I’ve been messing around with a 3d printable modular system that uses TPU and aluminum wire to make all sorts of things.
One of the models I thought might be useful is actual helping hands and man these are surprisingly great for holding different things.
The yellow hand is printed in Esun thermal Color changing TPU.
I’ve been experimenting a bunch with aluminum wire shoved into tpu. This might be one of my favourite things I’ve ever printed, each finger is has complete dexterity.
I’ve found most tpu between 95A HF to 85A can actually work really well for this. In the case of this hand I’m
Using 2mm aluminum wire. Steel wire also works quite well but it’s harder to work with.
Also the first blue TPU hand has been smoothed with DMSO, might post a tutorial soon!
I’m thinking I should make this an actual module for a modular ecosystem I’m slowly developing (second to last photo) Hit me up if you’re interested in beta testing :)
Edit: don’t try dmso smoothing without understanding what it is and its risks
I’ve been messing around with putting wire in 3d prints made of tpu and thought it would be cool to try and make a hand. I love how every finger has perfect dexterity. I don’t really do stop motion so I’m wondering if this is already a thing.
This long tpu spiral is one of my many experiments combing TPU with different types of wire.
To make this I printed a long spiral tube of tpu and then put 2mm steel wire through it and sealed the end with a little heat.
I’m in the process of developing a modular system using this technique (last photo) so if you’re interested in testing it out or if you have any ideas about how you’d use this kind of technique, please let me know!
A few of my many experiments combing TPU wire.
To make this I printed a long spiral tube of tpu and then put 2mm steel wire through it and sealed the end with a little heat.
I prefer using aluminum wire because it’s easier to work with but steel wire is insanely strong.
I’m in the process of developing a modular system using this technique (last photo) so if you’re interested in testing it out or if you have any ideas about how you’d use this, please let me know!
One of my many experiments combing TPU with different types of wire.
To make this I printed a long spiral tube of tpu and then put 2mm steel wire through it and sealed the end with a little heat.
I’m in the process of developing a modular system using this technique (last photo) so if you’re interested in testing it out or if you have any ideas about how you’d use this, please let me know!