Star Tetrahedron

thingiverse

The Star Tetrahedron consists of 10 foldable tetrahedron base units, available for download at http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:78075. Eight tetrahedrons are assembled normally, while the remaining two are partially folded and combined to form an octahedron with eight sides. Subsequently, a tetrahedron is attached to each face of this octahedron, resulting in the formation of the star tetrahedron, which appears as two large intersecting tetrahedrons. To construct it, print 10 foldable tetrahedron base units and assemble eight tetrahedrons and one octahedron using hot glue, removing any excess glue from the edges. Score thin cross-hatching lines on the faces of the octahedron and the bottom of each tetrahedron with a hobby knife before attaching another tetrahedron to each face of the octahedron with hot glue. Note that Zap-A-Gap CA+ brand glue may not work well on PLA prints, so consider using hot glue instead. This concept could also be used to create larger structures if multiple 3D printer enthusiasts contributed interchangeable base components for a collaborative sculpture project. The author writes about making and 3D printing in the classroom at designmaketeach.com.