First slinky design - exploring the magic spring concept
A complex 3D printable design that demonstrates additive manufacturing capabilities through intricate geometry that cannot be manufactured subtractively.
My initial exploration into creating a 3D printable slinky design, inspired by the classic magic spring concept.
First slinky design - exploring the magic spring concept
Design Description: This first slinky design represents my initial exploration into creating a 3D printable magic spring. The design focuses on creating a helical structure that can collapse and expand while maintaining its structural integrity.
This design was inspired by the classic slinky toy and the concept of creating a "magic spring" that can be 3D printed in one piece, demonstrating the unique capabilities of additive manufacturing.
This design draws inspiration from several sources and builds upon existing work in 3D printable magic springs:
Watch the slinky in action: YouTube Video - Magic Spring Demonstration
Download the original design: Printables - Slinky Magic Spring
Explore the technical details: Hackaday - 3D Printed Magic Spring
The Hackaday project provides comprehensive documentation including Java code for generating G-code, print parameters, and detailed instructions for creating 3D printable magic springs. The project includes multiple iterations of the code with different features like temperature control, spiral priming, and delta printer compatibility.
All design files for this slinky project are available for download:
Download Design Files: week3/designfiles/slinky1/
This directory contains all the design files including STL files, CAD source files, and any additional documentation for the slinky project.
3D Scanning and Printing
Exploring the capabilities and limitations of additive manufacturing through hands-on design and printing experiments.
This week focuses on additive manufacturing processes and 3D scanning technologies. We'll explore the differences between subtractive and additive processes, learn about various 3D printing materials and techniques, and understand the design constraints and capabilities of 3D printing systems.
Understanding different additive manufacturing technologies and their applications.
Most common desktop 3D printing method using thermoplastic filament
UV-cured resin printing for high detail and smooth surfaces
Powder-based printing for complex geometries without supports
Similar to SLA but uses digital light projection for faster printing
Powder and binder system for full-color printing
Inkjet-style printing with multiple materials and colors
Common 3D printing materials and their properties.
Plant-based, biodegradable, easy to print, glass transition ~60°C, more brittle
Oil-based recyclable, glass transition ~80°C, tougher, better UV resistance
Strong, impact-resistant, requires heated bed, more difficult to print
Flexible material for rubber-like properties
Water-soluble support material
Wood-filled, metal-filled, carbon fiber, conductive materials
Key constraints and guidelines for designing printable objects.
Various technologies for capturing 3D geometry of physical objects.
Multiple photos from different angles, processed with software like Meshroom, Polycam
Projects patterns onto object, captures deformation for 3D reconstruction
Time-of-flight or triangulation-based distance measurement
Two cameras for depth perception, similar to human vision
X-ray tomography for internal structures and complex geometries
Light detection and ranging for large-scale scanning
Common file formats used in 3D printing and scanning workflows.
Test the design rules for your 3D printer(s) by creating a comprehensive test print that evaluates various design constraints and capabilities.
Comprehensive STL files for testing various 3D printing design rules and constraints:
Design, document, and 3D print an object that could not be made subtractively. The object should be small (few cm³) and limited by printer time.
I hope to design and fabricate a handgripper to measure age based on hand grip strength. This builds on our aging biomarker research by focusing on locomotive age assessment.
The idea is to measure functional decline due to aging across multiple modalities:
Last week we measured cognition with reaction time - this week we focus on locomotive age through grip strength.
Complex interlocking geometry that cannot be manufactured subtractively. Tests printer's ability to create intricate, self-supporting structures with minimal overhangs.
Helical spring mechanism for grip force measurement. Demonstrates additive manufacturing's capability to create functional mechanical components in one piece.
Nested spring system with different spring constants. Tests printer's ability to create complex, multi-component mechanisms with varying material properties.
Spiral coil for force transmission and measurement. Explores the limits of printable coil geometries and their mechanical properties for sensor integration.
A complex 3D printable design that demonstrates additive manufacturing capabilities through intricate geometry that cannot be manufactured subtractively.
My initial exploration into creating a 3D printable slinky design, inspired by the classic magic spring concept.
First slinky design - exploring the magic spring concept
Design Description: This first slinky design represents my initial exploration into creating a 3D printable magic spring. The design focuses on creating a helical structure that can collapse and expand while maintaining its structural integrity.
This design was inspired by the classic slinky toy and the concept of creating a "magic spring" that can be 3D printed in one piece, demonstrating the unique capabilities of additive manufacturing.
This design draws inspiration from several sources and builds upon existing work in 3D printable magic springs:
Watch the slinky in action: YouTube Video - Magic Spring Demonstration
Download the original design: Printables - Slinky Magic Spring
Explore the technical details: Hackaday - 3D Printed Magic Spring
The Hackaday project provides comprehensive documentation including Java code for generating G-code, print parameters, and detailed instructions for creating 3D printable magic springs. The project includes multiple iterations of the code with different features like temperature control, spiral priming, and delta printer compatibility.
