TENSEGRITY
Note: This is a digital download. It includes:
2 STL files of the tensegrity (top/bottom)
Creative Commons: No commercial use, public sharing, distribution, sale, donation or exchange of the digital files
Check out the project details below for more information on how to build the guitar!
Project Details
☑️ Project Materials ☑️
Affiliate Disclosure: Commissions may be earned on some of the links provided.
3D Printer:
http://www.prusa3d.com/#a_aid=the3dprintzone
Filament:
Bungee Cord:
☑️ Project Details ☑️
I designed a simple 3D printed Tensegrity that’s super easy to build and costs less than $5. For those of you wondering what a tensegrity is, essentially it is a structure that relies on tension (rather than compression) for it’s structural integrity. The unique design of a tensegrity structure can give a “floating” illusion that surprisingly can hold more weight than you might expect.
Many basic tensegrity structures have 2 solid components linked together with flexible components such as chords, chains, or rope. In this case, I’m using an inexpensive bungee chord that I purchased on amazon. As you can see, the center chord is in tension, while the outer 3 chords help to stabilize the structure rotationally.
After getting some inspiration from other designs online, I went into SolidWorks and created a CAD model that includes a top and bottom piece. I then sliced the model in Prusa Slicer and printed the design in White PLA in just over 5 hours. The nice thing about this project is that it only requires a few basic items that you likely have laying around your house. I will leave a link to my website where you can purchase the STL files and leave a link to the bungee chord I used as well.
You will need a pair of scissors, seven small zip ties, a tape measure or ruler, a lighter, 1/8 inch bungee chord, and of course the 3D printed parts. To start, cut a piece of bungee chord to a length of approximately 5.5 inches. It doesn’t need to be exact. Then use the first piece and cut 2 other pieces the same length. This step is important to get the 3 chords as close to the same length as possible. Lastly cut a 4th piece approximately 3 inches long. This piece will be cut shorter later so don’t worry about the exact length.
Next take your zip ties and create small loops like shown. Then with one of the longer chords tightly zip one of the zip ties to the end. It’s important to make sure the zip ties are as tight as possible so they don’t come loose. Then use a lighter to melt the frayed ends and then repeat these steps for the other 2 long bungees.
Next feed the 3 bungees through the holes of the base. Determine the correct orientation of the top piece and feed the 3 bungee ends through the holes. Repeat the zip tie process on the other 3 ends of the bungee. And now is the fun part where the design comes to life.
Add a zip tie to the end of the short bungee. Feed it through the arm of the top piece as shown and then through the hole of the arm on the base. Pull tightly on the short bungee while lifting the top piece into position. Slide the last zip tie into place and zip it tightly while maintaining tension on the bungee. Lastly, cut the zip tie and extra bungee length. And just like that your awesome tensegrity design is now complete!
This is a fun project and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!