs too small or large, try changing your extrusion multiplier, printing 'external perimeters first' to prevent path overlap, or using a nozzle diameter of .4mm or less and a layer height of .2mm or less. Print settings: * Rafts: No * Supports: No * Resolution: .3 Max * Infill: 100% * Notes: No heated bed is necessary. The TPU filament I recommended is easy to print with as long as you have a direct drive extruder. Printed on blue tape bed, no heat required. Print with 100% infill! If printing the tile tape, be sure to rotate it upside down so there are no overhangs. Flexible filament can be hard to print supports for, so it's best not to use rafts either.