Generating minimal surface join from multiple section curve

Grasshopper Kangaroo
#1

Hey everyone! I am curious if this is technically possible using just Kangaroo. Lets say if I have this joint coming from 6 square rod and I am interested in generating a 3D printed joint like the sketch I have to the right, what would be the most efficient way to do so? Somehow I can only imagine the joint with real life soap. I know how to generate minimal surface from mesh using kangaroo so does that mean I should create a mesh of the model I have to the right, setting anchors at the squares at the center and just let it work out? Thanks all!

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p.s. the drawing I have to the right is not the most accurate since its more like a loft.
For discussion.3dm (230.6 KB)

#2

Post a file, something like on your screenshot.

#3

Posted! Thanks!

#4

Do you need the square ends?

Have you tried Multipipe?

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image1304×1138 144 KB

For discussion.gh (8.0 KB)

#5

Alternative solution with Kangaroo

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image2708×1444 282 KB

For discussion.gh (21.4 KB)

1 Like
#6

Yar i reckon if its circle I can be created using plugin like this. I am however interested in if its a set of square rods.
Thanks for the reply tho! I will take a closer look

#7

check the second file, requires a brep to start, but with open ends

#8

Also, if you want to keep the square ends but do more of a blend than a pure tensile surface, you can use a falloff like this:

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image700×703 50.6 KB

squarenode.gh (61.5 KB)

3 Likes
#9

Oh that falloff option is interesting. Learnt something new today :slight_smile:

1 Like
#10

Here’s a slightly improved version that adds a collider to stop it shrinking inside the original volume

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image700×587 41.5 KB

squarenode2.gh (69.1 KB)

3 Likes