What Is It?
Tensegrity is an unusual concept and one that’s not well known, partly because it’s counter-intuitive to think of tension as something that can hold things together. Nevertheless, the 3D printable designs in this article actually rely on tension to do just that.
With a few examples in architecture, tensegrity allows structures to be lighter and use less material than conventional solutions. Read on as we examine models that use tensegrity, also known as “floating compression”, to create structures that use a network of continuous tension to form supports.
If you see a design from the list that you’d like 3D printed, consider Craftcloud by All3DP. Get professional-quality models delivered to your door with just a few clicks!
And now, let’s see how a little tension can produce unbelievable things!
Toys
The best toys always demonstrate something unexpected or teach us about the world around us. If you’re looking to print for fun, these tensegrity toys are sure to deliver – while also providing a slight challenge during assembly!
Star
This model is unusual in that it uses spring-like components that flex, which differs from most of the prints in this list. While this model might be a bit tricky to assemble, it’s great for kids, as they can learn and have fun putting it together.
This print needs no supports or rafts but will require 10 thread-forming screws, a T10 Torx wrench, and some patience. The designer has some helpful tips on the Thingiverse page, as well.
Who made it? gianteye
Who printed it? There’s one recorded Make, but with only 20 simple parts, this tensegrity toy should be fairly easy to print.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Pencil Topppers
If you’re looking to get kids or students interested in the sciences, nothing beats a hands-on approach. These pencil toppers let you use ordinary pencils and rubber bands or string to make your own tensegrity structures. As a result, this design is a cheap and easy alternative to tensegrity kits.
No rafts or supports are required for printing these toppers, but if you want to play with them, you’ll need some pencils or perhaps wooden dowels along with your choice of string, rubber bands, or another creative connector option.
Who made it? onebitpixel
Who printed it? No users have posted their prints, but the model has been downloaded over 1,200 times.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Eiffel Tower
The “Impossible Eiffel Tower” is arguably one of the most captivating toys on our list. The file prints in a card format, so it’s good for fans of puzzles. For added effect, you might even display it on one of the tensegrity tables in the next section!
The maker used 20% rectilinear infill, but they made sure you can easily snip the pieces off the cards and provided assembly instructions. This model also doesn’t need any string because you print precise string segments in the novel “card format” out of PLA as well!
Who made it? mateynenov
Who printed it? This new upload already has one community make and over 100 downloads.
Where to get it? MyMiniFactory
Virus
While you might be sick of hearing about the coronavirus, this model can be a great teaching tool or piece of desk art; visual aids like these can be both educational and informative.
This model will require some patience, string, and maybe glue if you print the virus in two parts as the creator recommends. On the other hand, if you print it in one piece, you’ll need supports. Either way, be sure to closely read the detailed assembly instructions.
Who made it? Seabird
Who printed it? Only 15 users have downloaded this model so far, but there are no recorded prints, yet.
Where to get it? MyMiniFactory
Tables
Perhaps the most practical and stylish way to use tensegrity is to make a really cool table. These tables appear to be floating because of their design, and they make efficient use of materials.
Rebel Alliance
This Star Wars tensegrity table would be great for holding a phone, a game controller, or other small items. It’s also obviously a great gift for any fans of Star Wars!
This model may need supports, especially if printing the base and arms as integrated pieces. You’ll also need some glue to attach the pieces together if printing separately. While you can print the arm and base in one piece, the creator of this model recommends printing them separately for added strength.
Who made it? hangtimex
Who printed it? This model is new enough that nobody has printed it other than the maker. That said, we don’t anticipate it being too difficult to print.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
"Wood & Metal"
This table might be a little challenging to assemble, as many tensegrity models are, but it’s definitely worth it. This design showcases not only tensegrity in action but also how exotic PLA filaments can make it look like a wood and metal table, with the designer having used wood-filled PLA and silver silk PLA. You could also of course use metal filaments for the legs of this table.
To achieve an even more realistic look of wood grain, the maker varied the temperature as the wood-filled PLA printed. This model uses sheet metal screws, and you’ll need a bit of glue, but the creator says it should take only a few minutes to assemble.
Who made it? bwaslo
Who printed it? There have been 9 downloads but no posted makes yet.
Where to get it? Cults
Desk Utensil Holder
If you’re tired of using a plain mug or can for a pencil holder, try this floating pencil holder! This is great for anyone that wants a different and more exciting pen organizer on their desk.
This model needs no supports or rafts. Like others on this list, you may need sandpaper and a knife to get the pieces to fit correctly, in addition to some string. Be sure to save yourself unnecessary confusion by reading the assembly instructions, too!
Who made it? Seabird
Who printed it? Although there are no posted community prints, almost 70 people have downloaded this model.
Where to get it? MyMiniFactory
Illusions
Illusions can be lots of fun, especially when you 3D print them! Because tensegrity can be used to make structures supported by fishing line, they can often appear to be floating. Check out what’s possible!
