Printing Hexachiral structures on Inflated substrates

Posted on fergalcoulterPosted in 3D printing, DEMES, Silicone

Multiple layers of hard silicone (Shore A 73) are printed with a seamless hexachiral structure on an inflated silicone balloon.
When the layers are cured, the balloon is deflated, leaving a Minimum Energy Structure (MES) tube.

Above is the original hexachiral structure, below is the deflated MES
Above is the original hexachiral structure, below is the deflated MES

The ligament to node angle is half way between tangent and perpendicular in this print.
The ligament to node angle is half way between tangent and perpendicular in this print.
Triangular 'Alhambra' tessellation
Triangular ‘Alhambra’ tessellation
Triangular Diagrid
Triangular Diagrid

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