All design files for this slinky project are available for download:
Download Design Files: week3/designfiles/slinky1/
This directory contains all the design files including STL files, CAD source files, and any additional documentation for the slinky project.
This design was co-developed through iterative discussion with ChatGPT, exploring various approaches to create an untanglable slinky geometry.
The design process involved multiple iterations, with the first two attempts resulting in tangled slinkies that failed to maintain proper coil separation:
First attempt: Tangled slinky with improper coil geometry
Second attempt: Still resulted in tangled geometry
The third iteration successfully achieved the desired untanglable geometry:
Final design: Untanglable slinky with proper coil geometry
Design Description: This design shows an untanglable slinky with flat, oval coils, tiny spacers between turns, and solid end caps, so it collapses neatly without knots. The geometry enforces orderly stacking while preventing coils from slipping past each other.
This design was co-created through iterative discussion with ChatGPT, demonstrating effective human-AI collaboration in 3D design. View the full conversation transcript in the Ethical AI Use section →
Links to CAD files, STL files, and other design assets for this week's assignments.
Comprehensive STL files for testing various 3D printing design rules and constraints:
Key insights and lessons learned from working with 3D printing and scanning technologies.
Reflections will be added as work progresses
Acknowledgements and team roles for this week's work.
Contributions will be documented as work progresses
Documentation of AI tool usage for this week's assignments and design work.
This session covers the development of the Week 3 page for 3D scanning and printing, including content population from MIT Academy resources, navigation updates, and design file integration.
This session documents the iterative co-design process for creating an untanglable slinky using ChatGPT. The conversation shows multiple design iterations, from initial failed attempts to the final successful geometry.
This session documents the comprehensive refactoring of the entire web development repository to make it fully responsive and mobile-friendly. The conversation covers the implementation of modern CSS techniques, responsive design patterns, and mobile-first development approaches.
A complex 3D printable design that demonstrates additive manufacturing capabilities through intricate geometry that cannot be manufactured subtractively.
A complex 3D printable design that demonstrates additive manufacturing capabilities through intricate geometry that cannot be manufactured subtractively.
3D Scanning and Printing
Exploring the capabilities and limitations of additive manufacturing through hands-on design and printing experiments.
This week focuses on additive manufacturing processes and 3D scanning technologies. We'll explore the differences between subtractive and additive processes, learn about various 3D printing materials and techniques, and understand the design constraints and capabilities of 3D printing systems.
Understanding different additive manufacturing technologies and their applications.
Most common desktop 3D printing method using thermoplastic filament
UV-cured resin printing for high detail and smooth surfaces
Powder-based printing for complex geometries without supports
Similar to SLA but uses digital light projection for faster printing
Powder and binder system for full-color printing
Inkjet-style printing with multiple materials and colors
Common 3D printing materials and their properties.
Plant-based, biodegradable, easy to print, glass transition ~60°C, more brittle
Oil-based recyclable, glass transition ~80°C, tougher, better UV resistance
Strong, impact-resistant, requires heated bed, more difficult to print
Flexible material for rubber-like properties
Water-soluble support material
Wood-filled, metal-filled, carbon fiber, conductive materials
Key constraints and guidelines for designing printable objects.
Various technologies for capturing 3D geometry of physical objects.
Multiple photos from different angles, processed with software like Meshroom, Polycam
Projects patterns onto object, captures deformation for 3D reconstruction
Time-of-flight or triangulation-based distance measurement
Two cameras for depth perception, similar to human vision
X-ray tomography for internal structures and complex geometries
Light detection and ranging for large-scale scanning
Common file formats used in 3D printing and scanning workflows.
Test the design rules for your 3D printer(s) by creating a comprehensive test print that evaluates various design constraints and capabilities.
Comprehensive STL files for testing various 3D printing design rules and constraints:
Design, document, and 3D print an object that could not be made subtractively. The object should be small (few cm³) and limited by printer time.
I hope to design and fabricate a handgripper to measure age based on hand grip strength. This builds on our aging biomarker research by focusing on locomotive age assessment.
The idea is to measure functional decline due to aging across multiple modalities:
Last week we measured cognition with reaction time - this week we focus on locomotive age through grip strength.
Complex interlocking geometry that cannot be manufactured subtractively. Tests printer's ability to create intricate, self-supporting structures with minimal overhangs.
Helical spring mechanism for grip force measurement. Demonstrates additive manufacturing's capability to create functional mechanical components in one piece.
Nested spring system with different spring constants. Tests printer's ability to create complex, multi-component mechanisms with varying material properties.
Spiral coil for force transmission and measurement. Explores the limits of printable coil geometries and their mechanical properties for sensor integration.
