LEGO are perhaps the perfect children’s toy, at least until you step on the errant brick while walking around the house. They come in a variety of themes and characters and encourage kids to build and be creative. Most 3D printers are not capable of producing LEGO blocks. They require steel molds and very precise tolerances. For 3D-printed blocks to interconnect similarly, it is necessary to use the 3D printers’ materials and characteristics. [CNC Kitchen] PrintABloks can be used for demonstrations.
PrintABlok is a product that was created by [Joe Larson] а [3D Printing Professor] The base block is a single unit with holes on each side. Small connecting pieces are then placed into the holes in order to connect various blocks. Using your CAD software of choice (although they were originally built using Blender), the base block can be lengthened or widened for printing various different types of blocks, and the diamond-shaped hole can even be added to various prints that aren’t blocks at all. This allows for a variety of parts to be created, designed to fit together with bricks and other shapes. [Joe] He has created a variety of themed sets, such as robots, castles and dinosaurs. Although he sells the more complex models, his base set and interconnection mechanisms are free for anyone to use.
PrintABlok systems are also scalable. This reduces the safety risk for small children who might swallow the smaller pieces. It’s an excellent way to put the 3D printer to work if there are any children around in the house. But this isn’t the only LEGO-inspired build we’ve ever seen, and they aren’t always going to be used to make children’s toys. [Ivan] Recent attempts to build an e-bike-like go-kart using similar 3D-printed bricks in the LEGO Technic style were made with similar interlocking 3D-printed bricks.
0
0
