Parametric strandbeest in OpenSCAD

thingiverse

This is a fully customizable strandbeest designed from scratch in OpenSCAD, using only the strandbeest linkage lengths as a guide. There are several strandbeesten available here on Thingiverse, but I identified problems in all of them, including: requiring support structure to print, asymmetrical joints, designs that haven't proven to be printable, too flimsy, too blocky-looking, or providing just STL files without CAD files for customization. So I decided to design my own strandbeest with these issues in mind. My requirements were: * Designed completely in OpenSCAD * No asymmetrical joints * All extrusion profiles use smooth curves, no straight lines * The widest leg segment (which I call a "bone", specifically bone "c" in the diagram) connects the central frame to the foot, for better stability * All parts are printable without support * All parts fit together perfectly, no glue or fasteners needed That last requirement turned out to be challenging but achievable; read my article linked next to understand why. Printing and Assembly --------------------- For information about printing, part preparation, and step-by-step assembly, see **my detailed article** about this project. Note that there is one STL file that should be printed in PETG: strandbeest_PETGparts.stl. Everything else can be PLA. I printed my strandbeest with 100% PLA, but if I do it again I would use PETG for all parts with snap fittings. PLA is too brittle; that's why I separated all the parts with snap fittings into one file to be printed with PETG.