Magnetic Connecting Shapes

prusaprinters

These are magnetic squares, triangles, hexagons and octagons that easily connect to make compound shapes. At each node there's a 6mm spherical chamber with a 5mm magnetic ball inserted. The ball is free to rotate so the shapes connect to each other easily.The shapes are printed using TPU, making them fun, flexible and unbreakable. They feel nice in the hand while playing.To insert the balls, I set the slicer to pause the print on the layer above the 6mm point. This leaves room for the ball to slip into the chamber, and prevents interference with the nozzle.The magnetic balls are from an original set of Buckyballs, a recalled product due to safety concerns. Balls like them are available for adult use online:[Update Jan 2023: the below Amazon link doesn't work. I recommend searching for “5mm magnetic balls” to easily locate replacements.]https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08CXT5GCQThere's a file with "rectifier" shapes. These substitute a cubical chamber for a spherical one, allowing cube magnets to be placed in the same orientation. The 4mm magnets are available online also (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VSZYVVN).Print SettingsPrinter:Qidi X-PlusRafts: NoSupports:NoResolution: 0,2mmInfill:15%Filament:unknown TPU 95  Category: 3D Printing