A complex 3D printable design that demonstrates additive manufacturing capabilities through intricate geometry that cannot be manufactured subtractively.
My initial exploration into creating a 3D printable slinky design, inspired by the classic magic spring concept.
First slinky design - exploring the magic spring concept
Design Description: This first slinky design represents my initial exploration into creating a 3D printable magic spring. The design focuses on creating a helical structure that can collapse and expand while maintaining its structural integrity.
This design was inspired by the classic slinky toy and the concept of creating a "magic spring" that can be 3D printed in one piece, demonstrating the unique capabilities of additive manufacturing.
This design draws inspiration from several sources and builds upon existing work in 3D printable magic springs:
Watch the slinky in action: YouTube Video - Magic Spring Demonstration
Download the original design: Printables - Slinky Magic Spring
Explore the technical details: Hackaday - 3D Printed Magic Spring
The Hackaday project provides comprehensive documentation including Java code for generating G-code, print parameters, and detailed instructions for creating 3D printable magic springs. The project includes multiple iterations of the code with different features like temperature control, spiral priming, and delta printer compatibility.
All design files for this slinky project are available for download:
Download Design Files: week3/designfiles/slinky1/
This directory contains all the design files including STL files, CAD source files, and any additional documentation for the slinky project.
This design was co-developed through iterative discussion with ChatGPT, exploring various approaches to create an untanglable slinky geometry.
The design process involved multiple iterations, with the first two attempts resulting in tangled slinkies that failed to maintain proper coil separation:
First attempt: Tangled slinky with improper coil geometry
Second attempt: Still resulted in tangled geometry
The third iteration successfully achieved the desired untanglable geometry:
Final design: Untanglable slinky with proper coil geometry
Design Description: This design shows an untanglable slinky with flat, oval coils, tiny spacers between turns, and solid end caps, so it collapses neatly without knots. The geometry enforces orderly stacking while preventing coils from slipping past each other.
This design was co-created through iterative discussion with ChatGPT, demonstrating effective human-AI collaboration in 3D design. View the full conversation transcript in the Ethical AI Use section →
My initial exploration into creating a 3D printable slinky design, inspired by the classic magic spring concept.
First slinky design - exploring the magic spring concept
Design Description: This first slinky design represents my initial exploration into creating a 3D printable magic spring. The design focuses on creating a helical structure that can collapse and expand while maintaining its structural integrity.
This design was inspired by the classic slinky toy and the concept of creating a "magic spring" that can be 3D printed in one piece, demonstrating the unique capabilities of additive manufacturing.
This design draws inspiration from several sources and builds upon existing work in 3D printable magic springs:
Watch the slinky in action: YouTube Video - Magic Spring Demonstration
Download the original design: Printables - Slinky Magic Spring
Explore the technical details: Hackaday - 3D Printed Magic Spring
The Hackaday project provides comprehensive documentation including Java code for generating G-code, print parameters, and detailed instructions for creating 3D printable magic springs. The project includes multiple iterations of the code with different features like temperature control, spiral priming, and delta printer compatibility.
All design files for this slinky project are available for download:
Download Design Files: week3/designfiles/slinky1/
This directory contains all the design files including STL files, CAD source files, and any additional documentation for the slinky project.
Links to CAD files, STL files, and other design assets for this week's assignments.
Comprehensive STL files for testing various 3D printing design rules and constraints:
Key insights and lessons learned from working with 3D printing and scanning technologies.
Reflections will be added as work progresses
Acknowledgements and team roles for this week's work.
Contributions will be documented as work progresses
Documentation of AI tool usage for this week's assignments and design work.
This session covers the development of the Week 3 page for 3D scanning and printing, including content population from MIT Academy resources, navigation updates, and design file integration.
This session documents the iterative co-design process for creating an untanglable slinky using ChatGPT. The conversation shows multiple design iterations, from initial failed attempts to the final successful geometry.
This session documents the comprehensive refactoring of the entire web development repository to make it fully responsive and mobile-friendly. The conversation covers the implementation of modern CSS techniques, responsive design patterns, and mobile-first development approaches.
3D Scanning and Printing
Exploring the capabilities and limitations of additive manufacturing through hands-on design and printing experiments.
This week focuses on additive manufacturing processes and 3D scanning technologies. We'll explore the differences between subtractive and additive processes, learn about various 3D printing materials and techniques, and understand the design constraints and capabilities of 3D printing systems.
Understanding different additive manufacturing technologies and their applications.
Most common desktop 3D printing method using thermoplastic filament
UV-cured resin printing for high detail and smooth surfaces
Powder-based printing for complex geometries without supports
Similar to SLA but uses digital light projection for faster printing
Powder and binder system for full-color printing
Inkjet-style printing with multiple materials and colors
Common 3D printing materials and their properties.
