Medieval Style Chainmail Fabric
For Halloween I tried to design a chainmail pattern that would print without supports and with no post printing processing required. I didn't get it completely right in time, but I still achieved a decent medieval chainmail look-alike that I think is worth sharing.
The traditional European 4-in-1 mail was too difficult so I settled on a slightly easier 3 in 1 or "tri-mail" as an intermediate challenge, and while not perfect yet, it is usable.
Notes:
- This will print at scale, but not likely smaller, due to gap interference.
- Increase the number of wall shells until the links are solid filled.
- Prints flat with no supports.
- Easier to print in PLA but I found that printing in PETG helps the links to stay organized thanks to the accidental stringing of plastic in the separating spaces.
Update on 11/18/18:
I added an improved .stl with subtle but important geometry changes that allow better flex and less loop "jamming" when folding and unfolding the fabric.