Schwarz P surface - approximation
thingiverse
I designed an approximation to a Schwarz P surface for the InforMath project, which was funded by the National Science Foundation (DRL-1323587). The InforMath project is a partnership between San Diego State University and several museums at Balboa Park, including the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center (http://www.rhfleet.org/). A Schwarz P surface is a triply periodic minimal surface. This approximation is given by all points (x,y,z) such that cos(x)+cos(y)+cos(z)=0. These models are designed to join together using small magnets. There are two options for the print files: ones with small holes for the magnets and ones without. To print, use a MakerBot Replicator 2X printer with these settings: Rafts - Yes, Supports - Yes, Resolution - 0.2mm, Infill - 10%. You can also print on a uPrint SE printer with rafts and supports. Several copies of the surface can be held together by 3mm (diameter) x 3mm (height) cylindrical rare earth magnets (http://www.gaussboys.com/store/index.php/magnet-shapes/cylinders/c0303.html). The magnets should fit snugly, but you may need a little glue. If so, try using JB Weld epoxy or superglue. I recommend printing DesignByNumber's magnet insertion tools (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:436565) to help seat the magnets into the little holes. You can alternate the magnets around the rim of the surface. The rim on the opposite face should have the opposite orientation on corresponding magnets. For a complete description, visit my blog at http://mathvis.academic.wlu.edu/2016/03/02/other-schwarz-p-surface-prints/. A brief description of the mathematics can be found here: http://mathvis.academic.wlu.edu/2016/02/29/schwarz-p-surface-the-math/.
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