Plant-based, biodegradable, easy to print, glass transition ~60°C, more brittle
Oil-based recyclable, glass transition ~80°C, tougher, better UV resistance
Strong, impact-resistant, requires heated bed, more difficult to print
Flexible material for rubber-like properties
Water-soluble support material
Wood-filled, metal-filled, carbon fiber, conductive materials
Key constraints and guidelines for designing printable objects.
Various technologies for capturing 3D geometry of physical objects.
Multiple photos from different angles, processed with software like Meshroom, Polycam
Projects patterns onto object, captures deformation for 3D reconstruction
Time-of-flight or triangulation-based distance measurement
Two cameras for depth perception, similar to human vision
X-ray tomography for internal structures and complex geometries
Light detection and ranging for large-scale scanning
Common file formats used in 3D printing and scanning workflows.
Test the design rules for your 3D printer(s) by creating a comprehensive test print that evaluates various design constraints and capabilities.
Comprehensive STL files for testing various 3D printing design rules and constraints:
Design, document, and 3D print an object that could not be made subtractively. The object should be small (few cm³) and limited by printer time.
I hope to design and fabricate a handgripper to measure age based on hand grip strength. This builds on our aging biomarker research by focusing on locomotive age assessment.
The idea is to measure functional decline due to aging across multiple modalities:
Last week we measured cognition with reaction time - this week we focus on locomotive age through grip strength.
Complex interlocking geometry that cannot be manufactured subtractively. Tests printer's ability to create intricate, self-supporting structures with minimal overhangs.
Helical spring mechanism for grip force measurement. Demonstrates additive manufacturing's capability to create functional mechanical components in one piece.
Nested spring system with different spring constants. Tests printer's ability to create complex, multi-component mechanisms with varying material properties.
Spiral coil for force transmission and measurement. Explores the limits of printable coil geometries and their mechanical properties for sensor integration.
A complex 3D printable design that demonstrates additive manufacturing capabilities through intricate geometry that cannot be manufactured subtractively.
This design was co-developed through iterative discussion with ChatGPT, exploring various approaches to create an untanglable slinky geometry.
The design process involved multiple iterations, with the first two attempts resulting in tangled slinkies that failed to maintain proper coil separation:
First attempt: Tangled slinky with improper coil geometry
Second attempt: Still resulted in tangled geometry
The third iteration successfully achieved the desired untanglable geometry:
Final design: Untanglable slinky with proper coil geometry
Design Description: This design shows an untanglable slinky with flat, oval coils, tiny spacers between turns, and solid end caps, so it collapses neatly without knots. The geometry enforces orderly stacking while preventing coils from slipping past each other.
This design was co-created through iterative discussion with ChatGPT, demonstrating effective human-AI collaboration in 3D design. View the full conversation transcript in the Ethical AI Use section →
My initial exploration into creating a 3D printable slinky design, inspired by the classic magic spring concept.
First slinky design - exploring the magic spring concept
Design Description: This first slinky design represents my initial exploration into creating a 3D printable magic spring. The design focuses on creating a helical structure that can collapse and expand while maintaining its structural integrity.
This design was inspired by the classic slinky toy and the concept of creating a "magic spring" that can be 3D printed in one piece, demonstrating the unique capabilities of additive manufacturing.
This design draws inspiration from several sources and builds upon existing work in 3D printable magic springs:
Watch the slinky in action: YouTube Video - Magic Spring Demonstration
Download the original design: Printables - Slinky Magic Spring
Explore the technical details: Hackaday - 3D Printed Magic Spring
The Hackaday project provides comprehensive documentation including Java code for generating G-code, print parameters, and detailed instructions for creating 3D printable magic springs. The project includes multiple iterations of the code with different features like temperature control, spiral priming, and delta printer compatibility.
All design files for this slinky project are available for download:
Download Design Files: week3/designfiles/slinky1/
This directory contains all the design files including STL files, CAD source files, and any additional documentation for the slinky project.
Links to CAD files, STL files, and other design assets for this week's assignments.
Comprehensive STL files for testing various 3D printing design rules and constraints:
Key insights and lessons learned from working with 3D printing and scanning technologies.
Reflections will be added as work progresses
Acknowledgements and team roles for this week's work.
Contributions will be documented as work progresses
Documentation of AI tool usage for this week's assignments and design work.
This session covers the development of the Week 3 page for 3D scanning and printing, including content population from MIT Academy resources, navigation updates, and design file integration.
This session documents the iterative co-design process for creating an untanglable slinky using ChatGPT. The conversation shows multiple design iterations, from initial failed attempts to the final successful geometry.
This session documents the comprehensive refactoring of the entire web development repository to make it fully responsive and mobile-friendly. The conversation covers the implementation of modern CSS techniques, responsive design patterns, and mobile-first development approaches.