Nasa Space Fabric

thingiverse

NASA's Space Fabric Overview --------- JPL submitted an article on a "4-D" printed fabric that could be used to protect objects in space. I utilized the images and created a model as close to the original as possible, modifying it so that the reflective surface would be printed last (on top). This allows the surface to be smoother and more similar to the model. My segments are not as small as those in the image from NASA due to the diameter of the linking arms. In the image, the linking arms are probably close to 1 mm, which my printer cannot print accurately. Attached files are 2 X the size of the NASA segments with a linking arm diameter of 2 mm and top size of 16 x 16 mm. The pitch between the segments is 10 mm, making this model scalable for printers with better resolution. Modifications ------------- Combine Assemblies ------------------ I remixed the segments to create a Cap and Base, allowing you to combine assemblies where final dimensions exceed your printer bed's limits. An example of this is the NASA Chainmail Tie. Hex Chainmail --------------- I remixed the original segment to mate on six sides with a hexagonal pattern, resulting in a model with a pitch of 23 mm. Equilateral Triangle ---------------------- Per DavidPhillipOster's recommendation, I designed a similar part using an equilateral triangle. I maintained the design thickness and ratios, illustrating well the trade-off between the number of sides and face density. Parts: triangle_nascha.stl and triangle_hexpat.stl Parts ------- * The segments are 2X_SEGMENT.stl * A 3x3 section of the 2X segments is uploaded as 3x3_ASM.stl * Cap and base segments are: + 2X_CAP.stl + 2X_BASE.stl * Hexagonal parts are: + Segment: simnas6_2x_seg.stl + Assembly over a 100 x 100 mm area: simnas6_2x_asm.stl * Equilateral Triangle: + Segment: triangle_nascha.stl + Assembly: triangle_hexpat.stl