Horizontal Cubes
This floating cube illusion isn’t too flashy or complicated, but still manages to perplex onlookers. At first glance, it appears that a cube is floating within a cube. Only after you look closely, you’ll see a tensegrity structure held together with nylon filament.
This print should be easy enough, but it will require supports and 100% infill. We recommend printing the cubes in two different colors, as shown, or painting them if that’s easier. You’ll also need to glue the pieces together in addition to the fishing line to string it up!
Who made it? Puglife
Who printed it? Two Thingiverse users have printed this model, and there’s one remix.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Magic Hands
This model is similar in design to the tensegrity tables, but instead of “legs”, it features two hands. The hands appear to be reaching for one another, and though this already looks cool, we can’t help but imagine what it would look like if you put LEDs in the hands.
This model was made with tight tolerances to ensure a good fit, but that also means you might need some sandpaper and a utility knife to get the pieces to fit properly. You may also want to drill into the holes for the string. The maker also provided fairly detailed instructions on stringing it up, making this an excellent model to get yourself familiar with tensegrity before moving on to something bigger.
Who made it? seabirdhh
Who printed it? With over 700 downloads, there have been two posted Makes.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
"Floating" String
This neat tensegrity toy uses a single string and five 3D printed pieces to create this vertical work of art! This toy is a great print for anyone that wants to check out tensegrity in action.
This model requires both rafts and supports. You’ll also need a string, but other than that, no special tools or instructions are necessary. If you’re having a challenge with the lack of a base, the remix might be easier to assemble.
Who made it? ViralVideoLab
Who printed it? Although there are no posted Makes, over 1,000 users have downloaded it, and there’s one remix.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Vertical Cubes
Another floating cube illusion, but this time it’s vertical and has an integrated base so the cubes “stand” on a corner. Printing the cubes in contrasting colors as shown really make this print stand out!
Much like the other cubes, you’ll need some fishing line and some patience. This creator didn’t give clear details on printing or assembly, but we know it’s doable because of the community prints. As a warning, one maker said there was one hole that seemed to be unnecessary, making assembly a bit confusing.
Who made it? Heliox
Who printed it? This model has been downloaded over 20,000 times, and at least three community members have produced one.
Where to get it? Cults
Magnetic
Magnets (and lasers) seem to be a quick way to improve all kinds of designs. Here, we have tensegrity models that benefit from the use of strong magnets to hold them together, adding to the visual effect by maintaining tension without touching one another. Let’s check out these extra special tensegrity models!
Ornamental
The cool thing about this model is that you can either use the traditional string to assemble it or take it to the next level with magnets. While it might increase the effort involved, we think going for the magnet option is worth it!
Aside from the magnets, this model may also require a bit of drilling, unless your printer is super accurate. You’ll also need a bit of glue and patience if you include magnets, as the arms and fishing line can flex and make assembly more challenging.
Who made it? _Marius
Who printed it? An impressive 15 Thingiverse users have made this model.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Mini Tables
This model is a 3D printed version of a tensegrity table the creator originally designed to be made with a laser cutter. With magnets at the center, it looks as though it’s really levitating.
This model will require supports if you want to avoid using glue, but should otherwise be relatively easy to print. Magnets and string will be needed to assemble it, as well.
Who made it? thediylife
Who printed it? There are zero Makes so far, but don’t let that deter you, as this model hasn’t been out long and should be easy enough to print.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Completely 3D Printed
This model is unique because, other than magnets, it’s 100% 3D printed. Instead of string, you’ll be working with 3D printed chains. Unlike a previous similar model with a chain in the middle, this version uses two powerful magnets. You can see this model in action in the video below:
Note that you’ll need 0.5 x 0.5 in. (~12.8 x 12.8 mm) cylinder magnets to make this one work.
Who made it? gzumwalt
Who printed it? This model has been downloaded by 116 users and viewed over 1,500 times.
Where to get it? MyMiniFactory
Bonus: Living Room Table (Paid)
This table has a minimalist design that makes it look sleek and quite expensive, despite it being just €2.99 (~$4) for the file and an estimated €35 (~$42) to gather all the materials for the table. It’s even capable of holding up about 40 pounds, so it’s surprisingly stable. If you’re looking to furnish your home with futuristic 3D printed pieces, this coffee table is a fantastic pick.
Other than 40% infill, no special settings or supports are needed, here. You’ll need some strong fishing line, as well as glue, and glass or something to form the tabletop. Be sure to read the assembly instructions carefully and glue the pieces together inside the lower piece, as you can’t fit it together otherwise!
Who made it? chambettom
Who printed it? There’s just one user who’s downloaded this model, but it’s had over 1,000 views.
Where to get it? Cults
Lead image source: Seabird via Cults
License: The text of "Tensegrity 3D Print: 15 Models to Defy Gravity" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.