Chain Mail
Mechanical Design / 2025
Square chainmail features a
high packing density on the build plate and is easier to print than circles.
Square chainmail printed out is sloppy
but can be extended multiple times its printed size.
A conical chainmail with axial symmetry.
A wider top allows for wider attachment points and
easier printing.
A wider top allows for wider attachment points and
easier printing.
A less bulky version that utilizes straight lines for improved bridging.
Fattening the top and moving attachment points out increases strength
and printability.
A central column can be added to each cell to improve stability and final strength.
A wide top cell with planar symmetry.
A volumetric pintle modifier that can be used to turn arbitrary
shapes into chain mail.
My pintle modifier applied to both ends of a rectangular prism
yields a chain link.
Custom shaped chain mail made easily using my pintle modifier.
Custom shaped chain mail made easily using my pintle modifier.
About this Project
I have designed several 3D printable chain mails in order to better understand the nature of repeating patterns in design. Each design has one or two unit cells that, when repeated, will link together to form a contiguous flexible fabric.
Flip through the slideshow to see my various designs.