Parametric Straw Connectors (OpenSCAD)

thingiverse

These Straws Connectors are designed to link together straws into big structures. They're perfect for fun with kids or as a frame to wrap in rice-paper and use as a lamp-shade, and they can be used in any application that needs a light-weight structure. The files contain sample STL files for some possible connectors, but the main source is an OpenSCAD file, which makes it easy to create any size and type you want. See Parameters for details on how to customize them. The sample files and default parameters are optimized for use with big IKEA straws (Sötvatten). Other brands of straws might work just as well, but keep in mind that different straws may have slightly different diameters. Printing the connectors requires a press-fit, so it's essential to get the size right. If you're using a new printer or trying a different brand of straw, print a single XYZ connector first to test-fit before printing a grid of multiple connectors. Full disclosure: This concept is not my own original idea. The idea has been around commercially and is popular among Thingiverse users. You can see my collection of related things here: https://www.thingiverse.com/erie/collections/straw-connectors. I created my own version because I wanted to be able to easily tweak the sizes and shapes, and create new types when needed. I also discovered that not all straws are created equal. Even IKEA's Sötvatten straws have slightly different diameters for each color straw, which means you need very fine-tuned sizing for one connector to work with all color straws. You'll likely need a whole lot of connectors to make an interesting structure. To save time on post-processing, the model is designed to require no support structures and no build plate adhesion (brim/raft/etc). See Print Settings for details.