Polypanel Mechanics

A standard hinge lines the edges of each Polypanel, which enables every piece to link up with each other. To join pieces, simply align the edges and snap the hinges together. Once joined, the pieces can rotate about the hinge, locking in place at a ninety-degree angle in one direction.

To separate the pieces again, simply pull the two pieces apart, as if you were ripping a piece of paper. But make sure not to twist – the Polypanels are prone to breaking this way.

Montes prints most of his Polypanels with standard PLA, but even then, the snapping appears to be crisp and – dare we say it – snappy. He does caution against overextrusion issues, though, so tuning your printer before producing any Polypanels would be a good idea. If you’re short on ideas for calibration, check out our general article on the topic.

Montes also provides a ‘Polypanel Snaps Only’ test model just so you can make sure the hinges will work before printing a batch of twenty. Then again, they’re so easy to produce and replace, so you could just try your luck.

Design Details

As if the concept of 3D printed interlocking panels weren’t cool enough, it’s also possible to hack your own Polypanels since the design is open source. Montes has already showcased several specialty panels, including mounts for furniture, flexible panels, and large handles for items such as a tote bag.

A lot of time and energy went into creating a system so functional yet hackable. For one, these panels are meant to be printed without supports. And to have the snapping and unsnapping work so smoothly as well does not come from a dainty volume of work.

Start Hacking!

The Polypanels are easy to print and easy to play with, so there’s nothing to lose from this experiment. When you do try out some Polypanels, don’t forget to hack it a little, and share what you made!

Source: makeanything.design/polypanels